Gonorrhea Epidemic in Alaska

[Nico]

Wow, did anyone else see this? Not only are their gonorrhea rates way up, but chlamydia is a problem, too.

Gonorrhea outbreak puts Alaska in uphill battle with STD
Lisa Demer | The Anchorage Daily News

last updated: November 26, 2010 06:39:06 AM

An outbreak of gonorrhea across Alaska that began in 2009 is continuing this year, and health officials say they are trying new ways to curb it.

Between 2008 and 2009, the number of gonorrhea cases in Alaska rose an alarming 69 percent, according to a new U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.

State health officials began calling attention to a spike in gonorrhea cases in Southwest Alaska more than a year ago and highlighted the statewide rise in March.

The new report shows that Alaska ranks ninth in the nation for its rate of gonorrhea, compared with its ranking in recent years in the mid-20s. Alaska also is second in the nation for its high rate of chlamydia, another sexually transmitted disease that often is transmitted along with gonorrhea.

"Hopefully, the high numbers now are more of a success story in that people are coming in and getting tested. Though I am surprised the numbers haven't declined," said Susan Jones, the state's HIV/STD program manager. "It's this continuing rise in numbers that we haven't been able to get under control."

To read the complete article, visit Alaska News, Jobs and Advertising from the Anchorage Daily News | Anchorage, Mat-Su Valley, Kenai Peninsula.

[ewhite]

According to a recent CDC publication, gonorrhea is at an all time low nationwide. This is good news, but it's certainly important to recognize that it is increasing in specific areas (i.e., Alaska). Chlamydia often gets the most attention since it's the most common sexually transmitted disease, but despite gonorrhea's overall decrease, health officials and individuals need to be aware that this disease is still present and needs to attention.

[Victoria]

Originally Posted by ewhite

According to a recent CDC publication, gonorrhea is at an all time low nationwide. This is good news, but it's certainly important to recognize that it is increasing in specific areas (i.e., Alaska). Chlamydia often gets the most attention since it's the most common sexually transmitted disease, but despite gonorrhea's overall decrease, health officials and individuals need to be aware that this disease is still present and needs to attention.

I agree, as pleased as we are with the overall decrease in gonorrhea rates, it's important to recognize gonorrhea is a big issue not only in some states/regions, but also in certain populations. For example, men who have sex with men and communities of color are disproportionately impacted, even as rates in the general population are falling. So frustrating!

[billeystrauss]

Health officials actively seeks to make testing and treatment more accessible, with an emphasis on prevention. One method, among many others, allows physicians to prescribe antibiotics for the partner of an infected patient without seeing or test them. This method of treatment, called expedited partner therapy was approved by the CDC, but still somewhat controversial and not practiced in all states. Alaska State Medical Board has recently changed its policy to all of this treatment.