STIs Hit Record Highs Across Europe, ECDC Reports

Bacterial STIs like syphilis and gonorrhoea have reached record highs across Europe in 2024, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Gonorrhoea cases hit 106,331, a 303% increase since 2015, while syphilis rose to 45,577 cases. Chlamydia remains the most common, with 213,443 cases.

The highest STI rates were reported in Ireland, Malta, Iceland, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Spain.

Congenital syphilis, transmitted from mother to fetus, nearly doubled from 2023, reaching its highest point since 2009. Bulgaria, Portugal, and Hungary reported the most cases. The ECDC notes the condition is preventable and targets elimination by 2030.

Experts cite declining condom use and an increase in sexual partners among younger populations as key drivers. Better testing and reporting may also partly explain the surge.