Syphilis cases in England have surged to their highest level since 1948, as reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Last year, there were 9,513 diagnoses of infectious syphilis.
The majority of these cases were identified among gay and bisexual men. However, the UKHSA noted a more significant proportional increase in diagnoses among heterosexual men and women.
In 2023, there were 1,958 cases reported among heterosexual individuals, marking a 22% rise from the 1,608 cases in 2022. For gay and bisexual men, the number of cases climbed by 7% to 6,527 between 2022 and 2023.
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The latest statistics on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in England also reveal a record number of gonorrhoea cases. In 2023, 85,223 cases were documented, the highest number since record-keeping began in 1918. Overall, the data shows 401,800 new STI cases were diagnosed in 2023, reflecting a 4.7% increase from 2022. Chlamydia was responsible for nearly half of these cases, with 194,970 diagnoses.
The UKHSA highlighted that the impact of STIs remains most significant among young people aged 15 to 24, gay men, and certain minority ethnic groups.
Dr. Hamish Mohammed, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, emphasized the health risks posed by STIs regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. He advised consistent and correct use of condoms with new or casual partners to reduce the risk of infection.
Dr. Mohammed also pointed out that the NHS offers free and confidential STI testing to detect and prevent the spread of infections.
The Local Government Association (LGA) responded to the rising STI figures by calling for the next government to implement a 10-year sexual health strategy. Representing councils responsible for commissioning sexual health services, the LGA stressed the need for a long-term plan to prevent and treat infections.
David Fothergill of the LGA stated that councils aim to encourage more people, particularly those in hard-to-reach communities, to visit local sexual health clinics. He noted that sexual health services are under increasing pressure due to rising demand, underscoring the necessity for a well-funded and resourced strategy to combat infection rates and ensure sustainable service provision.
