Editorial: Japan must protect pregnant women against syphilis amid outbreak

The number of syphilis patients in Japan rose to more than 10,000 in both 2022 and 2023, and hit some 6,700 in the first six months of this year.

Syphilis outbreaks have occurred every 50 years or so, and the country had last seen patient numbers rise above the 10,000 mark in 1967. After the turn of the century, the figures hovered around several hundred patients per year, but infections began to multiply in around 2013.

Syphilis is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, and even kissing can transmit the bacteria. Previously, the sex industry had been considered the primary infection route, but that’s no longer the case. Over the past year, less than half of male and female syphilis patients interviewed by medical institutions said they had used sex shops or worked at those establishments, respectively.

According to a survey of 5,000 men and women by Nagasaki University and others, among people who had had sex within the previous three months, those who had just one partner made up the largest group, but some had had numerous partners. Under these circumstances, infection risks grow higher than average people might assume.

With current medical technology, syphilis is not deadly and can be completely cured with antibiotics. Due to the variety of symptoms, such as small bumps and rashes, it is difficult to identify syphilis, earning it the moniker “the great imitator.” It is essential for people displaying symptoms to visit a medial institution quickly, and not viewing the social disease as not their problem.

Pregnant women in particular need to be careful. Once infected, they face greater risks of miscarriage or stillbirth, and in some cases their fetuses can contract syphilis through the placenta. Even if expectant mothers get treatment after the infection is identified during prenatal checkups, mother-to-child transmissions cannot be completely prevented.

Newborns diagnosed with congenital syphilis may suffer hearing difficulties, loss of sight and intellectual disabilities among other disorders. Last year, a record high of 37 cases of congenital syphilis were reported.

Using condoms is effective to prevent transmissions. If “preconception care,” or health management for future pregnancies, becomes common, there will be more people with accurate knowledge, possibly creating certain preventive effects. Some companies and local governments provide free consultation services and other support for preconception care.

People worried about possible infections and couples desiring to have children are advised to undergo syphilis testing. Such screenings are available for free and anonymously at public health centers. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government also offers women-only testing days.

Sexually transmitted diseases can lead to discrimination and prejudice. We urge administrative bodies and medical institutions to devise ways to lower the hurdles for people to get tested and see a doctor. This is needed to prevent the spread of infections due to people avoiding visiting medical institutions.