Tokyo, Sep 11 (IANS) Cases of the syphilis virus are rising rapidly in Tokyo, with official data showing more than 2,400 cases have been reported so far this year.
According to news agency Xinhua, data from the Tokyo Metropolitan Infectious Disease Monitoring Center showed that about 2,460 cases have been reported in the capital. Experts say cases are rising rapidly. Last year, 3,701 cases were reported, which was a record.
According to statistics, about 70 percent of syphilis patients are men. This virus is particularly affecting men aged 20 to 50 years and women aged 20 to 30 years.
According to the institute, many infected individuals mistakenly believe they are safe because they have been unaware of the infection for years, leading to syphilis being an often overlooked disease.
To curb the record-breaking rise in syphilis cases, Tokyo has set up free testing and consultation rooms in areas such as Shinjuku and Tama.
Tests are also available at public health centers, with the Shinjuku center offering 24-hour online booking and weekend testing.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has urged residents to get tested immediately if they have any concerns.
Spread mainly through sexual contact, syphilis when contracted at birth causes rashes and abnormalities in newborns. Infected children may develop symptoms such as eye inflammation and hearing loss over a few years, even if they show no symptoms at an early age.
If the virus is treated early, it is curable, but if syphilis is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications in the brain and heart.
–IANS
MKS/AKJ