Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea and syphilis have risen to their highest levels in Europe in more than a decade, according to newly released figures from health officials. Data published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) shows a sharp increase in infections in 2024, with both gonorrhoea and syphilis reaching record levels over the last 10 years.

Gonorrhoea cases climbed to 106,331 across participating European countries, marking a 303% rise since 2015. Syphilis infections also surged during the same period, more than doubling to 45,557 reported cases.Health officials said the increase may be linked in part to gaps in testing, prevention efforts and access to sexual health services, prompting calls for urgent public health action. While chlamydia remained the most frequently reported bacterial STI overall, cases fell by 6% compared with 2015, with 213,443 infections recorded in 2024.

The UK was not included in the ECDC’s dataset following Brexit, but separate figures released by the UK Health Security Agency paint a similar picture in England. In 2024, officials recorded 71,802 gonorrhoea cases, 9,535 syphilis diagnoses and 168,889 chlamydia infections. The UK introduced a gonorrhoea vaccination programme in 2025 after cases previously reached record highs.

Health experts warned that untreated STIs can lead to serious complications, including chronic pain, infertility, and in the case of syphilis, damage to the heart and nervous system. Officials also highlighted growing concern over congenital syphilis, where the infection is passed from a pregnant person to their baby, potentially causing lifelong health problems. Cases of congenital syphilis nearly doubled between 2023 and 2024.

Among European countries included in the research, Spain recorded the highest number of gonorrhoea and syphilis cases in 2024, with 37,169 and 11,556 infections respectively. The ECDC said men who have sex with men continue to be the group most disproportionately affected, showing the steepest long-term increases in both gonorrhoea and syphilis. However, significant rises were also reported among heterosexual women of reproductive age.

Health officials continue to stress that prevention remains key. Condoms, regular testing, early treatment and vaccination where available are among the most effective ways to reduce the spread of infection. Symptoms of gonorrhoea can include pain, unusual discharge and inflammation of the genitals, although some people may have no symptoms at all. Syphilis symptoms can range from sores around the mouth or genitals to rashes, hair loss and flu-like illness, but these signs can often be mild or mistaken for other conditions.

Both infections can be treated with antibiotics, but doctors warn that leaving them untreated can lead to serious long-term health problems.

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