22 Sep 2008

STD on rise in Whangarei

12:16 pm on 22 September 2008

A sharp rise in the number of gonorrhoea cases in Whangarei is worrying health officials.

Northland Health says its STD clinic usually sees two to three cases a month. However, clinicians say that number has gone up to about eight a month.

Hayley Bennett says they have dealt with 25 cases of gonorrhoea in Whangarei in the past three months, most of them in people aged from 15 to their mid-20s.

Dr Bennett says gonorrhoea can be symptom-free in women, but can cause infertility if it is not treated.

She says anyone who is sexually active should have regular check-ups, which are free at Northland Health, Family Planning and Student Health Services.