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2 clusters · 4 sources · 6 days · First seen · Last updated

Italy STI surge 2024‑2026

Overview

Italian health authorities reported a sharp increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in recent years. Data for 2024 showed almost 8,000 cases, a 12 % rise from the previous year, driven by a 41.5 % jump in chlamydia, an 84 % surge in gonorrhea since 2021, and a 16 % rise in syphilis. The highest prevalence was among men who have sex with men (MSM) and people aged 15‑24, with notable monkeypox cases concentrated in the MSM community.

The upward trend continued into 2025 and the first half of 2026. Nationwide STI diagnoses kept climbing, and in Parma alone 94 cases were recorded in early 2026, mirroring the national pattern. Syphilis cases, once near‑eradicated, rose again, including rare ocular syphilis incidents. A dedicated STI clinic in Parma, operating since 2024, has already served 670 patients with screening and counseling.

Officials stress the need for stronger prevention measures, expanded screening, comprehensive sexual education, and wider vaccine use to curb the silent spread of infections that often present without symptoms.

Entities

Aziende Sanitarie di Parma · Luca Sacchelli · Anna Teresa Palamara · Sergio Lo Caputo · Parma

Timeline

  1. 14 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Italy reports surge in sexually transmitted infections, Parma cases rise

    Italy sees a rise in STIs, with Parma reporting 96 cases in 2025 and 94 in early 2026; syphilis cases are increasing, prompting expanded clinic services and prevention efforts.

  2. 20 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Italy sees sharp rise in sexually transmitted infections in 2024

    In 2024 Italy recorded nearly 8,000 STI cases, a 12 % rise, with chlamydia up 41.5 %, gonorrhea hitting a historic peak, and increases in syphilis and monkeypox, prompting calls for early diagnosis and stronger

Sources

dazebaonews.it · lapresse.it · panoramasanita.it · parmadaily.it