Penicillin shortage continues in Japan amid high number of syphilis cases

TOKYO - A shortage of penicillin, the first-choice treatment for syphilis, continues in Japan amid persistently high infection levels, with production, halted due to an equipment failure at a manufacturer's plant, not expected to resume until late next year.

The drug is also the only one recommended for preventing mother-to-child transmissions, prompting the Japanese Society for Sexually Transmitted Infections to ask medical professionals to prioritize its use for pregnant women.