Health authorities have sounded the alarm over a notable uptick in genital herpes infections across England, with fresh figures revealing close to 29,000 first-time diagnoses recorded last year.
The UK Health Security Agency confirmed this represents a three per cent rise compared with the 27,900 cases documented in 2024.
This increase stands in stark contrast to broader trends in sexually transmitted infections, which saw an eight per cent decline during the same period.
Total STI diagnoses dropped from approximately 364,000 to 334,000, with reductions observed across chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis.
Herpes spreads through skin contact
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Experts stress herpes spreads readily through skin contact, underscoring the continued importance of regular testing.
The virus can be transmitted during vaginal, anal or oral intercourse, even in the absence of visible symptoms, and may also spread when cold sores make contact with genital areas.
Diagnosis rates fell considerably throughout the Covid pandemic, when fewer individuals sought testing services.
And although numbers have climbed steadily since restrictions lifted, they have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.
In 2019, nearly 35,000 new cases were identified across England, meaning current figures remain some way below that peak.
Despite the overall reduction in STI cases, infections continue to affect young people and gay and bisexual men at disproportionately high rates, according to the UKHSA.
The data reveals divergent patterns across demographic groups, with syphilis diagnoses among gay and bisexual men plummeting by 19 per cent to reach their lowest point since 2016.
Conversely, heterosexual women experienced a 5 per cent increase in syphilis cases over the same timeframe.
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Chlamydia remains the predominant infection, comprising nearly half of all diagnoses, followed by gonorrhoea and genital herpes.
Health officials have expressed particular concern regarding a nine per cent reduction in chlamydia testing during 2025.
Left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility complications.
Young people and men who have sex with men continue to bear a disproportionate burden of sexually transmitted infections.
Dr Hamish Mohammed, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, acknowledged progress while cautioning that further efforts are required.
"These infections can cause serious harm," he said. "If you have had sex with a new or casual partner without a condom, it's important to get tested even if you don't have symptoms."
Condom use is the most effective method for preventing transmission
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The epidemiologist highlighted the decline in chlamydia screening as a matter of particular concern.
"Sexually active young women are encouraged to test for chlamydia after sex with a new partner or annually," he added.
Condom use remains an effective method for preventing transmission of numerous sexually transmitted infections.
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