Taiwan health agency reports on sexually transmitted diseases

台灣衛生福利部發布性傳染病報告

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Centers for Disease Control said Tuesday that syphilis cases continued to rise in 2025, while HIV and gonorrhea infections declined, per a press release.

The agency reported 879 new HIV infections and 6,417 new gonorrhea cases last year, representing year-on-year declines of 12% and 16%, respectively. However, the country recorded 9,935 new syphilis cases, an increase of 2%.

According to the agency, the primary transmission route for sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and genital herpes is unsafe sexual behavior, particularly unprotected sex. Officials added that it is not uncommon for individuals to contract multiple STIs at the same time.

Health authorities urged people who suspect they may have contracted an STI to seek medical treatment immediately. The agency cited cases in which individuals with syphilis ignored early symptoms such as rashes or ulcers and only sought treatment after developing persistent headaches, when the infection had already progressed to the nervous system.

Early HIV infection can also present as a mild illness, the agency said. Initial symptoms may include flu-like signs such as fever, sore throat, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes, which can easily be overlooked.

The agency advised people who have engaged in unsafe sexual behavior to seek medical attention within 72 hours. After evaluation by a physician, patients may receive post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, which must be taken continuously for 28 days and can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

International research has also shown that doxycycline used as post-exposure prophylaxis for syphilis, known as doxy-PEP, may reduce the risk of infection when prescribed following a professional medical evaluation. Health officials stressed that such preventive measures require prompt medical assessment after exposure to rule out infection and evaluate the risk of antibiotic resistance.

The agency emphasized that these measures cannot replace safe sexual practices, such as consistent condom use with water-based lubricant and regular screening. Officials also warned the public not to self-medicate with antibiotics.

Due to high levels of resistance in Taiwan to penicillin, tetracycline, and quinolone antibiotics, purchasing and taking antibiotics without medical supervision could compromise future treatment options and harm long-term health.

To improve public awareness of STI prevention, the agency has launched a map on its Line account. This provides information on anonymous screening sites, designated medical facilities offering STI consultations, and condom vending machines.

The public can search for services based on their needs and location. The agency also urged people eligible for vaccination against mpox, including those who have engaged in high-risk sexual behavior in the past year — such as having multiple partners, engaging with sex workers, or visiting commercial sex venues — to complete the two-dose publicly funded vaccine series as soon as possible. More information here.