Cases of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have risen significantly across Europe, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) announced today.

Gonorrhea and syphilis cases reached their highest levels in more than a decade in 2024, according to the EU’s health agency, which is headquartered in Solna, Sweden.

The ECDC recorded 106,331 gonorrhea cases in 2024, a 303% increase compared to 2015.

The number of syphilis cases more than doubled over the same period, reaching 45,577. Chlamydia remained the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection, with 213,443 cases, the ECDC announced.

Bruno Czanczo of the ECDC warned that untreated infections can lead to serious health complications, including chronic pain and infertility. In the case of syphilis, complications can also affect the heart, blood vessels, and nervous system.

He noted that the rise in congenital syphilis, meaning syphilis transmitted from mother to child, is particularly alarming, with reported cases having doubled between 2023 and 2024.

“Protecting sexual health remains an urgent priority,” Czanczo stated.

“Use a condom with new or multiple partners, and get tested if you have symptoms such as pain, discharge, or a sore,” he added.

According to the ECDC, men who have sex with men are by far the group most affected by these infections, particularly gonorrhea and syphilis.

Syphilis is also becoming more common among heterosexual individuals, particularly women of childbearing age.

The ECDC reported that recorded cases of congenital syphilis increased from 78 in 2023 to 140 in 2024 across the 14 countries that provided relevant data.