Gonorrhoea and syphilis surge to new record high in Europe

Friday, May 22, 2026 - Record levels of gonorrhoea and syphilis have been reported across Europe, with health officials warning that rising infection rates and gaps in prevention could lead to serious long-term health complications.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said gonorrhoea cases surged to 106,331; marking a 33 per cent increase since 2015 and the highest figure recorded in more than a decade. Syphilis infections have also more than doubled over the same period, reaching 45,557 confirmed cases.

Health officials said the rise is being linked to shortcomings in testing, awareness and prevention measures for s3xually transmitted infections across Europe. Bruno Ciancio warned that the infections could have severe long-term consequences if left untreated.

“These infections can cause severe complications, such as chronic pain and infertility and, in the case of syphilis, problems with the heart or nervous system,” Ciancio said. “In cases where infections pass directly to newborns, it can lead to potentially lifelong complications.”

Spain recorded the highest number of infections in Europe, with 37,169 gonorrhoea cases and 11,556 syphilis cases. Health authorities are urging s3xually active people to continue using condoms with new or multiple partners and to seek testing if they notice symptoms or believe they may have been exposed

Last year, the United Kingdom became the first country in the world to introduce a vaccine programme for gonorrhoea. Clinical trials showed the vaccine reduced the risk of infection by more than 50 per cent, with experts describing the rollout as a major breakthrough in s3xual health.

Doctors say gonorrhoea symptoms can appear around two weeks after infection, although some people may carry the infection for months without any signs. In women, symptoms can include yellow or green discharge, pain while urinating, abdominal pain and bleeding between periods.

In men, symptoms may include discharge from the penis, burning during urination and pain in the testicles. The infection is spread through unprotected s3x, including oral s3x, and can affect the genitals, mouth and eyes.

Syphilis, another bacterial s3xually transmitted infection, is usually spread through vaginal, anal or oral s3x or through contact with infected sores. According to the National Health Service, untreated syphilis can spread to the brain and other organs, potentially causing serious long-term damage.

Health experts also warned that syphilis infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or infection being passed to newborn babies. Data cited in the report showed some of the highest gonorrhoea infection rates in England were recorded in Westminster, Islington, Liverpool, Nottingham and Manchester.