The Norwegian Institute of Public Health is reporting (computer translated) increases in the number of gonorrhea and syphilis cases once again in 2018, particularly in men who have sex with men (MSM).
The increase in gonorrhea and syphilis among MSM is worrying, says senior advisor Øivind Nilsen at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
In the 1990s, an average of 30 gonorrhea cases were detected annually in MSM. The figures for this group have increased tenfold over the last ten years, from 98 cases in 2008 to 1017 cases in 2018.
Regarding syphilis, cases among MSM has increased from 2005 to 2018, from 17 to 205 cases.
“Behavioral change, consistent condom use and frequent testing are needed to succeed in reducing the incidence of gonorrhea, syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections in people who are at risk,” says Nilsen.
The situation in Norway follows an international trend where gonorrhea increases in many countries.
In 2018, a total of 1658 gonorrhea cases were reported in Norway against 1399 cases in 2017. Of the disease cases, 1354 men and 304 women. Of the men, 1017 were homosexually infected, 335 were heterosexually infected, and for two men sexual practices were unknown.
The increase in the number of illnesses occurs not only among MSM, but also among heterosexuals, especially women.
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Østfold, Oslo, Oppland, Rogaland and Sogn og Fjordane are the counties where the increase in gonorrhea in 2018 is seen particularly.
The situation in Norway follows an international trend where gonorrhea increases in many countries.
In 2018, 231 cases of syphilis were reported against 223 cases in 2017. Of the reported cases in 2018, 205 homosexuals were infected and 26 were heterosexually infected. 60 per cent of those infected live in Oslo.
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