UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports rise in syphilis cases in East Midlands

People have been urged to practise safe sex after an increase in cases of syphilis in the region.

New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed 375 cases were diagnosed in the East Midlands in 2024, slightly up from 372 cases the previous year.

However, there had been a decrease in cases of gonorrhoea, genital warts and chlamydia over the same time period.

The UKHSA recommends using condoms with new and casual partners to reduce the risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI), as well as regular testing.

Testing is free and confidential at local sexual health clinics, university and college medical centres or online through self-sampling kits sent through the post.

The agency says that despite the declines in some STIs, cases still remain high and continue to significantly impact young people aged 15 to 24, as well as gay and bisexual men, and some minority ethnic groups.

STIs are usually easily treated with antibiotics, but many can cause serious health issues if left untreated.

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, while syphilis can cause serious, irreversible and potentially life-threatening problems with your brain, heart, or nerves.

Susanne Howes, consultant in health protection at UKHSA East Midlands, said: “It’s great that we are seeing lower numbers of some STI cases in the East Midlands, but people can do more to protect themselves.

“We recommend getting tested, even if you don’t have symptoms for STIs and HIV, at least yearly if you’ve had condomless sex with new or casual partners – either in the UK or overseas.

“Regular testing protects both you and those you're having sex with.

“The symptoms of some STIs, including syphilis, aren't always obvious and may eventually disappear, but you'll usually remain infected unless you get treated. Some people with syphilis have no symptoms.”

Symptoms of syphilis can include:

- small, painless sores or ulcers that typically appear on the penis, vagina, or around the anus, but can occur in other places such as the mouth

- a blotchy red rash that often affects the palms of the hands or soles of the feet

- small skin growths (similar to genital warts) that may develop on the vulva in women or around the anus in both men and women

- white patches in the mouth

- tiredness, headaches, joint pains, a high temperature (fever), and swollen glands in your neck, groin or armpits

Treatment is free, confidential and highly effective.