Dangerous Gonorrhea Strain Spreading in Europe. What About Israel?

Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea is spreading across Europe. Israel has seen a 281% increase in cases over two years. Doctors warn of shrinking treatment options and a potential epidemic outbreak.

Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea is spreading across Europe. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the number of cases has been rising since 2025. Significant increases have been reported in France, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. In Israel, cases surged 281% from 460 in 2023 to 1,755 in 2025. Dr. Roy Zucker, an infectious disease specialist, notes that the main problem is growing resistance to treatment. While gonorrhea was once treated with pills, the only option now is injections of the antibiotic ceftriaxone. Israel has not yet seen significant resistance to ceftriaxone, but its emergence is only a matter of time. The primary route for resistant strains entering Europe is from Southeast Asia. However, new data show that resistant strains are already being transmitted within Europe. The ECDC warns of a potential epidemic outbreak. In 2024, Europe recorded over 106,330 gonorrhea cases—a record high. The meningitis B vaccine, once hoped to be effective, has proven ineffective against gonorrhea. Key preventive measures include condom use and timely testing.