DENVER, CO (December 14, 2017) – Recent data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment show that the number of gonorrhea cases in the Denver metro area has increased significantly among young people, especially in people under the age of 30. From 2012-2016 infection rates increased 97 percent in Colorado, and five Denver metro counties (Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson) accounted for 63 percent of all gonorrhea cases in Colorado.
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects both men and women. Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, and it can be transmitted through any type of sex. Gonorrhea can increase a person’s risk of getting or giving HIV, and if left untreated, it can cause serious and permanent health problems, including infertility. Gonorrhea can be prevented by using condoms correctly, every time a person has sex.
The rapid increase of gonorrhea cases in Denver metro, and across the state, emphasizes the need for routine STD testing and prevention efforts more than ever. Especially alarming is that the infection is beginning to outsmart the last recommended treatment.
“In the Denver Metro area, we are starting to see gonorrhea infections that have lower sensitivity to one of the two main antibiotics we use,” said Karen Wendel, MD, director, STD/HIV Prevention and Control, Denver Public Health. “Though we haven’t yet seen failures with current treatments in Denver, all people with gonorrhea should get treated as quickly as possible to avoid serious health problems, prevent the spread to others, and to avoid evolution of the bacteria that could result in future antibiotic treatment failures.”
Screening for gonorrhea is important since many people who have the infection will not have symptoms. People who should get tested include women younger than 25, anyone with new or multiple sex partners, men who have sex with men, pregnant women younger than 25 or with other risk factors for STDs, and people living with HIV. Anyone experiencing symptoms of gonorrhea such as itching, burning or other discomfort in the genital area should seek treatment (a one-time shot and prescribed oral antibiotic) right away through their doctor or local public health department. Treatment is easy and effective if taken immediately, and as prescribed.
Free or low-cost STD testing is offered at locations throughout the greater Denver metro area, including at local public health clinics and in community settings.
About Denver Public Health
Denver Public Health provides a wide range of services that evaluate, promote and protect the health and well-being of the residents of Denver and beyond. Denver Public Health monitors the health of Denver and responds to disease outbreaks and other emergencies, as well as works with many partners to prevent health problems by decreasing injury, preventing tobacco-related illnesses and promoting healthy eating and active living. Clinical services include: STD screening and treatment, family planning, immunizations, tuberculosis screening and care, birth and death certificates, and HIV/AIDS care.
About Jefferson County Public Health
Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is committed to promoting health and preventing injury and disease for the residents of Jefferson County, Colorado. Public health is what we as a society do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. To learn more about JCPH, visit www.jeffco.us/public-health. You can also follow JCPH on Twitter @JeffcoPH and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth.
About Tri-County Health Department
TCHD serves over 1.5 million people in Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas Counties. It provides over 60 programs and services including birth certificates, immunizations, food and WIC, restaurant inspections, family planning, STI/HIV testing, and infectious disease investigations. For more information, please visit our website at www.tchd.org or follow us on Twitter @TCHDHealth or Facebook @cotchd.