April is Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Awareness Month and Public Health officials hope to again draw attention to a sharp rise in the number of cases of gonorrhea reported in Shasta County. From 2007 to 2011, Shasta County saw an average of 38 cases of gonorrhea each year. In 2012, that number rose to 168 cases. The trend is, unfortunately, trending upward as Shasta County saw 377 cases in 2014 and 367 cases in 2015. Additionally, Syphilis is newly on the rise here as well.
“Basically, anyone who has more than one sexual partner and doesn’t use protection is at risk. Those at highest risk have multiple partners, unprotected sexual contact and there’s a noticeable connection among people engaged in alcohol and drug use,” said Venessa Vidovich, Supervising Public Health Nurse. “Because gonorrhea commonly causes no symptoms everyone should use protection.”
Gonorrhea is a common infectious disease where bacteria can grow in the genitals, throat or rectum of males and females. Any sexually active person can be infected with gonorrhea and the highest reported rates of infection are among teenagers and adults under 45 years old. Left untreated, gonorrhea can affect a person’s ability to have children, can harm newborns, cause chronic pain, and can even be life-threatening.
Syphilis is a contagious STD that can cause long-term complications if not treated correctly. Symptoms can be none, an ulcer, a rash, or other symptoms. Left untreated it may then progress to cause severe problems with the heart, brain, and nerves that can result in paralysis, blindness, dementia, deafness, impotence, and even death. Congenital syphilis, which is preventable with testing and treatment during pregnancy, is on the rise now in California, affecting newborn babies.
Most STDs are treatable and many, including gonorrhea and syphilis, are curable, but early detection is crucial. Public Health officials strongly encourage the public to get tested for gonorrhea (through a simple urine test) and other STDs, such as chlamydia. People who need testing, treatment and preventative counseling for STDs can see their primary care provider or contact Women’s Health Specialists at (530) 221-0193 or Planned Parenthood at (530) 351-7100. For more information the public can also call Shasta County Public Health at (530) 225-5591 or go to www.shastahhsa.net.
