Latest figures show fall in cases of some STIs in Scotland

The number of Scots confirmed as having infectious syphilis fell last year – having previously reached its highest total for a decade in 2023.

There were 564 cases of the disease – which the NHS says can cause serious and potentially life-threatening problems – in that year, but the total fell to 523 last year.

Public Health Scotland said 84% of cases in 2024 were amongst the gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (GBMSM) community.

It published data on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on Tuesday which also showed there were 14 diagnoses of mpox – which was previously known as monkeypox – in 2024.

This was up from two cases the previous year, but well down on the 97 recorded in 2022.

Over the period 2022 to 2024, almost two-fifths (38%) of cases of this were in those aged 30 to 39, Public Health Scotland said, while almost all (95%) were diagnosed in the GBMSM community.

Meanwhile 13 individuals diagnosed with mpox over the three years had visited the Spanish island of Gran Canaria in the three weeks prior to showing symptoms of the disease.

The data also showed there were 11,725 cases of chlamydia confirmed in Scotland last year – down from 13,414 in 2023.

There were also 4,534 gonorrhoea diagnoses in Scotland, down from 5,991 in 2023.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are pleased to see a reduction in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in this data, alongside an increase in testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

“We are not complacent, however, and levels of STIs still remain high with some age and demographic groups disproportionately affected, and we are continuing to work with local health partners to ensure that testing and other sexual health services are accessible to all who need them.

“To support the prevention of gonorrhoea, we are funding a new innovative vaccine programme for gay and bisexual men at highest risk.

“This will be offered in sexual health clinics, during routine or existing  appointments and will not only reduce individual risk but help to curb community transmission – easing pressure on NHS services.”