Rise in Norfolk and Suffolk gonorrhoea and syphilis cases

It comes as gonorrhoea cases hit a record high in England, while the number of syphilis diagnoses has reached the highest level since just after the Second World War.

Figures from the UK Health Security Agency show 515 cases of gonorrhoea were recorded in Norfolk in 2022, an increase of 290 on the year before when there were 225.

In 2012, there were 141 cases in Norfolk.

Last year, 74 syphilis cases were also recorded – up from 49 in 2021.

Across England, infectious syphilis diagnoses increased to 8,692 in 2022, the largest annual number since 1948.

Cllr Bill Borrett is concerned by the new figures of STI cases in the region (Image: Newsquest)

Bill Borrett, North Norfolk Council's cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “We are concerned by these figures, which reflect the national rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) since the Covid pandemic.

"STIs are of course preventable if people consider their sexual health and practice safe sex, but untreated can cause serious health issues.

"Condoms are the best way to prevent infection, for people under 24 they are free and can be accessed using the national C-card scheme [a scheme for young people to access free contraception].

"It is also vital that people are diagnosed swiftly and we have always encouraged people to come forward if they have had unprotected sex with a new or casual partner."

While Suffolk also saw a rise in cases of gonorrhoea, but a drop in syphilis cases.

Gonorrhoea figures have soared across England (Image: PA)

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iCaSH Norfolk has three sites, Oak Street Norwich (pictured), Breydon Clinic in Great Yarmouth and Vancouver House in King's Lynn - their service provides contraception, treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HIV care and treatment or advice (Image: Google)

New figures from the UK Health Security Agency show 293 cases of gonorrhoea were recorded in Suffolk, an increase of 94 on the year before, when there were 199.

In 2012, there were 105 cases.

Last year, 47 syphilis cases were also recorded – down from 52 in 2021.

A Suffolk County Council spokesperson said: “We are seeing a rise in the incidence of syphilis and gonorrhoea in Suffolk, as we are seeing regionally and nationally.

"We are working closely with our regional partners and Cambridgeshire Community Services to monitor the situation in the East of England and encourage regular testing.”