In 2024, the incidence rates for both gonorrhea and syphilis reached their highest levels in over a decade, according to new data from the ECDC cited by the BBC. Specifically, gonorrhea cases surpassed 106,000, marking a 303% increase since 2015. Over the same period, syphilis cases more than doubled, reaching nearly 46,000.

Health authorities identified a "growing gap in testing and prevention" as a primary reason for this rapid spread. The ECDC also urged stakeholders to take urgent action.

Bruno Ciancio, Head of Vaccine Preventable and Communicable Diseases at the ECDC, warned that these infections can lead to severe complications such as chronic pain and infertility. Syphilis, in particular, can cause cardiovascular or nervous system problems.

He also highlighted that congenital syphilis cases, which are transmitted directly from mother to child and can lead to lifelong complications, nearly doubled from 2023 to 2024.

"Protecting sexual health remains straightforward: Use condoms when having sex with new or multiple partners, and get tested immediately if symptoms appear," he advised.

Among European countries participating in the 2024 report, Spain recorded the highest numbers of gonorrhea and syphilis cases, with over 37,000 and nearly 12,000 cases respectively.

Using condoms during sex is an effective way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. *Photo: Ashasexualhealth*

The ECDC report indicated that men who have sex with men were the most affected group, showing the strongest long-term growth in both diseases. Additionally, syphilis cases saw a sharp increase among heterosexual women of childbearing age.

Chlamydia remained the most commonly reported bacterial infection overall; however, cases decreased by 6% compared to 2015, falling to over 213,000.

Since Brexit, the United Kingdom is no longer included in this specific study; however, the government still publishes separate annual data for England. According to a UK Health Security Agency report released in December, England recorded nearly 72,000 gonorrhea cases and nearly 10,000 syphilis cases in 2024. During the same 12-month period, chlamydia diagnoses totaled nearly 169,000.

England launched a gonorrhea vaccination program in 2025 after cases there reached a record 85,000 in 2023.

Clinically, gonorrhea symptoms include painful urination, abnormal discharge, and genital inflammation. Some cases may not show clear symptoms.

The National Health Service (NHS) in England recommends preventing the disease through proper condom use and vaccination if eligible.

For syphilis, typical symptoms include sores around the genitals and mouth, a rash on the hands, hair loss, and flu-like symptoms. These signs are often difficult to recognize in the early stages and may disappear on their own, only to reappear over time.

Similar to gonorrhea, syphilis can be prevented with condoms and effectively treated with antibiotics. Both diseases risk severe complications if not addressed with timely medical intervention.