106,331 cases of gonorrhea were registered, an increase of 303 percent compared to 2015, while syphilis more than doubled in the same period to 45,557.
In Spain, the largest number of confirmed cases of gonorrhea and syphilis was registered among European countries – 37,169 and 11,556.
Bruno Ciancio, head of the Agency’s Unit for Directly Transmissible and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, emphasized that protection of sexual health remains simple.
– Use condoms with new or multiple partners and get tested if you have symptoms – said Ciancio.
He pointed out that 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.
He noted that cases of congenital syphilis “where infections are passed directly to newborns, leading to potentially life-long complications” almost doubled from 2023 to 2024.
The UK introduced the gonorrhea vaccine in 2025, after reaching a record 85,000 cases in 2023.
Symptoms of gonorrhea can include pain, unusual discharge and inflammation of the genitals – but in some cases there are no symptoms.
Doctors say syphilis can be avoided by using condoms properly and accepting the vaccine if offered.
Syphilis symptoms include sores around the genitals and mouth, a rash on the hands, hair loss, and flu-like symptoms. They are often difficult to notice at first, and may appear and disappear over time. Like gonorrhea, it can be avoided with condom use and antibiotic treatment. Both diseases can cause serious problems if left untreated.
(Vijesti.ba)
Chat readers
Join the discussion