Syphilis Cases In Europe Are On The Rise

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 21:10

The cases of syphilis in Europe are exploding… The highly contagious bacterial infection is experiencing a strong resurgence after having ravaged the Old Continent for several centuries. After decreasing between 2007 and 2010, the number of cases detected is now up by 70%.

It is confirmed, the cases of syphilis in Europe are experiencing a sharp increase

According to a recent report from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, syphilis cases in Europe are currently experiencing a sharp resurgence. After decreasing between 2007 and 2010, the number of cases recorded in 2017 reached 33,000. For the first time since the early 2000s, European countries recorded more cases of syphilis than HIV.

It is important to stress that not all countries are affected in the same way and that some are in a more worrying situation than others. The most affected are Iceland, Germany, Ireland, Malta and England. In Iceland, the number of cases of syphilis increased eightfold between 2010 and 2017. As regards Ireland, the United Kingdom and Germany, the increase is respectively: + 224%; + 153%; + 144%. As for France, the number of new cases remains high, but relatively stable since 2016 with 1,748 new cases in 2017.

The increase in syphilis cases in Europe, as well as in other countries around the world, is the result of several factors, including sex without a condom and multiple sexual partners. It is especially men who have homosexual relations who are the most affected. However, the number of infected women has been decreasing since 2007. To reverse the trend, it is essential to use condoms consistently with new partners and occasional ones. Regular testing for syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections is also necessary. Unfortunately, syphilis can also be transmitted by direct contact, from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, as well as through oral sex.