Cyprus recorded 93 syphilis cases in 2024, a significant increase on previous years, as new European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) data published on Thursday shows sexually transmitted infections rising sharply across Europe.
Cyprus also recorded 22 chlamydia cases and 21 gonorrhoea cases in 2024, according to the ECDC figures. No congenital syphilis cases were recorded in Cyprus in 2024, though two cases were identified in 2022, a reminder that the risk remains present.
Experts note that relatively low figures in small countries such as Cyprus may not fully reflect the true picture, given the role of testing rates, access to testing and case reporting.
Across Europe, the ECDC reports paint a concerning picture. Chlamydia remains the most common sexually transmitted infection in Europe, with more than 213,000 confirmed cases recorded in 2024. The 20-to-24 age group shows the highest rates, and experts note that actual prevalence is likely higher as many patients remain asymptomatic and are never tested.
Gonorrhoea figures are more alarming. Europe recorded more than 106,000 cases in 2024, a record for recent years, representing an increase of more than 300% compared with levels a decade ago. The ECDC warned that growing antimicrobial resistance could significantly complicate treatment in the future if the situation continues to worsen.
Syphilis also continues to rise across Europe, with more than 45,000 cases recorded in 2024. Experts note the disease is no longer confined to specific high-risk groups but is spreading to the general population, including heterosexual men and women.
Congenital syphilis — where infection is transmitted from mother to foetus during pregnancy — is a particular concern. European cases nearly tripled over the past decade, a trend experts link to delayed diagnosis, inadequate prenatal screening and insufficient healthcare access for some groups.
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), a rarer but serious form of chlamydial infection, is also on the rise, with cases concentrated mainly among men who have sex with men.
Experts describe the situation across Europe as resembling a silent epidemic, particularly among younger age groups and populations with higher sexual mobility.
The ECDC is calling on member states to strengthen prevention, awareness and early diagnosis programmes, with particular focus on young people, vulnerable groups and pregnant women, and to intensify sexual health programmes and epidemiological surveillance.