Sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis and gonorrhoea, reached record levels across Europe in 2024, according to new data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The agency said both infections recorded their highest numbers in more than a decade, raising concerns about public health and disease prevention efforts across the region.
Gonorrhoea cases rose to 106,331 last year, a 303% increase compared with 2015. Syphilis cases more than doubled during the same period, reaching 45,557.
Health officials said gaps in testing, prevention and early treatment may be contributing to the increase. The ECDC warned that many infections can spread unnoticed because some people experience few or no symptoms. Bruno Ciancio, head of the ECDC’s Directly Transmitted and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases unit, said the rise highlights the need for stronger prevention measures and broader access to testing.
“These infections can cause severe complications, such as chronic pain and infertility and, in the case of syphilis, problems with the heart or nervous system,” Ciancio said.
Cases continue to rise across Europe
The ECDC said men who have sex with men remained the group most affected by gonorrhoea and syphilis, with both infections showing the largest long-term increases within that population.
Health officials also reported a significant rise in syphilis cases among heterosexual women of reproductive age. The trend coincided with a sharp increase in congenital syphilis, a condition in which the infection passes from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
New ECDC data shows gonorrhoea cases have surged 303% since 2015, while syphilis cases have more than doubled. Health officials also reported a sharp increase in congenital syphilis cases affecting newborns.
Experts are urging more testing, prevention and awareness. pic.twitter.com/KPJJsvub5h
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) June 1, 2026
Cases of congenital syphilis nearly doubled between 2023 and 2024, according to the agency. Ciancio urged people to protect their sexual health by using condoms with new or multiple partners and seeking testing if symptoms appear or exposure is suspected.
Spain reports the highest number of cases
Among participating countries, Spain recorded the highest number of confirmed gonorrhoea and syphilis infections in 2024. The country reported 37,169 gonorrhoea cases and 11,556 syphilis cases.
Despite the rise in those infections, chlamydia remained the most commonly reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection in Europe. However, reported cases fell 6% compared with 2015, reaching 213,443 in 2024.
The United Kingdom was not included in the ECDC surveillance data following Brexit. Separate figures released by the UK Health Security Agency showed England recorded 71,802 gonorrhoea cases, 9,535 syphilis cases and 168,889 chlamydia diagnoses in 2024.
The UK introduced a gonorrhoea vaccination program in 2025 after infections reached a record 85,000 cases in England two years earlier.
Symptoms can be difficult to detect
Gonorrhoea can cause pain during urination, unusual discharge and inflammation of the genitals, although some infected people show no symptoms.
Syphilis may cause sores around the genitals, anus or mouth, skin rashes, hair loss and flu-like illness. Health experts say symptoms can be difficult to recognize in the early stages because they may disappear and return over time.
Both infections can be prevented through safer-sex practices, including condom use, and are usually treatable with antibiotics when diagnosed early. Left untreated, they can lead to serious and sometimes lifelong health complications.
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