Gonorrhea rates are on the rise both locally and throughout the country. Grey Bruce has seen a more than 300% increase, from six cases in 2013 to 25 in 2014.
Contributing to this increase is the proliferation of online websites that cater to anonymous sexual contact. Public Health reminds the public to use safe sexual practices. Those who are participating in high risk behaviours, such as anonymous sexual contact, those who have multiple partners and unprotected sex should visit their doctor routinely, at least every six months, for testing of sexually transmitted infections.
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that is sexually transmitted. The infection may not cause any symptoms to an individual, however, the person can still spread the bacteria and they are at risk for long term complications such as sterility. The bacteria that causes gonorrhea has become resistant to most of the available antibiotics.
For further information, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.
