Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released a report highlighting the heightened risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people, attributed to the growing trend of unsafe sexual practices facilitated by dating applications. In 2025, Taiwan recorded 9,935 new syphilis cases. The 15-24 age group accounted for 1,892 of these cases, marking an 8% increase from the previous year and designating this demographic as a priority for disease prevention efforts.

The case of Ah-Kai, a male student, serves as a prime example of this trend. Ah-Kai engaged in unprotected sexual activity with a stranger he met online. Two to three weeks later, painless, non-itchy sores, known as syphilitic chancres, appeared on his genitals. He mistakenly believed these were common skin lesions and ignored them. The lesions disappeared on their own after one month, further lowering his guard. However, just two weeks later, Ah-Kai developed a persistent fever and sore throat, alongside large red rashes erupting on his palms and soles. Doctors performed blood tests, confirming he had progressed to secondary syphilis.

Illustrative photo: Doral Health and Wellness

Doctor Lin Yung-ching, an infectious disease expert at Taiwan CDC, explained that the bacterium Treponema pallidum causes syphilis and is primarily transmitted sexually. The initial sores often heal quickly, causing patients to miss the optimal window for treatment. Despite this, the pathogen persists and continues to develop within the body. If patients delay medical intervention, the spirochete can deeply attack the nervous system, leading to severe consequences such as deafness, blindness, or even brain atrophy.

Experts confirm that specific antibiotics can completely cure syphilis at all stages if patients strictly adhere to the prescribed regimen. During treatment, infected individuals must abstain from sexual activity to prevent further transmission. Modern medicine also utilizes post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP) to reduce infection rates even after unprotected sex. However, doctors advise people to use medication under strict medical supervision to prevent the risk of antibiotic resistance, especially given the extremely high rates of drug-resistant gonorrhea in Taiwan.

To effectively prevent the disease, Deputy Director of the Disease Control Agency Lin Ming-cheng advises the public to use condoms with water-based lubricants. Oil-based gels risk damaging condom integrity, leading to tears and nullifying their protective effect. Doctors also recommend that individuals with multiple partners proactively undergo regular screenings every three to six months to protect their own health and the community.

Binh Minh (According to TVBS)