The number of sexually transmitted infections in Ireland has almost doubled since Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, new figures have revealed.
According to the Health Protections Surveillance Centre, 4,793 cases of of STIs were detected in the first 13 weeks of this year.
By contrast, in the same period last year, there were just over 2,400 cases. This constitutes a 95% jump – almost double last year’s figure.
The most common infection recorded was chlamydia. However, gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, HIV and more are also on the rise, showing an increase across the board.
While some increase is to be expected with the return of nightlife and hospitality, STIs have been surging for years in Ireland, long before Covid-19 restrictions came into effect.
Surge in STDs as 8,000 new cases of chlamydia diagnosed https://t.co/7EbFOTXfHV pic.twitter.com/SNRJMNVtS9
— Irish Independent (@Independent_ie) March 11, 2019
In 2019, the HSE reported that there had been an 99% increase in syphilis cases in Ireland in 5 years.
#DidYouKnow that there has been a 88% increase in syphilis cases in Ireland over the last 5 years? Remember to get tested regularly! https://t.co/81qOXKaAgD #respectprotectgettested pic.twitter.com/O97IYFbYFs
— HSE Sexual Wellbeing (@_respectprotect) April 29, 2019
According to the HSE, the majority of STI cases are detected in males. 2,262 cases this year have been in men, with 1,508 confirmed in women.