The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has reported a concerning rise in sexually transmitted infections across Europe, highlighting what experts describe as a “silent epidemic” affecting multiple population groups.
According to the latest data, infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis are increasing steadily, and in some cases sharply, across EU member states.
Chlamydia remains most common infection
Chlamydia continues to be the most frequently reported sexually transmitted infection in Europe, with more than 213,000 confirmed cases recorded in 2024.
The highest infection rates are observed among people aged 20 to 24, while experts warn that the true spread may be significantly higher due to undiagnosed asymptomatic cases.
Gonorrhoea and antibiotic resistance concerns
Gonorrhoea cases exceeded 106,000 in 2024, marking a record level for recent years and an increase of more than 300% compared with a decade ago.
Health experts also warn of rising antimicrobial resistance, which could make future treatment significantly more difficult.
Syphilis and rising congenital cases
Syphilis cases also continue to rise, with more than 45,000 infections recorded in 2024 across Europe.
Of particular concern is the increase in congenital syphilis, where the infection is transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, a trend linked to delayed diagnosis and gaps in prenatal screening.
Situation in Cyprus
While Cyprus reports lower numbers compared with the European average, health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
According to ECDC data for 2024, Cyprus recorded:
- 22 chlamydia cases
- 21 gonorrhoea cases
- 93 syphilis cases
No cases of congenital syphilis were reported in 2024, although two were recorded in 2022.
Calls for stronger prevention measures
The ECDC is urging EU member states to strengthen prevention programmes, improve sexual health education, and expand early diagnosis services, with particular focus on young people, vulnerable groups and pregnant women.
Health experts also call for improved surveillance systems to better capture the real scale of infections across Europe.
Also read: WHO warns Ebola outbreak may have spread faster than expected
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