Stockholm:
The European Union's health agency said on Thursday there was a “worrying” rise in the number of sexually transmitted infections (STDs) across Europe, which could be just “the tip of the iceberg”.
In 2022, cases of gonorrhea rose by 48 percent, with 70,881 reported in the EU and EEA, compared to a year earlier, while cases of syphilis rose by 34 percent to over 35,391, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control control (ECDC). ).
The number of chlamydia cases rose by 16 percent to reach 216,508 in the 27 countries covered by the agency.
“This increase is both astonishing and disturbing,” ECDC Director Andrea Ammon said at a press conference.
“These numbers, as large as they are, most likely represent just the tip of the iceberg, as surveillance data may underestimate the true burden,” Ammon said, explaining that this was due to differences in testing practices and access to sexual health in the different countries. .
The agency also warned in a statement that while chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are treatable, they can still lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
“These increases pose a significant health problem and indicate an urgent need to strengthen prevention strategies and comprehensive health education,” Ammon said.
Ammon emphasized that “testing, treatment and prevention” are key to catching the wave.
“The rising rates of STDs in Europe require our immediate attention and concerted action. By prioritizing testing, treatment and prevention efforts, we can reverse the trend,” said Ammon.
The ECDC also warned that cases of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and congenital syphilis – caused by mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy – have also “substantially increased”.
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