The latest reports from the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) released today describe a worrying picture of public health in Europe, concerning the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, which are recording a steady and in some cases explosive increase.
The new data show that infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are not only not being contained, as is the European goal, but are also spreading rapidly in many European countries, causing intense concern among health authorities.
Experts warn that the picture in Europe resembles a "silent epidemic", especially among younger people and population groups with increased sexual mobility.
According to ECDC data, chlamydia remains the most common sexually transmitted disease in Europe, with more than 213,000 confirmed cases in 2024.
The 20-24 age group has the highest rates, while experts note that the true prevalence is likely to be even higher, as many patients remain asymptomatic and are never tested.
Even more worrying is the picture for gonorrhoea. Europe recorded more than 106,000 cases in 2024, a record number for recent years.
The increase exceeds 300%, compared to levels a decade ago, while scientists are also sounding the alarm about increasing antibiotic resistance.
As the ECDC warns, antimicrobial resistance could make treatment significantly more difficult in the future if the situation continues to worsen.
At the same time, syphilis is also on the rise in Europe, with more than 45,000 cases in 2024.
Experts note that the phenomenon is no longer limited to specific high-risk groups, but is also extending to the general population, including heterosexual men and women.
Of particular concern is the increase in congenital syphilis, i.e. cases where the infection is transmitted from the mother to the foetus during pregnancy.
According to European data, cases have almost tripled in a decade, a fact that experts link to late diagnosis, inadequate prenatal screening and inadequate access to health services for certain groups.
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), a rarer but more serious form of chlamydia infection, is also showing an increasing trend, mainly among men who have sex with men.
In Cyprus, despite the fact that the numbers remain significantly lower than the European average, health authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
According to ECDC data:
-Chlamydia cases in Cyprus amounted to 22 in 2024,
-Gonorrhea was recorded in 21 cases,
-Syphilis reached 93 cases, showing a significant increase compared to previous years.
At the same time, Cyprus did not record cases of congenital syphilis in 2024, although two cases were identified in 2022, a fact that reminds us that the risk remains real.
Experts, however, point out that the relatively low numbers in small countries like Cyprus may not fully reflect the real picture, as diagnostic tests, access to tests and the recording of cases also play an important role.
The ECDC is now calling on member states to strengthen prevention, information and early diagnosis programs, with particular emphasis on young people, vulnerable groups and pregnant women.
At the same time, it requires an intensification of sexual health programs and more systematic epidemiological surveillance, in order to limit the spread of diseases in the coming years.
