HEALTH bosses have voiced concern at the continued rise in cases of a sexually transmitted disease which is becoming resistant to treatment.
The latest figures mean that annual cases of gonorrhoea have more than doubled in the North-East since 2009.
While the overall number of sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, diagnosed in the North-East fell slightly from 21,573 to 20,662, there was a sharp 17 per cent in the number of cases of gonorrhoea, jumping from 1,055 in 2012 to 1,245 last year.
Dr Kirsty Foster, sexual health lead for PHE in the North-East said: “These latest figures show that, in common with the rest of the UK, poor sexual health continues to be a serious problem in the region.
“Sustained efforts to encourage people to regularly get checked for STIs means we are now finding and treating more infections – which is good news. Nevertheless these data show too many people are still getting STIs each year.
“These are all preventable infections and it’s crucial that we continue to communicate messages about safe sex, including condom wearing, and the importance of getting checked out if you’ve had unprotected sex with a new partner.
“This continued rise (in cases of gonorrhoea) is a particular cause for concern, as we know drug resistance is emerging and we can no longer rely on treatment alone.
“Quick diagnosis is of the essence, so anyone who thinks they may have put themselves at risk of contracting an STI, or who has symptoms of an STI should go to their local GUM clinic at the earliest opportunity. Testing is confidential and free.”
Chlamydia was the most common STI in the North-East, making up 56 per cent of all diagnoses (11,653).
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