The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control released the latest data on Thursday, showing a sharp rise in sexually transmitted diseases across Europe in 2022, with the number of reported cases of gonorrhea increasing by nearly half.
The number of syphilis cases increased by 34% year-on-year to more than 35,000, and the number of chlamydia cases increased by 16% to more than 216,000. The number of gonorrhea cases increased by 48% to more than 70,000 people.
“These numbers paint a grim picture, and we need to pay attention and take immediate action,” ECDC Director Andrea Ammon said at a press conference about the data.
What infectious disease experts want you to know as syphilis cases surge in the U.S.
Untreated sexually transmitted infections can lead to a variety of health problems, including chronic pain, infertility, and, in the case of syphilis, neurological and cardiovascular complications.
The ECDC said cases of venereal lymphogranuloma (LGV) and congenital syphilis, which is transmitted from mother to fetus, are also rapidly increasing, although at low levels.
A couple kisses next to a bonfire at Poniente Beach in Gijon, Spain on June 24, 2017. According to ECDC data, sexually transmitted infections are rapidly increasing in Europe, due to both increased testing and the risk of sex. (Reuters/Eloy Alonso/File photo)
The incidence of sexually transmitted infections has been rising for years in many countries, including Europe, but with most governments enforcing social distancing measures and people staying home and reporting rates declining, the rate of coronavirus infections has declined. stalled due to the pandemic.
ECDC said there are a number of reasons behind the sustained increase, including increased surveillance, increased at-home testing and increased risky sexual behavior.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The latest data showing a sharp rise in infections among heterosexual young people, especially young women, may be due to changes in sexual behavior after the pandemic, the EU agency said.
He said there was no evidence yet that the increase in gonorrhea infections was due to antibiotic resistance, but said he would continue to monitor the situation. Ammon said this number was likely “the tip of the iceberg” as many infections go undetected.
He said European countries need to focus on testing, treatment and prevention efforts, and individuals need to take steps to protect themselves, especially the use of condoms.
