Surge in Gonorrhoea Cases Sparks Concerns in Nottinghamshire

Surge in Gonorrhoea Cases Sparks Concerns in Nottinghamshire

Cases of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) have more than tripled across Nottinghamshire since 2012, prompting health officials to warn that it could become ‘untreatable’ as it develops resistance to antibiotics. Nottingham is now ranked as the fourth most likely place to contract gonorrhoea in the UK, following London, Liverpool, and Brighton.

Rising Statistics Prompt Alarms

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a significant rise in antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea cases, especially extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains. While most infections can still be treated effectively, the emergence of specific resistant strains, particularly ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea, poses greater challenges.

In 2023 – the latest full-year data available – there were a record 85,000 cases of gonorrhoea across England, the highest number recorded in over a century. Nottingham alone reported 953 cases, a sharp increase from 259 cases in 2012.

Nottinghamshire’s Worrying Trends

Similar increases have been observed throughout Nottinghamshire, with areas such as Mansfield and Bassetlaw seeing more than a four-fold rise in cases. Newark and Sherwood experienced a notable increase, with cases rising from 19 to 102 in 2023, while Rushcliffe saw cases jump from 16 to 83.

The primary antibiotic used to treat gonorrhoea has remained effective in the past, but ceftriaxone resistance raises concerns about treatment efficacy going forward.

The Rise of Resistant Strains

Since the first detection of ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea in England in 2015, there have been 42 reported cases, 15 of which were classified as XDR, meaning they were resistant to ceftriaxone and alternative treatments. Although the total numbers remain low, the frequency of detection is increasing; for instance, 13 cases had been diagnosed in the previous year.

Dr. Katy Sinka, a consultant epidemiologist and head of the STI section at UKHSA, commented, ‘Gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, which could make it untreatable in future. If left untreated, it can cause serious problems like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.’

Prevention and Awareness

The best method to prevent STIs is through the use of condoms. Dr. Sinka emphasized the importance of getting tested if individuals have engaged in condomless sex with new or casual partners, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation.

According to the UKHSA, most antibiotic-resistant cases are linked to travel to or from the Asia-Pacific region, where ceftriaxone resistance is prevalent. While local transmission within England has been limited, the increasing number of cases raises the potential for wider spread and treatment challenges.

Understanding the Infection Rates

Nationally, the infection rate has tripled, growing from 50.3 infections per 100,000 people in 2012 to 149 per 100,000 in 2023, indicating a concerning trend. In Nottingham, the infection rate rose from 84.2 to 290.1 per 100,000 individuals, with comparable increases observed in Mansfield and Bassetlaw.

The latest data showcases the infection rates across Nottinghamshire from 2012 to 2023:

You can see the cases and rate of gonorrhoea where you live, and how that has changed over the last decade, using our interactive map.