The number of sexually transmitted infections in the Netherlands increased by 17% in 2015, according to new figures released by the public health institute RIVM.

The increase was in spite of a 3% fall in the number of people being tested, as a result of fewer consultations being held because of budget cuts, NOS reported.

Cases of syphilis increased by 27% to 942, while there were 17% more cases of gonorrhoea (5,391) and 5% more chlamydia infections. The latter remains the most common STI, with 18,585 recorded cases in 2015.

New HIV infections fell by 11% to 288, while genital warts and herpes were also less common.

People at high risk of contracting an STI are eligible for free tests at their local GGD-affiliated health centre.