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 tes ...