Europe Reports 106,331 Gonorrhea Cases in 2024 as Syphilis More Than Doubles
Updated
Updated · Ynetnews · May 25
Europe Reports 106,331 Gonorrhea Cases in 2024 as Syphilis More Than Doubles
3 articles · Updated · Ynetnews · May 25
106,331 gonorrhea cases were reported across participating European countries in 2024, up 303% from 2015 and the highest level since ECDC monitoring began in 2009.
45,577 syphilis cases were logged in 2024—more than double 2015 levels—while congenital syphilis nearly doubled to 140 cases from 78 across 14 reporting countries, highlighting missed screening and treatment during pregnancy.
Spain recorded the most gonorrhea and syphilis cases in absolute terms, while Ireland had the highest gonorrhea rate per capita and Malta the highest syphilis rate.
ECDC linked the surge to unprotected sex, uneven prevention programs, testing barriers—including out-of-pocket costs in 13 of 29 countries—and post-pandemic behavior shifts.
Health officials also warned of rising antibiotic resistance in gonorrhea and urged faster testing, updated national STI strategies, partner notification and timely screening for pregnant women.
With a once-promising gonorrhea vaccine now proven ineffective, how will Europe defend against untreatable superbugs?
New oral drugs can fight gonorrhea, but will their use just create the next generation of super-infections?
Europe’s STI Crisis: Record 300% Gonorrhea Surge, Doubling Syphilis, and the Urgent Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance (2024–2026)
Overview
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have surged to record highs across Europe, as reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. This alarming trend is driven by widening gaps in testing and prevention, along with increased screening and improved reporting systems. However, the overall rise points to a serious public health challenge, especially since the increase is not uniform—certain populations, such as women of reproductive age, are experiencing a disproportionately higher burden. The significant rise in syphilis cases, closely linked to this demographic, has led to growing concerns about further increases in preventable congenital syphilis.