Italy sees sharp rise in sexually transmitted infections in 2024

The Italian Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità) reported almost 8,000 sexually transmitted infection (STI) cases in 2024, a 12 % increase over 2023. Chlamydia infections rose 41.5 % overall, with a 61.2 % increase among men who have sex with men (MSM) and the highest prevalence in the 15‑24 age group. Gonorrhea reached a historic peak of 1,555 cases, an 84 % rise since 2021. Syphilis (stage I‑II) notifications grew 16 % between 2021 and 2024, with 695 cases reported in 2024, 73.3 % among MSM. Monkeypox cases totaled 59 from June 2023 to December 2024, 91.5 % in MSM. Among 4,981 people tested for HIV in the context of an STI, 599 were positive (12 % prevalence).

Experts warned that “the trend of STI infections is concerning, we must act on several levels” (Anna Teresa Palamara, head of the Infectious Diseases Department at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità). They called for early diagnosis, wider vaccine use (HPV, hepatitis), and better public information to curb the upward trajectory.