Overview

• UK Health Security Agency data reveal 14 cases of ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea in January–May 2025 compared with 13 in all of 2024.
• Six of the 14 infections this year were extensively drug-resistant, showing resistance to both ceftriaxone and second-line treatments.
• Most drug-resistant cases are linked to travel to or from the Asia-Pacific region, where ceftriaxone resistance is widespread.
• Syphilis diagnoses increased in 2024 as chlamydia reports fell by 13%, placing added strain on England’s sexual health services.
• The Local Government Association warns of unprecedented demand for specialist care and is urging the government to boost funding for sexual health services.