Gonorrhoea and syphilis hit record levels in Europe, data shows

Recent data indicates that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea and syphilis have reached unprecedented levels in Europe.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported that both gonorrhoea and syphilis have seen their highest incidence rates in over a decade, with gonorrhoea cases climbing to 106,331—a remarkable 303% increase since 2015. In the same timeframe, syphilis cases more than doubled, reaching 45,557.

The ECDC cited "widening gaps in testing and prevention" as contributing factors to the rising transmission rates and emphasized the need for immediate action. Bruno Ciancio, head of the agency's Directly Transmitted and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases unit, commented on the severe complications these infections can impose, including chronic pain, infertility, and, specifically for syphilis, issues involving the heart or nervous system.

Furthermore, cases of congenital syphilis—where infections are transmitted directly to newborns, leading to long-term complications—have nearly doubled from 2023 to 2024. Ciancio stated, "Protecting your sexual health remains straightforward. Use condoms with new or multiple partners, and get tested if you exhibit symptoms."

Among the participating countries, Spain reported the highest numbers of confirmed gonorrhoea and syphilis cases in 2024, with 37,169 and 11,556 cases, respectively. The ECDC noted that men who have sex with men continue to be the most affected demographic, displaying the steepest long-term increases in both gonorrhoea and syphilis. Additionally, significant rises in syphilis cases were observed among heterosexual women of reproductive age.

While chlamydia remains the most frequently reported bacterial infection overall, its incidence has decreased by 6% since 2015, totaling 213,443 cases. It is important to note that the UK has not participated in this research since Brexit, but the government annually publishes its own statistics for England. According to a report from the UK Health Security Agency released in December, England recorded 71,802 gonorrhoea cases and 9,535 syphilis cases in 2024, as well as 168,889 diagnoses of chlamydia. Following a record high of 85,000 gonorrhoea cases in 2023, the UK launched a gonorrhoea vaccination program in 2025.

What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea and syphilis?

Symptoms of gonorrhoea may include pain, unusual discharge, and genital inflammation; however, some individuals may not exhibit symptoms at all. The NHS underscores the importance of using condoms and accepting the vaccine when offered to mitigate the risk of infection.

Symptoms of syphilis can manifest as sores around the genitals and mouth, rashes on the hands, hair loss, and flu-like symptoms. These signs can often be subtle and may appear intermittently. Similar to gonorrhoea, syphilis can be prevented through condom use and is treatable with antibiotics. If left untreated, both infections can lead to serious health complications.