The Shadow of the Past Reappears in the Present
Have you ever heard that syphilis used to be an incurable disease? Once nearly forgotten after the advent of penicillin, syphilis is now surging around us—and it's even threatening our eyes. Today, we’ll explore how this sexually transmitted infection has re-emerged as a peril right before our eyes and discuss how we should prepare to face it.
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The disease began spreading in Europe in the late 15th century and, following Columbus’s discovery of the American continent, it rapidly spread across the globe, once instilling widespread fear. Although penicillin, developed in the mid-20th century, led to its dramatic decline, recent trends in Japan and the United States indicate that the number of syphilis cases is rising once again in our country.
Surging Domestic Syphilis Cases
According to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the number of syphilis cases in the country reached 2,786 last year—the highest recorded since the reporting system was implemented. This figure represents a 2.7-fold increase over the 1,015 cases reported in 2014. Additionally, about 3.3% (93 cases) of these infections were contracted abroad. With tens of thousands of cases already reported in the United States and Japan, there is a clear connection to a global surge in sexually transmitted infections.
Stages of Syphilis and Its Complications
Syphilis progresses through three main stages, each with distinct symptoms and risks:
- Primary Syphilis:
A painless ulcer, known as a syphilitic chancre, appears at the site of infection and typically lasts for about 3–6 weeks. At this stage, the condition might resolve on its own without notable symptoms. - Secondary Syphilis:
After the chancre heals, a variety of symptoms can develop, including skin rashes, fever, sore throat, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. If left untreated, the bacteria can remain dormant within the body. - Tertiary Syphilis:
Decades after the initial infection, the bacteria can invade vital organs such as internal organs, the central nervous system, the heart, liver, bones, and even the eyes, leading to severe complications.
Ocular Syphilis (Syphilitic Uveitis)
In particular, there is a significant increase in cases of syphilitic uveitis. The uvea, a vascular-rich tissue located between the retina and the sclera, becomes inflamed when infected. This inflammation can damage surrounding structures like the retina, cornea, and vitreous body—potentially leading to blindness in severe cases. Recent research shows that the number of uveitis cases per 100,000 people has surged from 0.18 in 2010 to 1.58 in 2019, an 8.7-fold increase over nine years. Notably, the infection rate is alarmingly high among men in their 30s and women in their 20s, highlighting a serious health risk for younger populations.
The Need for Prevention and Early Diagnosis
Experts emphasize that early detection and prompt treatment of syphilis are critical to preventing its complications. Preventive measures include using condoms during sex, avoiding high-risk sexual encounters such as commercial sex or casual hookups, and seeking immediate medical examination if an infection is suspected. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and domestic public health authorities strongly recommend these strategies to curb the spread of syphilis.
