STD cases surge across Europe, with gonorrhea and syphilis up sharply

According to ECDC, around 100,000 gonorrhea cases were registered in 2024—triple the number in 2015—while syphilis cases more than doubled to approximately 46,000. Chlamydia has returned to levels seen a decade ago after a peak in 2022. Experts believe the increase cannot be explained solely by more testing. Possible factors include changes in sexual behaviour, dating apps, reduced condom use, and the impact of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. The rise in congenital syphilis is particularly concerning.