"I definitely used a condom"... Spreading worldwide, and cases are rising in Korea: 'This disease' [Health Talk]

[Financial News] Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that is mainly spread through sexual contact, is showing signs of spreading again across South Korea. Cases are steadily increasing in Japan, Taiwan and Korea, prompting caution.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on the 19th, the number of syphilis patients nationwide from January through that day stood at 1,300.
Syphilis has been rising rapidly around the world in recent years. In Japan, the number of infections climbed from 6,619 in 2020 to 13,220 in 2022, surpassing 10,000 for the first time. It then reached 15,055 in 2023 and 14,663 in 2024, marking four straight years above 13,000 cases annually.
Local media have pointed to sexual activity with multiple anonymous partners at nightlife venues and through dating apps as a key reason for the surge in confirmed cases.
Syphilis is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, including intercourse and similar acts. Even when a condom is used, infection can occur if uncovered areas are exposed to the bacteria.
In the early stage, symptoms are relatively mild and a small ulcer appears. After the ulcer disappears, the disease progresses to secondary syphilis, which can cause a whole-body rash, sore throat, headache and muscle pain. After several years, tertiary syphilis may develop. Without proper treatment, it can affect the eyes, bones, brain and heart, leading to blindness, paralysis or even death.
If a pregnant woman contracts syphilis, there is a risk of stillbirth, miscarriage or a range of symptoms in the baby.

The problem is that syphilis cases have also surged sharply in Korea. According to the KDCA, the number of domestic syphilis patients jumped sevenfold from around 401 in 2022 to 2,790 in 2024. Syphilis was also the No. 1 infectious disease brought into Seoul from overseas this year.
Men in their 20s and 30s accounted for a large share of all patients. In 2024, men made up about 78% of cases, with the incidence rate among men about 3.5 times higher than among women. By age group, there were 853 patients in their 20s and 783 in their 30s, accounting for 59% of the total.
[email protected] An Ga-eul Reporter