Sexually transmitted infections including gonorrhoea and syphilis have reached record levels across Europe, according to new data released by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The agency said gonorrhoea cases rose to 106,331 in 2024, marking a 303% increase since 2015, while syphilis cases more than doubled to 45,557 over the same period.
Health officials warned that widening gaps in testing and prevention are contributing to the surge in infections.
The ECDC said untreated sexually transmitted infections can lead to serious complications including infertility, chronic pain, and heart or nervous system problems.
Authorities also raised concern over congenital syphilis cases, where infections are passed from mother to child during pregnancy, saying numbers nearly doubled between 2023 and 2024.
Spain recorded the highest number of confirmed gonorrhoea and syphilis cases among participating European countries.
The ECDC urged people to practice safe sex, use protection with new or multiple partners, and seek testing if symptoms appear.
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