Free inspection at 4 locations including Shinjuku and Tachikawa
The highest number of infected people in Tokyo since statistics were compiled in 1999
Public broadcaster NHK reported on the 25th that as the number of syphilis patients in Japan is rapidly increasing, the capital, Tokyo, will conduct free syphilis tests for four hours a day over four days next month.
According to an NHK report, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has decided to open syphilis test centers in four locations in Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Sumida, Tachikawa, and Tama, to test people who are anxious because they do not know if they have been infected.
NHK said, “Last year, 3,677 confirmed cases of syphilis were confirmed in Tokyo, about 12 times more than 10 years ago (297 in 2012).” This is the highest number since related statistics began to be compiled in 1999.
The number of female infections increased 40.8 times from 34 to 1386 10 years ago, and the number of male infections increased 8.7 times from 263 to 2291.
The schedule for the free inspection is “Tokyo Metropolitan Health Plaza Haijia” on the 3rd of the following month (Shinjuku-ku, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.), and “Sumida Industrial Center” on the 7th (Sumida-ku, 5:30-9:00 p.m.) 30 minutes), “Tachikawa Chamber of Commerce and Industry” on the 11th (Tachikawa City, 4:30pm to 8:30pm), “Parthenon Tama” on the 16th (Tama City, 1:30pm to 5:30pm) minutes), etc.
Among the four tests, only women can take the tests conducted in Shinjuku City. To get tested, you must make a reservation in advance via the Internet or by phone.
NHK explained, “There is no need to enter the testee’s name and address, and the test results are available on the same day.”
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that occurs mainly through sexual contact. It is characterized by a rash all over the body, swollen lymph glands, and genital ulcers. If you take medicine in a hurry, early treatment is possible, but if left unattended, it can develop into serious symptoms such as heart and nerve disorders.
The current epidemic of syphilis in Japan is at its worst since the 1960s. Last year, for the first time in 23 years, the annual number of infections exceeded 10,000.
In Japan, in 1948, immediately after defeat in the Pacific War, the number of syphilis patients was so high that it reached 220,000 a year. Then, due to the spread of antibiotics, the number peaked at 12,000 in 1967, then entered a downward trend and fell to 500 in 1997. However, since 2011 it has returned to an upward trend.
It is estimated that the recent spread of syphilis is mainly due to the increase in sexual intercourse with an unspecified number of people through social media and matching apps. The increase in the number of employees and users of sexual entertainment establishments is also remarkable.
Reporter Kim Tae-gyun
