Europe Records Sharp Rise In Gonorrhoea, Syphilis Cases — ECDC

Cases of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased significantly across Europe, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

The European Union health agency, headquartered in Solna, Sweden, disclosed on Thursday that reported cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis reached their highest levels in more than 10 years in 2024.
Data released by the agency showed that gonorrhoea cases rose dramatically to 106,331 in 2024, representing a 303 per cent increase compared to figures recorded in 2015.
Syphilis infections also surged during the same period, with reported cases climbing to 45,577 — more than double the number documented nearly a decade ago.
Meanwhile, chlamydia remained the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection in Europe, with authorities recording 213,443 cases.
An official of the ECDC, Bruno Ciancio, warned that untreated sexually transmitted infections could result in severe health complications, including infertility and chronic pain.
He added that syphilis could also lead to serious damage affecting the heart, blood vessels and nervous system if left untreated.
Ciancio expressed concern over the increasing number of syphilis cases transmitted from mothers to their babies, noting that reports nearly doubled between 2023 and 2024.
According to him, maintaining sexual health is not difficult if proper precautions are taken.
“Use condoms with new or multiple partners, and get tested if you have symptoms, such as pain, discharge or an ulcer,” he advised.
The ECDC further stated that men who have sex with men remain the group most affected by gonorrhoea and syphilis infections.
The agency also observed that syphilis is becoming increasingly common among heterosexual individuals, especially women of childbearing age.
Statistics from 14 reporting countries showed that cases of mother-to-child syphilis increased from 78 in 2023 to 140 in 2024.
The report was published by dpa/NAN.