Europe Faces Record Surge in Gonorrhea and Syphilis Cases

Gonorrhea and Syphilis Cases Hit a Decade High Across Europe

According to Главком: In 2024, Europe recorded its highest levels of gonorrhea and syphilis in over ten years. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported 106,331 cases of gonorrhea and 45,557 cases of syphilis. This sharp increase is linked to gaps in testing and infection prevention efforts.

Gonorrhea cases in 2024 were 303% higher than in 2015. Spain reported the highest number of gonorrhea infections that year, with over 37,000 cases. Syphilis cases more than doubled between 2015 and 2024, with Spain again leading at 11,000 cases. Congenital syphilis cases also nearly doubled during this period.

Current State of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Europe

Chlamydia remains the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection, with over 213,000 cases reported annually. Men who have sex with men continue to be the most affected group, but a notable rise in syphilis has also been observed among heterosexual women of reproductive age.

“These infections can lead to serious complications, including infertility, chronic pain, and damage to the nervous system.”

Bruno Ciancio

In European countries, including Ukraine, the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases remain syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, ureaplasma, and genital herpes.

The rise in gonorrhea and syphilis cases across Europe has alarmed medical experts, prompting calls for urgent improvements in testing and infection prevention. Greater emphasis on sexual education, access to healthcare services, and public awareness campaigns could help reduce these numbers. Given globalization and migration trends, both local and international efforts are essential to combat the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

The surge in sexually transmitted infections is not limited to Europe, as other regions also face their own health challenges. For instance, in Ukraine, a significant number of hantavirus cases were reported in 2025, raising concerns about public health and disease management. Understanding the broader context of infectious diseases, including recent hantavirus outbreaks, is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.