Gonorrhea Outbreak 2015: Signs & Symptoms to Watch Out For

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Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and can usually affect the tube of the urinary bladder where urine is excreted (urethra), as well as the eyes, throat, vagina, rectum and reproductive tract of women.

Recently, there has been a rise in the occurrence of this infection especially in Southern California. According to Times Standard, Dr. Karen Smith, health officer at the Department of Public Health, is particularly concerned by how the prevalence of congenital syphilis is becoming rampant.

Dr. Smith said congenital syphilis occurs when the infected mother transmits the infection to her child during the course of the pregnancy. She also explained that it could have been easily prevented by proper prenatal care and treatment.

Pubic health nurse Eric Gordon shared that in a year, an estimate of five cases of syphilis or gonorrhea is being discovered. Symptoms vary from painless ulceration on the genitals to the development of rashes on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Treatment is sought after the first phase of the disease, and penicillin injection is usually the best option.

Besides syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are the other sexually-transmitted infections that are rapidly on the rise. According to Healio, these diseases do not influence the transmission of HIV, so the reason behind the increase in the number of cases can be attributed to anonymous sexual hook-ups and one-night stands with total strangers.

Symptoms of gonorrhea and chlamydia are almost similar to that of syphilis, which include discharge from the urethra, burning sensation or pain while urinating and a painful abdomen.

Healthline adds that there are now several tests that can be done to check if an individual is positive with gonorrhea. Healthcare professionals usually take a sample of the penal or vaginal discharge, then stain is added to have it checked under a microscope. If the smear reacts to the stain, then it is probably gonorrhea.

Furthermore, if no treatment has been provided, long-term complications especially among women may be experienced. They can develop scarring in the fallopian tubes and can make them unable to bear children. Another complication affects the pelvic, which can also lead to pain, ectopic pregnancy or full-on infertility.

For men, urethra scars or abscess in the penis may develop over time, causing the infection to spread in the blood and could lead to arthritis, heart damage or inflammation of the brain or spine.

Gordon concluded that treatment and prevention are the best defense against this disease. Antibiotic intervention, use of contraceptives and avoiding too many sexual partners may help individuals to lessen their risk and deviate from getting sick.