A strain of so-called ‘Super-Gonorrhoea’ that’s spreading across the UK is sparking concern from health experts in Nottingham.
The drug-resistant infection has so far been confirmed in Leeds and Scunthorpe.
Its spread has prompted health bosses here to plan on how to halt its advance if it arrives in the city.
Nottingham already has one of the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections in the UK – with around 800 cases of gonorrhoea reported each year.
Although there’s no sign of the drug-resistant ‘super’ version of the STI in the yet, doctors at the sexual health clinic at Nottingham City Hospital are bracing themselves.
Dr Ahmed Jushuf, a sexual health consultant at the clinic, said: “The issue is becoming quite serious now beacuse we’re down to the the last two antibiotics that actually work with this type of gonorrhoea now.
“There’s evidence it’s already beginning to spread to other parts of the north, and for gonorrhoea the peak age group for girls is 16 to 24 and for boys between 18 and 24.
“All of our cases are checked in detail in the laboratory for antibiotic resistance. We are in a state of readiness for when and if it arrives here.
“I think it’s everyone’s responsibility to raise awareness of it.”
In men gonorrhoea causes a burning sensation during urination.
In women it can cause pelvic pain but many female sufferers have no initial symptoms.
Left unchecked, in can cause joint problems and even skin lesions.
Dr Jushuf added catching the disease early is key, and encouraged young people who are worried to get checked at an STI clinic or visit their GP.
VIDEO: We asked Nottingham students whether they’d know where to go for a check-up
