Cases of syphilis have increased by almost a third in the first six months of this year when compared to the same period last year, new figures show.

STI cases are rising globally, with Ireland seeing a “significant increase” in the past year when compared with pre-pandemic levels.

According to the most recent figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), up to June 29th, incidence of syphilis is up 31 per cent, from 413 cases in the first six months of 2023, to 544 during the same period this year.

The number of cases of HIV has also increased by 27 per cent, with 548 diagnosed this year so far — an increase on the 431 during that time last year.

Derek Freedman, a consultant in STIs and HIV, said there are a “variety of reasons” why STIs are increasing, including a post-Covid increase in sexual activity, travel, migration, dating apps and the availability of anti-HIV medication called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

“People on PrEP know they are protected from HIV but they forget about the other possible infections,” he added.