Syphilis Cases Rise in Japan, Particularly Among Young Pregnant Women
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), has seen a concerning rise in Japan, particularly among young pregnant women and newborns. This increase has alarmed experts, who attribute it to a lack of public awareness about STIs and the growing trend of strangers meeting through social media.
A recent survey by the Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists revealed a nearly threefold increase in syphilis cases among pregnant teens between 2015 and 2022. The survey, which involved 1,346 medical institutions nationwide, found that 0.51% of pregnant teens were infected with syphilis in 2022, compared to 0.19% in 2015.
The rise in syphilis cases is not limited to teenagers. The survey also found increases among women in their 20s and 30s. In 2022, 0.17% of pregnant women in their 20s and 0.04% of pregnant women in their 30s were infected with syphilis, compared to 0.04% and 0.01%, respectively, in 2015.
Experts believe that the increase in syphilis cases is due to a lack of public awareness about STIs and the growing trend of strangers meeting through social media. This has led to an increase in risky sexual behavior, particularly among young people.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. It can lead to eye and nerve damage, and it can be transmitted from an infected mother to her fetus. Congenital syphilis can cause premature birth, stillbirth, and other serious health problems in newborns.
Experts urge people to be aware of the risks of STIs and to practice safe sex. They also recommend that pregnant women get tested for syphilis and other STIs.