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Gonorrhoea and Syphilis Reach Record Levels Across Europe
Europe is facing a growing sexual health challenge after new figures revealed that cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis have reached their highest levels in more than a decade, prompting warnings from health officials about the urgent need for greater awareness, testing and prevention measures.
According to the latest data published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), more than 106,000 cases of gonorrhoea were reported across Europe in 2024, representing a staggering 303% increase since 2015. Syphilis infections have also surged, with over 45,500 cases recorded last year—more than double the number seen a decade ago.
Health experts say the rise reflects a combination of factors, including reduced condom use, changing sexual behaviours, increased numbers of sexual partners, and improved testing and surveillance systems that are identifying more infections than ever before.
The ECDC reported that gonorrhoea cases rose by 4.3% between 2023 and 2024 alone, making it the highest level recorded since European surveillance began in 2009. Countries including Ireland, Malta, Iceland, Luxembourg, Denmark and Spain reported some of the highest infection rates across the continent.
Particularly concerning for health officials is the sharp increase in congenital syphilis, where the infection is passed from a pregnant mother to her baby. Cases almost doubled from 78 in 2023 to 140 in 2024, reaching the highest level recorded since European monitoring began. Untreated congenital syphilis can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and severe complications for newborns.
Medical experts warn that untreated gonorrhoea can lead to infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease and chronic pain, while untreated syphilis can cause serious damage to the heart, brain and nervous system. Many infections can initially produce few or no symptoms, allowing them to spread unknowingly between partners.
Public health authorities are urging people to practise safer sex, use condoms consistently and seek regular sexual health screenings, particularly if they have new or multiple sexual partners. Increased testing, earlier diagnosis and prompt treatment remain the most effective tools for controlling the spread of these infections.
The latest figures serve as a stark reminder that sexually transmitted infections remain a major public health issue across Europe. While advances in testing have improved detection rates, health officials stress that stronger prevention efforts will be essential if the continent is to reverse the alarming upward trend and protect future generations from avoidable infections.
Attached is a news article regarding Gonorrhoea and Syphilis Reach Record Levels Across Europe
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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