The number of syphilis cases in Tokyo, Japan, continues to rise at a worrying rate, remaining at a similar level to last year, which was the highest on record. As of September 1, 2024, 2,460 infections have been reported, very close to the 3,701 recorded throughout last year, indicating that the upward trend continues. Of these cases, 70% of those infected are men and 30% are women, with a notable increase in men between 20 and 50 years old and in women around 20 years old.

Syphilis is a disease that often has no clear symptoms in its early stages, which can mean that those infected are unaware that they are spreading the virus to others. According to Nishizuka Itaru (西塚至), head of Tokyo’s infectious disease prevention division, “The fact that many people are unaware that they are infected has contributed to the increase in infections over the past three years.“.

Among the cases, there were people who trusted that their partner was free of the disease and did not take precautions, as well as people who spent several years without knowing that they were infected.”The virus continues to multiply in the body even without visible symptoms, increasing the risk of inadvertent transmission“Nishizuka added.

Tokyo has strengthened its diagnostic capacity, offering syphilis tests at health centers and new clinics in Shinjuku and Tama. These tests are carried out anonymously and free of charge, and have even been enabled on weekends to facilitate access.”If you have the slightest suspicion, it is best to get tested.“Health authorities insist, highlighting the importance of early detection to stop the spread of the disease.

A controversial topic on Japanese forums: what's going on?

This news generated a strong discussion on Japanese forums, as many users have commented on the contradiction between the high incidence of a sexually transmitted disease and the perception that Japanese people do not have as much sex as in other societies. This generated a wave of sarcastic and concerned comments, such as:

• «I, who have no contact with the opposite sex, am perfectly protected… Wait, why am I crying?».
• «Remember that in the early stages of the infection, nodules or ulcers may appear in the mouth or on the genitals. Be careful!».
• «It must be the fault of dating apps. Specialized establishments are very careful, but amateur prostitution activities that do not take sexually transmitted diseases seriously are spreading them.».

Other users suggested that sexual encounters in certain public places, such as parks, could be contributing to the spread of the virus, as well as the popularization of dating apps and clandestine activities. The forums were full of comments pointing out that risky sexual practices and lack of knowledge about the real risks of the disease are key factors in this alarming increase in infections.

• «This must be a result of street prostitution and dating apps.».
• «Everyone is responsible for what they do with their lives, but please stop spreading syphilis.».

The contradiction between the decline in the birth rate in Japan and the spread of sexual diseases has led to reflection in Japanese society on new forms of interaction and changes in sexual dynamics, in a country facing increasingly serious demographic problems. What’s really going on? The proliferation of new forms of contact, such as dating apps, may be making casual sexual encounters easier, although this challenges the perception that young Japanese people are less sexually active than in the past.

Source: Hachima Kikou