An alert has been issued by health officials after two cases of super-gonorrhoea have been found in the UK, one of which could be the first case to have been caught in the country.
The cases underline the growing concerns of drug-resistant sexually transmitted diseases around the globe.
Both cases involved heterosexual women, one of which contracted the infection in Europe, while the other, who has ties to Europe, contracted the infection in the UK, Public Health England (PHE) have said.
In both instances, the infection resisted the standard drugs used to treat gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to infertility, unusual discharge and inflammation. The two women have now been successfully treated, however, with one requiring the use of a drip.
Past sexual partners of the women involved are being traced, but links between the cases have been found at this point.
Deputy Director of the National Infection Service at PHE, Dr Nick Phin, had this to say: “Although these two cases of extensively resistant gonorrhoea have been successfully treated, contact tracing is underway to ensure there is no onward spread. This is a timely reminder of the importance of avoiding getting or passing on gonorrhoea.
“Everyone can substantially reduce their risk by using condoms consistently and correctly with all new and casual partners. Anyone who thinks they may have been at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) should seek an STI screen at a sexual health clinic.”
Around 10 per cent of men and 75 per cent of women with the infection display no obvious symptoms of gonorrhoea, so if you feel you may be at risk and need a confidential, discreet, and professional sexual health screening, Harrow Health Care can help.
Find out more at https://harrowhealthcare.co.uk/our-services/sexual-health/.
