Why are syphilis cases rising — and how serious is the current situation in Europe?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Treponema pallidum. Recent public health data show increasing case numbers across parts of Europe. In this episode, we explain what this rise means, how syphilis progresses, and when testing is essential.

You’ll learn:

• Why syphilis rates have increased, including changes in testing, reporting, and sexual health behaviours

• The stages of syphilis: primary (painless ulcer), secondary (rash, systemic symptoms), latent, and tertiary disease

• How untreated infection can affect the nervous system, heart, and other organs

• The importance of early diagnosis to prevent long-term complications

• How syphilis is diagnosed through blood testing and clinical assessment

• Why prompt antibiotic treatment is effective when infection is confirmed

• When testing is recommended after unprotected sex or new sexual partners

• Situations where antibiotic requests may be declined without appropriate testing

We also discuss partner notification and prevention strategies.

This episode complements our full clinical guide:

SCARY NEWS ABOUT SYPHILIS

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/scary-news-about-syphilis

Mobi Doctor provides online medical consultations across Europe. Testing and treatment decisions are based on individual risk assessment and established clinical guidelines.