North Idaho gonorrhea cases at all-time high

Gonorrhea cases are at an all-time high in Idaho’s five northern counties. There have been 32 reported cases of the sexually transmitted disease this year. For comparison there were only 17 cases this time last year. “This uptick is concerning because we are seeing a wide range of people being infected – both men and women, ages 15 to 46 years-old,” said Dave Hylsky, Panhandle Health District’s staff epidemiologist in a news release. “There’s no distinct pattern, location or demographic.” Gonorrhea is a relatively mild disease, if treated promptly. However, left unattended it can cause serious health problems. Hylsky recommends regular STD testing, using condoms, knowing your partner’s sexual history, minimizing anonymous sexual relations and avoiding group sex. Despite the increase in gonorrhea cases, chlamydia is still the most common sexually transmitted disease in Idaho’s five northern counties.