Sexually transmitted infections soar in Europe

Europe is seeing a marked increase in cases of sexually transmitted infections, with chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis all on the rise

CHLAMYDIA
Rate of confirmed cases per 100,000 population*

120 110 100 90

2014 2016 2018 2020 2022

Total cases: 216,508 

Covid-19
      
GONORRHOEA
Rate of confirmed cases per 100,000 population*

15 10 5 0

Total cases: 70,881

2014 2016 2018 2020 2022



SYPHILIS
Rate of confirmed cases per 100,000 population*

8 7 6 5 4 

 Total cases: 35,391 55

2014 2016 2018 2020 2022

Leap in infections among young heterosexual people in latest 2022 data, particularly young women, could be due to change in sexual behaviour post-pandemic

*Number of countries reporting consistently – chlamydia (19), gonorrhoea (23), syphilis (24)

Sources: Reuters, ECDC Picture: Yan Krukau (Pexels) © GRAPHIC NEWS