In Lithuania, recent data from the National Public Health Center (NVSC) indicates a significant rise in syphilis cases, with the incidence nearly doubling from 2.6 cases per 100,000 residents in 2023 to 4.6 cases in 2024. This rise comes after a decade-long trend where syphilis and gonorrhea rates had decreased significantly, while chlamydia rates have shown a mild increase. The public health authorities are concerned about these changing trends, suggesting that they could impact public health initiatives currently in place.

While gonorrhea rates remained relatively stable between 2022 and 2023 at 1.3 cases per 100,000, there is also an increase anticipated in 2024 with rates reaching 2.7 cases. Chlamydia is another area of concern as its incidence has consistently risen since 2020, from a rate of 6.2 cases per 100,000 in that year to an estimated 14.3 cases per 100,000 in 2024. This increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be partly attributed to a significant rise in laboratory testing, allowing for more diagnoses.

The implications of these findings are crucial for public health strategies moving forward. The increase in reported STI cases suggests a need for revitalized public health campaigns focused on awareness and prevention. As statistics for 2025 are currently being compiled, health officials emphasize the importance of continued vigilance and the potential need for new interventions to address the evolving landscape of STIs in Lithuania and Europe.