Europe reports record gonorrhea and syphilis STI cases in 2024

Bacterial sexually transmitted infections in Europe have reached their highest levels in over a decade, according to new data released by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The report shows record-breaking numbers for gonorrhea and syphilis in 2024, continuing a ten-year trend of rising infections.

Gonorrhea cases reached 106,331, a 303 percent increase since 2015. Syphilis cases more than doubled over the same period, rising to 45,577. Chlamydia remains the most frequently reported bacterial STI, with 213,443 cases, though its incidence has declined slightly since 2015.

Officials warn that untreated infections can cause severe complications, including chronic pain, infertility, and, in the case of syphilis, damage to the heart or nervous system. A particularly concerning trend is the near doubling of congenital syphilis cases, where the infection passes from a pregnant person to a newborn, leading to potentially lifelong complications. Cases rose from 78 in 2023 to 140 in 2024 across 14 reporting countries.

Transmission trends vary significantly across population groups. Men who have sex with men remain disproportionately affected, showing the steepest...