Updated Online - Monthly Reportable Diseases Summary - Featuring Gonorrhea

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Monthly Reportable Diseases Summary 

Communicable diseases are reported to the Ottawa County Department of Public Health for surveillance and investigation to prevent their spread. The data in the monthly disease reports are provisional, based on current reports in the Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS) made by local health departments. The MDSS is a dynamic, continually active system; counts of disease are constantly changing as cases are investigated, confirmed as cases, or ruled out as not meeting the case definition. Each monthly disease report reflects this constant activity as the numbers may slightly fluctuate each month.

Therefore, keep in mind that numbers in the monthly disease reports are NOT final and should be used only to generally monitor trends over time. Unknown, suspected, probable and laboratory-confirmed cases of the reportable condition are included in the report. Questions on this report should be directed to Derel Glashower or Derick Chia.


Click for the latest communicable disease report.

Gonorrhea is a contagious sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can infect both men and women. Anyone who is sexually active could get gonorrhea. It can be spread by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has gonorrhea. A pregnant woman with gonorrhea could pass the infection to her baby during childbirth.

Symptoms:

Gonorrhea can go undetected but can cause health complications if not treated. Some symptoms may include:

  • A burning sensation when urinating
  • A white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
  • Painful or swollen testicles
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods

A rectal infection can cause symptoms, such as:

  • Anal itching
  • Soreness
  • Bleeding
  • Painful bowel movements

With the right treatment, gonorrhea can be cured. It’s important to have an open and honest talk with your health care provider so they can provide the right medication for you.

Increase in Gonorrhea Cases

In Ottawa County, reported cases of gonorrhea have steadily increased between the months of June 2020 to June 2021. It's important to reduce the spread of gonorrhea and understand the risks associated with the disease. Yearly STD testing is important for our sexual health. 

"The situation became worse during the COVID-19 pandemic as many people were reluctant to seek testing, and access to sexual health care was reduced," said Deborah Price, Nurse Practitioner Supervisor.  

See the latest communicable disease report. 

Gonorrhea cases 2021

Testing

Early detection is key for treatment plans. Gonorrhea could cause serious complications if not treated. There are lots of resources to receive STD care. If you or your partner are experiencing symptoms call Ottawa County’s Sexual Health Services to schedule a confidential STD testing appointment at Holland, Grand Haven, or Hudsonville locations.  There are many benefits to getting tested, such as:

  • Getting the right treatment to potentially cure the disease
  • Preventing the spread of the disease
  • Reducing the risk of permanent health complications (such as infertility, long-term pelvic pain, and ectopic pregnancies)

"The rate of infection is highest among adolescents and young adults. Thus, annual screening is recommended for sexually active individuals ages 15-25 years," said Price.

To test for gonorrhea, your doctor will take a urine sample (and another specimen if indicated). It is a quick, painless process that takes seconds to complete.

LEARN MORE: English / Spanish

 

STD Care

STD Testing Sites and Resources

Ottawa County Sexual Health Services: Call (616) 396-5266 to schedule an appointment. Ottawa County's sexual health services are confidential at no/low cost. Adolescents and young adults are welcomed. 

Find clinic locations: miOttawa.org/SexualHealth.

Condoms: condoms by mail and free condom pick-up locations are listed at miOttawa.org/WearOne.Call (616) 393-5774 for more information.

CDC STD Information and STD Clinics: 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

TTY: 1-888-232-6348

Planned Parenthood STI Testing: Call (800) 230-7526

 Find a health center: plannedparenthood.org/health-center

Healthy Habits to Prevent Gonorrhea

To reduce the risk of getting gonorrhea consider:

  • Using a condom the right way and consistently during sexual intercourse
  • Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and has negative STI results  
  • Be sure to get tested at least once a year for sexually transmitted infections
  • Don't engage in sexual intercourse with someone who appears to have a sexually transmitted disease
  • Openly engage in conversations about STDs with your partner

LEARN MORE

If you are sexually active and have had multiple or new sex partners, you are at a higher risk of contracting gonorrhea. If your partner has a sexually transmitted infection you should be tested right away. It’s important to be tested for STD’s once a year if you are sexually active.

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