Record Rise in Gonorrhea and Syphilis Cases Across Europe

New epidemiological data released by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) indicates that bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have reached record levels across Europe. The latest Annual Epidemiological Reports highlight a significant surge in several key infections, most notably gonorrhea and syphilis, marking a decade-high in notifications and signaling an urgent public health challenge for the continent.

The findings, released on May 21, 2026, reveal that the rise in transmission is driven by sustained activity across multiple countries and is accompanied by widening gaps in testing and prevention efforts. Health officials are particularly concerned about the impact on vulnerable groups, including women of reproductive age, and the increasing prevalence of congenital syphilis.

A Decade of Rising Infections: The Data Breakdown

The 2024 data paints a stark picture of the current STI landscape in Europe. According to the ECDC, notifications for several bacterial infections have reached their highest levels in over ten years. The most dramatic increases are seen in gonorrhea and syphilis, both of which have seen massive climbs in prevalence since 2015.

Gonorrhea notifications reached 106,331 cases in 2024. This represents a staggering 303% increase compared to 2015 levels. This surge suggests a significant shift in the transmission landscape that requires immediate clinical and policy interventions.

Syphilis cases have also seen a dramatic upward trajectory. Notifications more than doubled over the same period since 2015, reaching a total of 45,577 cases in 2024. The persistence of syphilis transmission remains a primary concern for European health authorities due to the potential for severe long-term complications.

While gonorrhea and syphilis are seeing the most rapid relative growth, other infections remain highly prevalent:

• Chlamydia: Continues to be the most frequently reported STI in Europe, with 213,443 reported cases.
• Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV): Ongoing transmission continues to be observed, with 3,490 reported cases.

The Crisis of Congenital Syphilis

Perhaps the most distressing trend identified in the ECDC report is the rise in congenital syphilis—a condition where the infection is passed directly from a pregnant person to their newborn. The data shows a near doubling of congenital syphilis cases between 2023, and 2024.

This spike in vertical transmission is a critical indicator of gaps in prenatal care and reproductive health services. Congenital syphilis can lead to potentially lifelong complications for infants, making the prevention of maternal infection a top priority for public health officials across the European Union and beyond.

Clinical Implications and Expert Analysis

The rise in these infections is not merely a statistical concern. it carries profound implications for individual long-term health. When left untreated, bacterial STIs can lead to severe, debilitating complications.

For those suffering from gonorrhea or chlamydia, untreated infections can result in chronic pain and infertility. In the case of syphilis, the infection can progress to attack the heart or the nervous system, leading to systemic health crises. The recent surge in congenital syphilis underscores the high stakes of effective screening and early intervention during pregnancy.

“Sexually transmitted infections have been on the rise for 10 years and reached record high levels in 2024,” stated Bruno Ciancio, Head of Unit for Directly Transmitted and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases at the ECDC. “Untreated, 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 further emphasized the gravity of the current trend regarding newborns: “Most distressingly, between 2023 and 2024, we have seen a near doubling of congenital syphilis, where infections pass directly to newborns, leading to potentially lifelong complications.”

Prevention and Public Health Guidance

As transmission rates climb, health experts are reiterating the importance of fundamental prevention strategies. While the epidemiological data suggests complex drivers behind these trends, the immediate steps for individual protection remain clear.

The ECDC advises that protecting sexual health remains straightforward through consistent preventative measures. The agency recommends the use of condoms, particularly with new or multiple partners. Health officials urge individuals to seek testing immediately if they experience symptoms such as pain, discharge, or ulcers.

Addressing the “widening gaps in testing and prevention” mentioned in the report will likely require coordinated action across European healthcare systems to ensure that high-risk populations have consistent access to diagnostic tools and reproductive health resources.

Key Takeaways: European STI Trends (2024 Data)

Public health monitoring will continue as the ECDC processes further data to determine the effectiveness of targeted interventions. The next major update on European epidemiological trends is expected following the completion of the 2025 reporting cycle.

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