The National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Tokyo reports the number of syphilis cases in the country has topped 3,000 cases, according to the latest Surveillance data table.

Through July 15 this year, Japan has reported 3,027 syphilis cases with 781 being reported from Tokyo and 510 in Osaka.

Japan reported more than 5,000 syphilis cases three years straight and two consecutive years with more than 6,000 cases–Prior to 2018, the last time Japan saw more than 6,000 syphilis cases was 48 years ago.

Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted disease (STD) that can cause long-term complications if not treated correctly. Symptoms of syphilis in adults include a painless sore that will go away without treatment followed by a non-itchy body rash. If left untreated syphilis can lead to damage through the body including neurological and cardiovascular complications. Syphilis also increases the risk of HIV infection and, for women, can cause problems during pregnancy and for the newborn.