Published: May 16, 2007 11:20 am      

JUST IN: County gonorrhea rate skyrockets

Health department releases STD numbers

DANVILLE — Reported cases of gonorrhea are up 75 percent in Vermilion County during the first four months of 2007 compared to 2006.

Health officials say the sexually transmitted disease is showing up most often in males.

“We are experiencing a 145 percent increase in the number of males reported to have gonorrhea and a 23 percent increase in females,” Vermilion County Health Department Administrator Stephen Laker said.

He said about 40 percent of those who test positive for gonorrhea seek testing at the health department.

“But another 40 percent are showing up at the local emergency room seeking testing and treatment, putting a drain on the hospital’s resources,” Laker said.

Ages of those reported with gonorrhea range from 15 to 79.

To offer more opportunities for testing, the health department will test for gonorrhea from 2-3:30 p.m. every Tuesday beginning June 5 and continuing until further notice.

“We were using this time for an adolescent clinic, but by making a temporary change, we can provide additional testing without disrupting our other services,” Laker said.

The health department is encouraging males to seek testing, but females also can be tested on Tuesday afternoons.

“We are encouraging males to seek testing, since this is the segment of the population seeing the greatest increase,” Laker said.

Anyone who needs additional testing should to report to a regular STD clinic.

Laker said the health department will continue to closely monitor the situation during regular clinics on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

Gonorrhea symptoms for men can include a yellowish or greenish “drip” from the penis or on underwear; burning or pain when urinating; urinating frequently; swollen or tender testicles.

Women might notice a yellow or gray discharge from the vagina; burning or pain when urinating; frequent urinating; bleeding between periods or after sex; heavier and more painful periods; cramps or pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes with fever or nausea.

However, most women and many men have no symptoms.

Gonorrhea spreads from person to person during sex. Left untreated, gonorrhea can cause permanent damage to the pelvic and sex organs, and only can be identified with certainty through testing.

FYI

For more information about sexually transmitted diseases and gonorrhea testing on Tuesday afternoons, call the Vermilion County Health Department at 431-2662, or visit http://www.vchd.org.