Surge in Gonorrhoea and Syphilis Cases in Europe Raises Health Concerns
Gonorrhoea and syphilis hit record levels in Europe

Image: The Bbc
Gonorrhoea and syphilis cases have reached record levels in Europe, with gonorrhoea cases increasing by 303% since 2015 to 106,331, and syphilis cases doubling to 45,557. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) highlights gaps in testing and prevention as key factors in this surge, urging immediate action to address the issue.
- 01Gonorrhoea cases in Europe hit 106,331, marking a 303% increase since 2015.
- 02Syphilis cases more than doubled to 45,557 during the same period.
- 03Bruno Ciancio, head of the ECDC's Directly Transmitted and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases unit, warned of severe complications from these infections, including chronic pain and infertility.
- 04Congenital syphilis cases nearly doubled from 2023 to 2024, posing risks to newborns.
- 05Spain reported the highest cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis in Europe, with 37,169 and 11,556 cases, respectively.
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The latest data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reveals alarming trends in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across Europe, particularly gonorrhoea and syphilis. In 2024, gonorrhoea cases reached 106,331, reflecting a staggering 303% increase since 2015. Simultaneously, syphilis cases have more than doubled to 45,557. The ECDC attributes this rise to 'widening gaps in testing and prevention' and emphasizes the urgent need for action. Bruno Ciancio, head of the agency's Directly Transmitted and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases unit, highlighted the severe complications associated with these infections, including chronic pain, infertility, and serious health issues related to syphilis. Notably, cases of congenital syphilis, which can be transmitted to newborns, have nearly doubled within a year. Spain leads in reported cases, with 37,169 gonorrhoea and 11,556 syphilis cases. While chlamydia remains the most common bacterial infection, its cases have decreased by 6% since 2015, totaling 213,443 diagnoses. In response to rising gonorrhoea cases, the UK is set to roll out a gonorrhoea vaccine in 2025.
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The rise in STIs may lead to increased healthcare costs and public health challenges, necessitating improved testing and prevention strategies.
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