5,160 sexual transmitted infections recorded in first three months of 2026

More than 5,160 cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were recorded in Ireland in the first 13 weeks of the year, 293 more than the same period last year.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) tracks viral infections weekly, with special reports on STIs as well.

Between January 5 and April 4, the HPSC received 5,165 notifications of STIs, averaging about 397 cases per week and 56 per day.

Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis are the most common viral infections so far this year.

When broken down further, HPSC data shows chlamydia is responsible for just over half of Ireland’s STIs. There have been 2,723 cases of the infection recorded in those 13 weeks so far. Compared to the same time period last year, this, however, is only an 8% increase, as figures sat at 2,524 cases.

Of the 10 STIs tracked by the HPSC, two have also seen an increase in virality. Gonorrhoea (1,455 cases, up 10.81%) and trichomoniasis (108 cases, up 47.95%) have all seen rises.

However, four infections have seen decreases, including genital herpes, with only 481 cases reported in the first 13 weeks of the year, marking it down by 6.6%. HIV was also down by 18.88%, with only 159 cases reported, while syphilis was down by 0.46%.

HIV notifications in the report represent the first time each individual has a positive HIV test in Ireland. This will include people who have their first positive HIV test ever, and those who are living with HIV, having previously had a positive HIV test outside of Ireland.

The HPSC also provide a breakdown of STIs by both location and age groups.

HSE Dublin and Midlands (which consists of Longford, Westmeath, Offaly, Laois, Kildare, West Wicklow, and parts of South Dublin) recorded the highest number of STIs so far, with 809 cases.

Cork and Kerry are responsible for a combined 203 cases for the first 13 weeks of the year.

Meanwhile, there were 1,348 STI cases recorded for those between the ages of 20 and 24. There were also four cases reported in the 0-14 age group.

The HSE provides free home STI testing kits to anyone 17 or older in Ireland through its SH:24 service.