August 22, 2007

Gonorrhea Rates in North Idaho Reach an All-Time High

Gonorrhea Rates in North Idaho Reach an All-Time High

Hayden-The frequency of gonorrhea in Idaho's five northern counties has reached an all-time high, increasing by 300 percent this year over the average number of cases in the five previous years.

    "The numbers are alarming," said Donna Marshall-Holden, Sexually Transmitted Disease/HIV Coordinator for the Panhandle Health District (PHD).

    Gonorrhea is a reportable, bacteria-caused disease spread through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. Last year, nine cases were reported in the five northern counties. This year to date, 25 cases over a wide age range in the same region have been reported.

    The problem is not unique to northern Idaho. The Spokane Regional Health District is reporting a 64 percent increase in gonorrhea rates in Spokane County.

    In northern Idaho, 84 percent of the cases are in people 18 to 34 years old and 25 percent of those infected also are infected with Chlamydia, another bacteria-caused sexually transmitted disease.

    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.

    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. Marshall-Holden advises anyone with this symptom to seek medical help; the infection will not go away on its own.

    Marshall-Holden cautions that multiple casual relationships are risky for infection; mutually monogamous relationships are safer. She advises people to use a condom and require that new partners are tested for gonorrhea. Testing is available at the Panhandle Health District and doctors' offices.

    In response to the rapidly rising number of cases, PHD is alerting physicians so they can have increased vigilance and awareness when caring for their patients. PHD also is working to get out the word to the community at large.

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

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