Oldham & Macclefield Health Scare
Greater Manchester and Cheshire are at the centre of the health scare that's proving difficult to treat.
Normally gonorrhoea which is the second most common STI can be treated with antibiotics but at least 15 reported cases haven’t responded to the drug.
The outbreak began in Leeds but there have now been cases reported in heterosexual patients in Oldham and Macclesfield.
Dr Mike Gent, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for PHE, said:
“We can confirm investigations are underway into an outbreak of gonorrhoea in the North of England. The outbreak strain has been found to be resistant to the first-line antibiotic ‘azithromycin’, but those affected are being treated with alternative antibiotics found to be effective against the infection. Between March 2015 and August 2015, twelve cases have been confirmed in Leeds where the outbreak was first identified. A further four cases have been confirmed in patients from Macclesfield, Oldham and Scunthorpe.
“Those affected are being treated with an alternative antibiotic, but the resistance to first line treatment remains a concern. The bacterium that cause gonorrhoea are known to mutate and develop new resistance, so we cannot afford to be complacent. Healthcare professionals in the areas concerned have been asked to be vigilant to further cases and PHE remains alert to any new and emerging resistance trends.
“To avoid getting any sexually transmitted infection (STI), always use a condom when having sex with new or casual partners, and get tested regularly. Getting screened for STIs can lead to early identification and treatment, as often these infections have no symptoms. In addition, reducing the number of sexual partners and avoiding overlapping sexual relationships can reduce the risk of becoming infected with an STI.”