Syphilis Cases on the Rise: A Growing Concern in Korea and Worldwide

The number of patients with syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, is rapidly increasing in Korea. As of August, the number of patients exceeded 1,800, which is already more than four times the number of patients last year.

According to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the cumulative number of syphilis patients from January to August this year was 1,881. Of these, 39 were in stage 3, which can lead to serious complications such as brain and spinal cord damage.

Syphilis is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, and it is estimated that about 1/3 of those who have sex with a patient with stage 1 syphilis will be infected. The medical community believes that the low condom usage rate has fueled the spread of syphilis. As semi-permanent contraceptive methods have become popular, people are avoiding condoms and are exposed to syphilis.

Other countries, such as the United States, Japan, and Canada, are also experiencing a surge in syphilis cases. In 2022, the number of Americans infected with syphilis was approximately 210,000, the highest in the past 70 years. In particular, there have been many cases of newborns born with syphilis due to women not knowing they were infected and giving birth.

In Japan, the number of syphilis cases is also expected to reach a record high this year. According to local media outlet ‘Fuji News Network (FNN),’ 2,460 people were infected in Tokyo as of early September this year, and it is likely that the number will exceed 3,701 last year by the end of the year.

The Tokyo health authorities are operating 24-hour anonymous testing labs in urban areas such as Shinjuku to combat the spread of syphilis. The medical community is urging people to take precautions and get tested regularly to prevent the spread of this disease.

Syphilis can have serious complications if left untreated, including brain and spinal cord damage. It is essential to raise awareness about the risks of syphilis and the importance of safe sex practices to prevent the spread of this disease.