The number of syphilis cases reported in Japan in 2023 set a record high for the third consecutive year.

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases says 14,906 cases were reported last year on a preliminary basis, up 1,940 from the year before.

Many of the cases were reported in major cities. By prefecture, Tokyo had 3,658 patients and Osaka, 1,967. Less populated prefectures such as Nagasaki, Tottori and Yamagata also saw sharp increases in patients.

Experts say the trend shows that syphilis is becoming a common disease across the country.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection transmitted mainly through sexual contact.
It is curable, but if the infection is not treated, it can cause serious problems in the brain and heart. If pregnant women are infected, their babies could be born with anomalies.

Chief professor at Nihon University's School of Medicine, Kawana Kei, says syphilis is a highly infectious disease that people could contract through just a single sexual contact.

Kawana adds that the disease can be easily treated, so those who think they might be infected should get tested without hesitation.