The Swiss voice in the world since 1935
Top stories
Stay in touch with Switzerland

Syphilis cases on the rise in Switzerland

syphilis
Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics if caught early. © Keystone / Gaetan Bally

Switzerland has seen cases of syphilis almost double in the last decade. After being nearly eliminated, the oldest known sexually transmitted disease is making a comeback in many countries.

In response to a request from the Swiss dailyExternal linkBlick on Tuesday, the Federal Office of Public Health confirmed that the number of reported cases of syphilis increased from 616 in 2013 to 1,056 in 2022.

The same trend can be seen in several other developed countries. In the US, cases surged by 32% between 2020 and 2021 to reach the highest number of reported incidences in 70 years. In 2022, the UK saw syphilis cases reach their highest levelExternal link since 1948.

Considered the oldest sexually transmitted disease, syphilis was thought to be on the verge of being eliminated around 15-20 years ago, according to the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

There is no single explanation at the moment for the rise in cases. Some experts suggest that poor investment in public health and lax attitudes towards safe sex after decades of campaigning during the height of the HIV era are partly to blame. “There is a lack of information, especially among younger adults who have not experienced the first HIV prevention campaigns,” writesExternal link the City Hospital Zurich.

The disease is spread through direct contact with lesions on the skin that can form in the genital region or in the mouth. An increased risk of infection exists mainly for men who have sex with men, for persons with numerous different sexual partners and in the context of prostitution, writesExternal link the Swiss public health office.

Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics if caught early. However, people often don’t get tested because the disease progresses in the early stages without symptoms.  

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

A live scarecrow competition to thrill Denens (VD)

More

Live scarecrow competition set to thrill Swiss

This content was published on The Fête de l'Epouvantail (scarecrow festival) is celebrating its 30th anniversary and returns to Denens in canton Vaud for its seventh edition from July 10-20.

Read more: Live scarecrow competition set to thrill Swiss
Man dies in accident on toboggan run in Matten near Interlaken BE

More

Man dies on Swiss toboggan run

This content was published on A 35-year-old man has died in a work accident at the valley station of the Heimwehfluh toboggan run in Matten near Interlaken, canton Bern.

Read more: Man dies on Swiss toboggan run
The Swiss embassy in Tehran reopens

More

Swiss embassy in Tehran re-opens

This content was published on The Swiss embassy in Tehran re-opened on Sunday after being closed on June 20 owing to the unstable situation in the country.

Read more: Swiss embassy in Tehran re-opens
Queen of the Netherlands attends European Championship match in Lucerne

More

Euro 2025: Dutch queen cheers on team in Lucerne

This content was published on Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and her youngest daughter Princess Ariane attended the Netherlands' women's European Championship football match against Wales in Switzerland on Saturday.

Read more: Euro 2025: Dutch queen cheers on team in Lucerne
30-year-old charged with drone flight at Women's European Championships

More

Man charged with flying drone at women’s Euro 2025

This content was published on A man flew a drone around the venue on Wednesday evening during the first match of the Women's EURO 2025 in St. Gallen. The 30-year-old violated the absolute ban on flying during match days. He was reported to the police.

Read more: Man charged with flying drone at women’s Euro 2025
257 Swiss companies are members of the SBTi

More

More than 250 Swiss companies sign CO2 reduction initiative

This content was published on A total of 257 companies from Switzerland have signed up to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). In doing so, they are committing to CO2 reduction targets that are compatible with the Paris Climate Agreement.

Read more: More than 250 Swiss companies sign CO2 reduction initiative

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR