With a significantly increased number of reported gonorrhea cases this year, especially in Campbell County, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is reminding residents that preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases remains important.
“So far this year 19 cases of gonorrhea have been reported just in Campbell County with 56 cases reported across Wyoming,” said Courtney Smith, communicable disease surveillance manager with WDH. “Because approximately 60 cases of gonorrhea are typically reported statewide each year, we think this level of activity is something to be concerned with.”
Tai Cooper, communicable disease prevention manager with WDH, said gonorrhea is transmitted through unprotected sexual activity. “If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious health complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in women. It’s essential that anyone infected get tested and properly treated.”
“If you are at risk of infection from a sexually transmitted disease it is important that you get tested because many people who have gonorrhea or other STDs do not show or feel symptoms,” Cooper continued. To learn more about the risk factors for gonorrhea infection, please visit www.knowyo.org or discuss with a medical professional.
WDH offers free gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B and C and HIV laboratory testing and treatment for those at risk of infection. To get a voucher for free testing, visit www.knowyo.org or text “know” to 91011. Vouchers can be printed from the website (text vouchers can be shown on phones) and taken to local clinics.
“If someone finds out they are infected, it’s important to ensure their partners are also tested and treated,” Cooper said. “We realize that may not always be easy. There is help available to get through that task.”
