As of: February 28, 2024, 7:28 a.m
By: Elisa Buhrke
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Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that initially causes ulcers and is extremely contagious.
The number of new infections has recently increased significantly in Munich.
Munich - The incidence of syphilis infections in Munich has reached a new record high: This is according to a report from the Robert Koch Institute dated February 15, 2024.
Accordingly, 38.9 people per 100,000 inhabitants in the Bavarian capital were infected in 2022.
But the numbers also shot up in other major cities after the end of the pandemic.
Infectious disease syphilis: high increase in cases in Munich and Bavaria
Nationwide, the incidence was ten cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
According to the RKI's reporting data, the worst hotspot in Germany was in Cologne - with an incidence of 42.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
But Berlin (41.3) and Frankfurt (27.8) were also severely affected - as was the Franconian metropolis of Nuremberg (29.2).
Bavaria also had another record to record: it was the state with the highest increase in incidence compared to the previous year, at 52.5 percent.
Syphilis (syphilis): what is it?
Syphilis is a disease caused by bacteria that is transmitted through sexual contact, blood or from mother to child.
It typically progresses in three stages: primary (usually painless ulcer), secondary stage (general symptoms, skin signs) and tertiary stage (years after the initial infection, damage to the central nervous system and blood vessels).
Symptom-free phases (latency) occur.
Individuals are infectious during the primary and secondary stages and early latency.
Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics, but repeated infections are possible.
Source: Robert Koch Institute
The infectious disease syphilis (also known as syphilis), which is transmitted sexually and through blood contact, has been subject to reporting since the Infection Protection Act came into force in 2001.
According to RKI data, the number of reported cases has increased almost continuously since 2010.
There was only a significant drop in 2020 (nationwide incidence 8.9) and 2021 (8.1) - probably also due to the severe contact restrictions as a result of the pandemic.
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Who is primarily affected by a syphilis infection
Homosexual men or men who have sex with other men are particularly affected by syphilis infection.
According to the RKI, this was the most common route of infection.
The 25 to 49 age group was particularly affected.
However, the proportion of women in reported syphilis cases was only 5.6 percent in 2022.
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According to the RKI, the incidence of syphilis infections in Munich was higher than ever in 2022.
© IMAGO/xSatyrenkox
The Austrian Ministry of Health informs on its website that one of the most effective protective measures to reduce the risk of a syphilis infection is to use condoms during sexual intercourse.
It continues: “If you want to further reduce the risk of infection, you can also use condoms during oral sex.
If ulcers and weeping areas of skin are visible on the sexual partner's body, they should not be touched." However, syphilis can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics - especially if "the infection is detected early."