Syphilis cases rise in Japan and Taiwan amid penicillin shortages

Syphilis infection rates are rising in both Japan and Taiwan, accompanied by critical shortages of penicillin, the primary treatment for the disease.

In Japan, reported cases have increased significantly, rising from approximately 6,000 in 2020 to over 13,000 expected by 2025. This surge has heightened concerns regarding congenital syphilis, which can lead to stillbirths, premature births, or neurological and skeletal abnormalities in children. The shortage of penicillin is attributed to manufacturing issues at Pfizer, including a product recall in July 2025 due to foreign matter contamination and subsequent equipment failures. Production is not expected to recover until the second half of next year. Medical societies in Japan have advised healthcare providers to prioritize pregnant women and avoid unnecessary prescriptions.

Similarly, Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control reported 6,900 confirmed cases between January and August 2026, a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The rise in congenital syphilis cases has also been noted. While most cases occur in males aged 15-44, there is a notable increase among women and younger populations. Due to the global shortage of long-acting penicillin G, Taiwan's health authorities have authorized two specific manufacturers to import the drug to ensure medical institutions can treat patients promptly and prevent mother-to-child transmission.