Midwestern

Huge Increase in Gonorrhea Cases in Grey Bruce

Gonorrhea rates have increased over 300 per cent in Grey and Bruce Counties between 2013 and 2014.

There were just six cases in 2013, while 25 people contracted the disease last year.

Medical Officer of Health Doctor Hazel Lynn says it appears the increase is the result of more online websites that cater to anonymous sexual contact.

Doctor Lynn's advice is, know your partner and use protection. She says people who have multiple partners and unprotected sex should visit their doctor at least every six months for testing for sexually transmitted diseases.

 

She says the Health Unit is hoping to get the message out.

"We've put out the press release and we hope people take a look at that and realize that they need to protect themselves if they're doing adventuresome acts such as this and hopefully we can not see an increase in it again this year,' said Doctor Lynn.

Long term complications include sterility.

Gonorrhea has become resistant to most available antibiotics.

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