Sexually transmitted infections are rising sharply across Europe, with a significant increase in cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis.
This trend signals a growing public health crisis as prevention measures lag and fewer people seek diagnostic testing. The gap between rising infection rates and declining screening efforts may lead to more undetected cases and further community spread.
Data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and national health services show a stark upward trajectory in infections [1, 2]. In the latest reporting period from 2023, the number of gonorrhoea infections in Europe reached approximately 100,000 [1].
This figure represents a rise of about 300% when compared with levels recorded in 2015 [1]. The surge is particularly evident in reports from the Netherlands, where health officials said the prevalence of these infections is increasing [2].
Health officials said the spike is due to a combination of insufficient prevention efforts and a drop in testing rates [1]. When testing declines, infections often go untreated, allowing the bacteria to spread more easily through the population.
While the ECDC monitors these trends across the continent, the lack of consistent screening has complicated efforts to map the full extent of the outbreak [1, 2]. National health services continue to struggle with implementing prevention strategies that keep pace with the current rate of transmission [1].
“Gonorrhoea infections in Europe reached approximately 100,000”
The simultaneous rise in infections and fall in testing creates a 'blind spot' for public health authorities. Without widespread screening, the actual number of cases likely exceeds official reports, making it difficult to allocate resources and implement targeted prevention strategies to curb the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.
