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Sexually Transmitted Diseases > Tracking
the Hidden Epidemics 2000 (1999 data)
Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted bacterial disease. Reported gonorrhea rates declined steadily until the late 1990s. From 1985 to 1996, rates of the disease decreased nearly 10 percent annually (Fox, CDC, 1998). However, rates stabilized between 1996 and 1997, and between 1997 and 1999, gonorrhea rates increased by nine percent (DSTDP, CDC, 2000). This increase, combined with signs of an increase in gonorrhea among gay and bisexual men, is reason for concern. Rates of infection remain high among adolescents, young adults, and African Americans. Gonorrhea remains a major cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and subsequent infertility and tubal pregnancies in women. Additionally, studies have shown that gonorrhea can facilitate HIV transmission and may be contributing significantly to the spread of HIV in the south. There is a critical need to reach populations that remain at high risk for gonorrhea with intensified prevention and treatment efforts. Gonorrhea can be easily cured, if detected early, and the long-term consequences can be prevented.
This rise in gonorrhea rates should serve as a wake-up call to all people at risk-including gay and bisexual men-that high-risk sexual behaviors continue to have very real consequences.
Page last modified: April 6, 2001 Page last reviewed: April 6, 2001 Historical Document Content Source: Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention |
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