EHIME (TR) – Officials in Ehime Prefecture said last week that 163 cases of syphilis were confirmed in the prefecture last year, the highest number since surveys began.
Of those infected, more than half had used establishments in the fuzoku (commercial sex) industry, reports TV Ehime (Jan. 16).
The prefecture said on January 16 that a total of 163 cases — 120 men and 43 women — of syphilis were confirmed last year, including . This figure is an increase of 21 over the previous record of 142 set in 2023. The survey began in 1999.
By public health center, Matsuyama City accounted for approximately 60 percent of the cases with 96, followed by the cities of Saijo (25), Shikokuchuo (13) and Imabari (12). Chuyo and Uwajima cities had 6 each while Yawatahama registered 5.
By age, the highest number of cases was among men in their 40s with 29 cases, followed by those in their 20s with 25. Meanwhile, those in their 30s accounted for 24. Those in their 50s registered 23, and those in their 60s logged 11.
Women in their 20s accounted for 17 cases, while next largest age groups were 30s (9), 50s (7) and 40s (5).
Approximately 80 percent of men and 90 percent of women became infected through heterosexual contact. Of the men, 54.2 percent had used the adult entertainment industry within the six months before being tested. Of the women, 9.3 percent had previously worked in the adult industry.
Syphilis infections in the prefecture have been increasing rapidly since 2016. Public health centers are accepting telephone consultations and free, anonymous testing is available.
Prefectural officials are urging people to use condoms correctly and to get tested if they have any concerns.
