Herpes Cases Climb in England as General STI Rates Decline

Contrary to the broader trend of declining sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across England, new diagnoses of genital herpes are on the rise, according to the latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). In 2025, nearly 29,000 individuals were diagnosed with the condition, marking a 3% increase from the previous year.

This upward trajectory in herpes cases stands in stark contrast to the general STI landscape, where total diagnoses dropped by 8% over the same period. The overall number of STI cases fell from approximately 364,000 to 334,000, with significant reductions recorded in infections such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, and chlamydia.

Health officials emphasize that the increase in herpes—a highly contagious virus transmitted through skin-to-skin contact—underscores the persistent prevalence of STIs and the critical importance of regular testing. The virus can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, even in the absence of visible symptoms. Transmission can also occur if a cold sore comes into contact with the genital area.

While herpes diagnoses decreased during the pandemic due to reduced testing rates, figures have since rebounded. However, current levels remain below the peak recorded in 2019, when nearly 35,000 new cases were identified.

The UKHSA notes that despite the overall decline in STIs, rates remain disproportionately high among gay and bisexual men and young people. Trends also varied significantly across demographic groups. For instance, syphilis diagnoses among gay and bisexual men plummeted by 19%, reaching their lowest point since 2016. Conversely, syphilis cases in heterosexual women increased by 5%.

Chlamydia continues to be the most prevalent infection, representing nearly half of all STI diagnoses, followed by gonorrhoea and genital herpes.

Dr. Hamish Mohammed, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, acknowledged the progress made but cautioned that further efforts are required. “These infections can cause serious harm,” he stated. “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.”

Dr. Mohammed also highlighted concerns regarding a 9% drop in chlamydia testing in 2025. Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. He advised that sexually active young women should undergo chlamydia testing annually or after engaging in sex with a new partner.

To mitigate the spread of many STIs, condoms are recommended. The NHS provides the following guidance on how genital herpes is and is not transmitted:

How it spreads: * Through skin-to-skin contact with the infected area, including during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. * In the absence of visible sores or blisters. * If a cold sore comes into contact with the genitals. * By transferring the virus from fingers to genitals. * Through sharing sex toys with an infected individual.

How it does not spread: * The virus cannot be contracted from towels, swimming pools, saunas, or toilet seats, as these do not involve direct skin-to-skin contact.

Individuals can lower their risk of transmission by abstaining from vaginal, anal, or oral sex if either partner exhibits blisters, sores, or the tingling and itching that often precede an outbreak.

Common symptoms of STIs include unusual discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus, pain during urination, and sores around the genital or anal region. Testing for STIs is free, confidential, and available through local sexual health clinics, university and college medical centers, or via discreet self-sampling kits delivered by post.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-02 11:27:23 UTC