Syphilis cases are on the rise among both men and women!
The number of reported cases of syphilis in 2023 was 14,906, the highest number of patients since statistics began being collected under the current system. Japan has had a reporting system for syphilis cases since 1948 (Showa 23) * , but the number of cases had previously declined since peaking at approximately 11,000 cases per year in 1967 (Showa 42). However, the number of reported cases began to increase again around 2011 (Heisei 23), and has increased significantly since 2021 (Reiwa 3) . By age, the largest increase has been among men in their 20s to 50s and women in their 20s.
*Note: The system was changed in 1999.
Source: Government Public Relations Online (https://www.gov-online.go.jp/article/202403/entry-5789.html)
What is syphilis?
What are the main symptoms of syphilis?
Stage 1 (approximately 3 weeks after infection)
- Lumps or ulcers develop at the infected area (genitals, lips, inside the mouth, anus, etc.).
- The lymph nodes in the groin may also become swollen.
- Symptoms often improve naturally, but there is a high risk of infection to others.
Stage II (several months after infection)
- A red rash (rose rash) appears on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and all over the body.
- The rash may disappear spontaneously, but may also recur.
- Without treatment, Treponema pallidum remains in the body and can be mistaken for other infections.
Late-stage syphilis (years to decades after infection)
- Gummas (rubber-like growths) develop in the skin, muscles, and bones.
- Lesions may appear in the heart, blood vessels, brain, etc., potentially causing organ damage.
Edited from the Government Public Relations Online website, "Syphilis cases are on the rise! Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your unborn baby through testing and treatment" (https://www.gov-online.go.jp/article/202403/entry-5789.html)
How to use
1.
Allow the test kit to stand at room temperature.
2.
Once opened, remove the test device and use it as soon as possible.
3.
Wash your hands and wipe the fingertip where you will be taking the blood with an alcohol-based disinfectant cloth. (In winter, wash your hands with warm water to improve blood circulation.)
*Please be sure to disinfect the blood collection site as there is a risk of infection if pathogenic microorganisms adhere to the site.
4.
Remove the lancet (blood collection needle). Hold the holder firmly and twist off the protective cap.
5.
Remove the protective cap from the lancet by pulling it off and discarding it immediately.
*Do not leave the protective cap unscrewed and removed, as this may result in the needle being accidentally fired.
6.
The fingertip from which the blood will be collected is disinfected with a cotton swab and thoroughly dried.
*Please be sure to disinfect the blood collection site as there is a risk of infection if pathogenic microorganisms adhere to the site.
7.
Press the tip of the lancet against the needle until you hear a click.
Gently press around the area where the blood will be drawn to release a bead of blood.
8.
Remove the cover of the tester and immerse the test device directly into the blood (blood will be drawn into the capillary tube).
9.
Insert the capillary tube soaked in blood into the original tube and push it all the way in. (By inserting it all the way in, it will react with the test liquid at the top.)
10.
Place the test device vertically, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then check the results.
*Please check the results of the test.
*If you leave it for more than 30 minutes, the test results will not be useful. Be sure to check the results after 15 minutes.
11.
Apply a bandage to the wound where the blood was taken to stop the bleeding and protect it. If the wound does not heal easily, consult a doctor for advice.
Determining test results
negative
A line appears only on the control line (C line) and no line appears on the test line (T line).
positive
When a line appears on the control line (C line) and also on the test line (T line).
invalid
If no line appears on the control line (C line), the test result will be invalid regardless of whether or not a line appears on the test line (T line).