Sexual diseases register rise in Switzerland: report

The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) reported Friday that a 23 percent increase in the number of gonorrhoea cases was recorded in the confederation last year, while the number of syphilis and chlamydia cases also rose by 7 and 5 percent respectively.

Though similar to European trends, these statistics could also be the result of more efficient and frequent screenings carried out by doctors and health clinics, the agency explained.

"The introduction of a new screening test which is simpler, quicker and cheaper to carry out may have played a role in pushing doctors to declare more frequently the illness (gonorrhoea)," it explained.

Referring to the 5 percent increase in chlamydia cases, the health agency added that this could also be due to more frequent testing.

While the number of reported HIV cases remained stable, FOPH warned that preventative efforts such as encouraging the use of condoms when engaging in sexual relations with unknown partners must be continued.

According to the figures, around 20,000 people are living with HIV in Switzerland, with 538 new cases documented by authorities in 2015. Enditem