Europe Reports 303% Surge in Gonorrhoea Cases Since 2015
A sharp rise in STIs across Europe highlights significant gaps in testing and prevention efforts.
Gonorrhoea cases in Europe increased by 303% from 2015 to 2024.
Congenital syphilis cases rose from 78 in 2023 to 140 in 2024 across 14 countries.
ECDC calls for improved national STI strategies and affordable testing.
Europe is experiencing a significant rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with gonorrhoea and syphilis cases reaching alarming levels. According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), gonorrhoea notifications soared to 106,331 in 2024, marking a staggering 303% increase since 2015. Syphilis cases also more than doubled during the same period, totaling 45,577, while chlamydia remained the most commonly reported STI with 213,443 cases.
This surge in infections indicates a persistent public health challenge rather than a mere rebound from pandemic-related restrictions. While the reopening of testing services may have contributed to the initial rise in reported cases post-COVID, health experts emphasize that the ongoing increase reflects a true rise in transmission rates. Notably, the rise in congenital syphilis, where the infection is transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, has become particularly concerning, with cases jumping from 78 in 2023 to 140 in 2024 across 14 reporting countries.
The ECDC attributes the increase in congenital syphilis to missed opportunities for antenatal screening and follow-up care. Untreated STIs can lead to severe health complications, including chronic pain, infertility, and serious damage to the heart and nervous system. Furthermore, infections contracted during pregnancy can result in lifelong health issues for affected children.
Transmission patterns vary significantly among different demographics. Men who have sex with men are disproportionately affected, showing the highest long-term increases in gonorrhoea and syphilis. However, the rising incidence of syphilis among heterosexual populations, particularly women of reproductive age, underscores the need for broader prevention strategies that extend beyond traditionally targeted groups.
The reasons for this widespread increase in STIs are complex and not fully understood. Factors such as decreased condom use and the rise of dating apps are suggested, but experts caution that current evidence does not definitively link app usage to increased infections. Additionally, disparities in testing access and financial barriers complicate the situation, as 13 out of 29 countries still require out-of-pocket payments for basic STI tests. The ECDC is advocating for governments to revise their national STI strategies, enhance surveillance, and make testing more affordable to curb transmission and address healthcare inequalities.
