May 17, 2007

Gonorrhea on the rise in northern Idaho

Hayden, ID - The number of gonorrhea cases in the five northern counties has surpassed in the first six months of 2007 the number of cases in all of 2006. Panhandle Health District (PHD) registered nurses are encouraging safe sexual habits to halt the spread of the sexually transmitted disease (STD).

    Gonorrhea is a reportable, bacteria-caused disease spread through unprotected contact with sexual organs. Last year, nine cases were reported in the five northern counties. This year to date, 12 cases over a wide age range have been reported in the same region.

    "It's alarming," said Donna Holden, a PHD registered nurse. "We want people to be safe."

    Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics. However, the bacteria is showing growing resistance to antibiotics. A yellow-gray discharge from sexual organs is an early sign of infection. Holden advises anyone with this symptom to seek medical help; the infection will not go away on its own.

    Gonorrhea-infected pregnant women can pass the infection to their babies during the birth process. Infected babies are at risk for blindness, joint infection and life-threatening blood infections. Immediate treatment after the pregnant woman is diagnosed reduces the risk to the baby. Two of the 12 reported cases in the five northern counties this year were pregnant women.

    In women, untreated gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which may lead to dangerous pregnancies and infertility. In men, untreated gonorrhea can afflict the testicles and lead to infertility. In women and men, gonorrhea can spread to the blood or joints and threaten life. It can infect throats and eyes.

    Holden cautions that multiple casual sexual relationships are risky for infection; mutually monogamous relationships are safer. She advises people to test a new partner for gonorrhea and use a condom to protect themselves. Testing is available at the Panhandle Health District and doctors' offices.

    "Multiple partners put you at greater risk for an STD," Holden said.

    For information on gonorrhea, call Donna Holden at 415-5298.

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