The UK Health Security Agency South West , which covers Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Dorset, revealed cases of gonorrhoea and syphilisa mong people aged 15 to 24 have increased
An urgent health warning has been issued for young people after a rise in cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis in two key UK regions.
The UK Health Security Agency South West , which covers Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Dorset, revealed cases among people aged 15 to 24 have increased. According to the most recent data, there were 51 cases of syphilis in 2023 – a rise of 24% in 2022 – and 2,403 cases of gonorrhoea – an increase of 24.4% – over the same period. A drop in cases of chlamydia, herpes, and genital warts has led to an overall decrease in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The data showed in England in 2023 there were 1,040 new cases of syphilis and 29,880 cases of gonorrhoea among 15-to-24-year-olds, compared to 1,000 and 30,007 in 2022 respectively.
There were also 4,617 cases of genital warts and 104,107 cases of chlamydia among the age group last year, compared to 5,299 and 108,752 the year prior. However, health officials have warned cases “remain high and young people are urged not to be complacent”. The agency said STIs could easily spread and those aged 15 to 24 are at risk as they are more likely to have more frequent partner changes.
University students are urged by health officials to use condoms when having sex amid high rates of gonorrhoea and syphilis among young people. Young people heading to university are advised use protection when having sex, get tested if seeing a new partner and access local sexual health services.
Mark McNally, the agency’s sexual health facilitator for the South West, said: “If you’re having sex with someone new, or someone more casually, don’t forget to use a condom. With higher STI rates in young people, having sex without a condom can increase your chances of an infection like, chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Getting tested regularly will also help detect any infections quickly and protect your own and your partners health.”
Laura Domegan, head of nursing at Brook sexual health clinics, said freshers’ week is “always a good time” for young people to consider their sexual health. She added: “This year it is particularly important, given the recent increase in diagnoses of several STIs, particularly among young people.”
Katy Sinka, head of STIs at UKHSA, said: “If you’re having sex with someone new, or someone more casually, don’t forget to use a condom. With higher STI rates in young people, having sex without a condom can increase your chances of an infection like chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Getting tested regularly will also help detect any infections quickly and protect your own and your partner’s health.”
