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Gonorrhea cases increasing in North Idaho |
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August 25, 2017 |
Panhandle Health District (PHD) is alerting the
public about an increase of gonorrhea cases in
North Idaho. The five northern counties have
seen a 115 percent increase in cases so far this
year, compared to the same period in 2016.
The sexually-transmitted disease (STD) is
hitting young people, ages 20 to 29, especially
hard.
Gonorrhea has been a growing concern for the
last five years in North Idaho, but 2017 has
shown the most significant increase to date. PHD
Epidemiologists are concerned about the rapidly
rising trend and are encouraging all
sexually-active individuals to get tested.
“Case investigations point to several causes,
including online dating, limited sex education
and unprotected sex,” Jeff Lee, PHD
Epidemiologist explained. “There is not a single
factor that attributes to the increase, but we
do know that getting tested on a regular basis
and using protection can help reverse this trend
and improve community health.”
Gonorrhea, like many sexually transmitted
diseases, often produce no symptoms. Gonorrhea
is currently treatable with a short course of
antibiotics. However, some types of the disease
are developing resistance to traditional
antibiotics.
Left untreated, gonorrhea can cause severe and
permanent health issues, such as pelvic
inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and
infertility.
PHD offers confidential STD testing and free
condoms at all Care Plus clinics in Hayden,
Sandpoint, Kellogg, Bonners Ferry and St.
Maries. It is recommended that all
sexually-active individuals get screened for
STDs at least once a year.
Those with multiple or anonymous partners should
be screened more frequently.
To get an STD test - whether for gonorrhea or
any other STD – contact your primary care
provider or the Care Plus clinic at your local
Panhandle Health District office. |
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