Trending Now - Europe Sees Unprecedented Surge in Gonorrhoea and Syphilis Cases

WHO:

BBC - Bruno Ciancio is the head of the agency's Directly Transmitted and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases unit.

WHAT:

BBC - Gonorrhoea and syphilis cases have reached record levels in Europe.

BBC - The surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is attributed to record cases and gaps in testing and prevention.

WHY:

BBC - The increase in STIs is linked to gaps in testing and prevention efforts.

HOW:

BBC - The infections can cause severe complications, including chronic pain and infertility, and in the case of syphilis, problems with the heart or nervous system.

(UPDATED May 21, 2026 14:06 UTC)

Bruno Ciancio, who heads the Directly Transmitted and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases unit, has reported that gonorrhoea and syphilis cases have reached record levels in Europe. This alarming surge in sexually transmitted infections is largely attributed to significant gaps in testing and prevention efforts. The infections can lead to severe complications, including chronic pain and infertility, and syphilis can even cause serious issues with the heart or nervous system.