Sexually transmitted infections triple in Europe; Romania's figures deemed 'absurd'

Europe is experiencing an accelerated rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) following a decline during the pandemic. Data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reveals a dramatic increase in gonorrhea cases, reaching around 100,000 in 2024, more than triple the number reported in 2015. Syphilis cases have also doubled to approximately 46,000 during the same period.

Chlamydia, the most common STI, presents a different trend. After peaking in 2022, its incidence in 2024 returned to levels similar to those in 2015. Specialists cited by The Economist suggest that this rise cannot be solely attributed to increased testing, indicating a genuine increase in transmission. Stela Bivol, the coordinator of the WHO Europe's STI office, warns of a real increase in transmission.

The situation in some European countries, particularly Romania, is difficult to assess due to poor monitoring. Romania reported only 24 cases of chlamydia in 2024, a figure considered "implausibly low" for a population of about 19 million. This lack of data creates a vicious cycle, potentially hindering justification for investments in testing equipment and programs, and reducing public awareness of risks.

The ECDC highlights the need for better monitoring, including data on the proportion of vulnerable individuals being tested. The increase in gonorrhea is not confined to one region, with significant surges reported in Bulgaria, France, and Italy, while Belgium and Hungary saw notable increases in syphilis cases. Both infections have also risen in Lithuania and Malta. Changes in affected age groups are also evident, with gonorrhea rates decreasing in younger men but increasing in older age groups, while syphilis cases show the largest increase among individuals aged 20 to 34.

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There is a real increase in transmission