“This surge is shocking,” Andrea Ammon said. (representative)
Stockholm:
A “disturbing” surge in sexually transmitted infections across Europe may be just the “tip of the iceberg,” the European Union’s health agency said on Thursday.
According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), reported cases of gonorrhea in the EU and EEA regions increased by 48% in 2022 compared with the previous year, reaching 70,881 cases, while syphilis cases increased by 34%, to more than 35,391 cases. ).
Chlamydia cases increased 16% to 216,508 in the 27 countries covered by the agency.
“This surge is alarming and disturbing,” ECDC Director Andrea Ammon told a news conference.
“While these numbers are large, they likely represent only the tip of the iceberg, as surveillance data may underestimate the true burden,” Amon said. He explained that this is due to differences in testing practices and access to sexual health in different countries. difference. .
The agency also warned in a statement that while chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are treatable, they can still cause serious health complications if left untreated.
“These increases are a significant health concern and demonstrate the urgent need for enhanced prevention strategies and comprehensive health education,” Ammon said.
Amon stressed that “testing, treatment and prevention” are the keys to dealing with the surge.
“The rising incidence of sexually transmitted infections in Europe requires our immediate attention and coordinated action. By prioritizing testing, treatment and prevention, we can reverse this trend,” Amon said.
The ECDC also warned of a “significant increase” in cases of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and congenital syphilis (caused by mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy).
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