Gonorrhea increasing in Northern Idaho

The gonorrhea rate in northern Idaho is climbing at a time when health officials are warning that few antibiotic drugs are still able to treat it.

Twenty-seven cases of gonorrhea have been reported in the five northern counties of Idaho this year. That number is more than three times the eight cases reported at this time last year.

“This is a disease we thought we’d conquered, but we haven’t,” said Jeff Lee, a Panhandle Health District epidemiologist. “Gonorrhea is growing more and more drug resistant.”

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. Forty-five cases were reported in northern Idaho in 2007, prompting PHD to post educational flyers about the disease in local bars.

The number of reported gonorrhea cases declined steadily for the next five years, from 25 in 2008 to eight last year. This year’s gonorrhea rate is on pace with the 2007 rate.

Untreated gonorrhea in women can lead to pregnancy complications and infertility. An infected woman can pass gonorrhea on to her baby during birth, causing serious health problems for the baby. In men, gonorrhea can lead to a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles and, in some cases, infertility.

Untreated gonorrhea can spread to the blood or joints and become life-threatening.

The best protection from gonorrhea is abstinence or a mutually monogamous relationship with a tested partner. Condoms are the next best protection and should be used for any type of sex. Gonorrhea infections can spread through vaginal, oral and anal sex.

PHD provides condoms in packages of a dozen at no cost in the clinical area of all its offices. A limited supply of female condoms also is available. PHD distributes condoms to OB/GYN clinics, North Idaho College, Fresh Start, North Idaho AIDS Coalition and Heritage Health in Kootenai County, Kaniksu Health Services in Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint and to Benewah Medical Center in Plummer.

Gonorrhea symptoms include burning with urination and a white, yellow or green discharge from the penis. Some men also get painful or swollen testicles. Some men have no obvious symptoms.

Most women have no symptoms. If they have symptoms, they include a burning sensation while urinating and vaginal discharges.

Anyone who is unsure if they’re infected should get tested. Call any PHD office for an appointment, Boundary County – 267-5558, Bonner County – 263-5159.