Gonorrhea On The Rise In Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County has seen an increase in Gonorrhea among its residents within the past five years, according to data released Friday by county public health officials.

In November, there were 29 reported cases of the sexually transmitted disease, twice the monthly average of 15 from January to October, according to public health officials.

The November number is also the highest monthly total dating back from 2010, public health officials said. There has also been a steep growth in annual cases from 46 in 2010 to 178 in 2014, public health officials said. The rise in infections was seen across genders, ages and ethnicities, according to public health officials.

The category with greatest increase over the past few months was among men between the ages of 18 and 35 who have sex with other men, public health officials.

The disease is common among people ages 15 to 24 and is spread by having sex with an infected person, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics, but if untreated can lead to serious health complications, CDC officials said.

To avoid catching the disease people are advised to use a condom during intercourse, reduce the number of sex partners and getting tested for the STD, according to CDC officials.

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--Bay City News