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Cases of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) climbed to their highest levels in more than ten years across Europe in 2024, according to newly released figures from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The agency reported substantial increases in gonorrhoea and syphilis infections, while congenital syphilis cases, where the disease is passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, nearly doubled within a year.
Data collected across Europe showed 106,331 reported gonorrhoea cases in 2024, a rise of 303 percent compared with 2015. Syphilis infections also more than doubled over the same period, reaching 45,577 cases.
Chlamydia remained the most commonly reported STI, with 213,443 cases recorded during the year. Another bacterial infection, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), accounted for 3,490 reported cases.
Health officials warned that untreated STIs can lead to serious complications, including infertility, chronic pain, and damage to the nervous system or heart in the case of syphilis.
Particular concern has been directed at the increase in congenital syphilis. Across 14 countries reporting data, cases rose from 78 in 2023 to 140 in 2024. Public health experts say many of these infections could be prevented through timely screening, follow-up testing, and treatment during pregnancy.
The ECDC found that transmission patterns differ among population groups. Men who have sex with men continue to experience the highest rates of gonorrhoea and syphilis. At the same time, syphilis infections are increasing among heterosexual populations, especially women of childbearing age.
The agency's review identified several barriers that continue to limit prevention efforts. Thirteen of the 29 countries providing data still require patients to pay for basic STI testing. Inconsistent access to services and national prevention plans that have not been updated to reflect post-pandemic behavioral changes were also cited as contributing factors.
To reduce mother-to-child transmission, the ECDC is calling for stronger prenatal screening programs and prompt treatment of pregnant women diagnosed with syphilis.
Earlier this year, the agency also issued guidance on the use of doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis, known as doxy-PEP, for people facing elevated risks of infection. However, it does not support widespread use of the approach against gonorrhoea because of growing antimicrobial resistance and concerns that resistance could develop more rapidly.
The ECDC said reversing the upward trend will require better access to prevention services, expanded testing, quicker treatment, and more effective partner notification systems. It is also urging governments to modernize national STI strategies and strengthen disease surveillance to track the effectiveness of public health measures.
