Surveys by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases and others have shown that the number of people infected with the sexually transmitted disease "syphilis" is increasing rapidly, and is increasing at the highest pace since 1999 when the current statistics were collected. ..



It can be treated with medicines, but if left untreated, it can cause serious brain and heart symptoms.


Experts are asking you to see a medical institution or have a test if you have any concerns.

What is "syphilis"?

What is the infection route?

Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called "Treponema pallidum".



The main transmission route is sexual contact, and the infection spreads through kissing and sexual activity.


Even during the incubation period, direct contact with the infected person's mucous membranes or damaged skin can cause infection.

Does the symptom disappear?

Asymptomatic?

It may progress without noticing

When infected, it develops after an incubation period of about 3 to 6 weeks, but after that, the symptoms may disappear or asymptomatic, and the disease may progress without being noticed.



It can be treated with medicines, but if left untreated, it can cause serious brain and heart symptoms.

It is possible that the number will exceed 10,000 for the first time since 1999.

According to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, the number of people infected with syphilis reported by July 17 was 6,106 nationwide.


It is 1.7 times that of the same period last year.



The average number of infected people over the five years up to last year was about 6,600 per year, which is already at the same level.



It has been pointed out that if the number increases at this pace, it may exceed 10,000 for the first time since 1999, when the current statistics were collected.

By prefecture,


▽ Tokyo has 1796 people, 1.5 times that of the same period last year.


▽ Osaka prefecture has 773 people, 2.1 times.


▽ Aichi Prefecture has 345 people, which is 1.9 times higher


.

Doctor "The most important thing is infection prevention"

Katsumi Shigemura, an associate professor at Kobe University, who is in charge of syphilis control at the Japan Society for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, said, "The most important thing is to wear a condom properly to prevent infection. Early treatment is important, so infection If you have any doubts, I would like you to be examined. "

What are the symptoms if infected?

What are the symptoms of an infection?

"Phase 1" swelling or ulcer of 3 mm to 3 cm

The period about 3 weeks after the infection after the incubation period is called the "first phase".



Swelling and ulcers of about 3 mm to 3 cm can form around the place where the bacteria have entered.


This symptom may go away in a few weeks, but it does not cure syphilis.

"Second stage" Red rash on limbs and whole body

The "second stage" is the time when a red rash appears on the hands, feet, and the whole body about 3 months after infection, and various symptoms such as fever and malaise may occur.



Symptoms may go away without any action, but syphilis has not been cured.

"Third stage" systemic inflammation

The "third stage" is the time when inflammation occurs throughout the body about three years after infection.

"Phase 4" Symptoms in the brain, heart, and blood vessels

After that, about 10 years after the infection, it becomes the "fourth stage", and symptoms may appear in the brain, heart, and blood vessels, causing paralysis or arterial aneurysm.

Infection of pregnant women may leave children with disabilities

When a pregnant woman becomes infected, she may become infected with the fetus, resulting in stillbirth or premature birth, or deafness after birth, a condition called "congenital syphilis."

A blood test will tell you if you are infected

A blood test will tell you if you are infected with syphilis.



Inspections are accepted by local governments in each region, and in Tokyo, you can take them anonymously and free of charge at the inspection / consultation room or health center in Shinjuku.

If you are a little worried

Dr. Katsumi Shigemura of the Japanese Society for Sexually Transmitted Diseases.



"Syphilis is said to have a typical symptom of rash, but it is not always such a symptom, and sometimes it feels" a little red. "It is thought that some people do not go to the clinic because it causes less pain. In the meantime, the infection may spread.


If you have any concerns, please go to a medical institution or have an examination. "