Bulgaria is among the countries with the highest number of congenital syphilis cases in the EU, as sexually transmitted infections reach record levels in Europe

Bacterial sexually transmitted infections in Europe have reached their highest levels in more than a decade, and Bulgaria is among the countries with the highest number of registered cases of congenital syphilis in the European Union. This is shown by new data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Euronews reports.

According to the European health agency, cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and congenital syphilis have continued to rise over the past 10 years, reaching record values in 2024.

“Sexually transmitted infections have been increasing for 10 years and reached historically high levels in 2024,” stated Bruno Ciancio, Head of the Surveillance Unit at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

He warns that untreated infections can lead to serious complications, including chronic pain and infertility, and in the case of syphilis, damage to the heart and nervous system.

In 2024, 106,331 cases of gonorrhea were reported in Europe—a 303% increase compared to 2015. Syphilis cases reached 45,577, which is more than double the increase for the same period.

Chlamydia remains the most frequently reported sexually transmitted disease with 213,443 cases.

Gonorrhea reaches an all-time high

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports that gonorrhea levels in 2024 are the highest since monitoring began in 2009.

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that often presents without symptoms, especially in women. This can lead to late diagnosis, complications, and continued transmission.

Between 2023 and 2024 alone, cases increased by 4.3%.

Among men, the increase is 7.9%, with those between 25 and 34 years old being the most affected. More than half of the registered cases are among men who have sex with men.

Among women, the total number of cases decreased by 8.6%, but the highest number of infections continues to be recorded in the 20 to 24 age group.

Experts warn that high levels of gonorrhea in women of reproductive age are a serious concern due to the risk of complications affecting reproductive health.

The highest levels of the disease in 2024 were reported in Ireland, Malta, Iceland, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Spain.

Bulgaria among the countries with the most cases of congenital syphilis

The trend in congenital syphilis—an infection transmitted from a pregnant woman to the fetus during pregnancy—is particularly alarming.

According to the data, the number of cases has reached its highest values since 2009 and has almost doubled compared to the previous year.

Between 2015 and 2024, Bulgaria was the country with the highest number of registered cases of congenital syphilis in the European Union—a total of 195.

It is followed by Portugal with 96 cases and Hungary with 91.

According to experts, the disease is entirely preventable through early detection and timely treatment during pregnancy.

The World Health Organization has set a goal to practically eliminate congenital syphilis by 2030, reducing its incidence to below one case per 100,000 live births.

The European agency recommends expanding screening programs, more active prevention among heterosexual groups, and additional testing for pregnant women during the third trimester.

Why cases are rising

According to specialists, the increase in sexually transmitted infections is due to changes in sexual behavior and riskier practices.

“Condom use is becoming increasingly rare,” commented Josep Mallolas, head of the HIV and AIDS unit at Hospital Clínic in Barcelona, who was not involved in the report.

According to him, another key factor is the increase in the number of sexual partners, especially among young people.

“This is particularly visible in adolescents and young people in their twenties,” he points out.

Experts emphasize that part of the increase can also be explained by better access to screening, more active testing, and improved case reporting systems.

In response to this alarming trend, several European countries are already expanding free testing programs and options for self-sampling.

Nevertheless, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control warns that more data and further analysis are needed to better understand why bacterial sexually transmitted infections continue to rise across different countries and population groups.