Sexually Transmitted Diseases  >  Tracking the Hidden Epidemics 2000 (1999 data)

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A Closer Look at Gonorrhea

BY GENDER AND AGE

While reported rates of gonorrhea were once substantially higher among men than among women, that gap has narrowed. This is most likely due to increased screening in women. Because women are more likely to be asymptomatic than men, cases in women are less likely to be reported. However, gonorrhea rates have increased overall in both males and females. From 1997 to 1999:

• The gonorrhea rate increased 8.8 percent among men from 124.9 cases per 100,000 population to 136.0 cases per 100,000 population.
• The gonorrhea rate increased more than nine percent in women from 119.0 cases per 100,000 population to 129.9 per 100,000 population (DSTDP, CDC, 2000).

BY REGION

Gonorrhea rates increased or remained constant in all regions of the country between 1997 and 1999. The southern states continue to have the highest gonorrhea rates of any region. The reasons for this may include the level of poverty and access to quality health care and preventive services.

BY AGE

Gonorrhea most dramatically affects teens and young adults. Gonorrhea rates are highest among females between the ages of 15 and 19 and males between the ages of 20 and 24. This is true regardless of race or ethnicity.

BY RACE/ETHNICITY

Gonorrhea has been increasing in all races and ethnic groups since 1997 after declining in all races and ethnic groups over the past few decades (Fox, CDC, 1998). Reported rates of gonorrhea among African Americans remain more than 30 times higher than rates among whites and more than 11 times higher than rates among Hispanics. This trend most likely reflects differences in access to prevention and treatment services. From 1997 to 1999:

• The gonorrhea rate among African Americans increased from 802.4 to 848.8 cases per 100,000 people.
• The gonorrhea rate among whites increased slightly from 26.2 to 27.9 cases per 100,000 people.
• The gonorrhea rate among Hispanics increased from 67.4 to 75.3 cases per 100,000 people.
• The gonorrhea rate increased for American Indian/Alaska Natives from 99.4 to 110.7 cases per 100,000 people.
• The gonorrhea rate increased for Asian and Pacific Islanders from 19.5 to 22.1 cases per 100,000 people.

AMONG ADOLESCENTS

Among adolescents, gonorrhea increased 13 percent between 1997 and 1999, although 1999 rates were slightly lower than those in 1998. Young African-American women and men remain at extremely high risk.

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