The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has published its latest Annual Epidemiological Reports shedding light on the state of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA).
The findings reveal a troubling surge in cases of syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia, indicating a pressing need for heightened awareness of STI transmission, and the need to enhance robust prevention, access to testing, and effective treatment to address this public health challenge.
In 2022, the number of reported cases saw a significant increase compared to the previous year, with gonorrhoea cases rising by 48%, syphilis cases by 34%, and chlamydia cases by 16%. In addition, cases of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and congenital syphilis (caused by transmission from mother to fetus) have also substantially increased.
These trends underscore the urgent need for immediate action to prevent further transmission and mitigate the impact of STIs on public health.