The number of women with syphilis in their 20s is increasing
The number of syphilis patients in Tokyo has been increasing since 2011. In 2017, there were 1,788 cases, the highest number since the survey based on the Infectious Diseases Law began. In Tokyo, the number of patients has increased about six times in five years. The percentage of women has increased since 2014, and has increased 16 times in five years.
What is syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. The symptoms vary depending on the stage of the disease, and sometimes there are no symptoms.
If you have symptoms such as a lump or ulcer in the infected area, or a red rash on your skin, see a doctor.
Early detection and early treatment are important
If treatment is delayed or left untreated, serious damage to the brain or heart may occur.
If infected during pregnancy, it can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta. It can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and congenital syphilis.
If infection is suspected, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Treatment should also be done with a partner.
You can get a free test at the public health center
At the Itabashi Public Health Center, you can take a syphilis test once a month (twice in June and September) during your HIV test.
It is free, anonymous, and requires a reservation.
For details, please refer to the following link "HIV antibody test, sexually transmitted disease test and consultation (Itabashi Ward)" and contact us.
Related Links
- Syphilis epidemic (Tokyo Metropolitan Infectious Disease Surveillance Center) (External link)
- Q&A on syphilis (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare) (External link)
- What is syphilis? (National Institute of Infectious Diseases) (External link)
- HIV antibody test, sexually transmitted disease test and consultation
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About this page inquiry
Infectious Disease Control Division, Healthy Lifestyle Department
32-15 Oyama Higashimachi, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0014
Phone: 03-3579-2321 Fax: 03-3579-1337
Please use the dedicated form for inquiries to the Infectious Disease Control Division, Health Ikigai Department.