Massive surge in 'super gonorrhea' infections that are resistant to antibiotics, health chiefs warn READ MORE: Why are STIs rising? Experts explain what's fuelling the explosion By Shaun Wooller For The Daily Mail Published: 00:01, 15 August 2024 | Updated: 00:17, 15 August 2024 e-mail 11 shares 6 View comments Cases of gonorrhoea have hit a record high as fears grow over an imported super strain that is proving resistant to treatment. Over 85,000 gonorrhoea diagnoses were reported in England last year, the highest number since records began in 1918. The UK Health Security Agency, which published the figures, is urging people who have condomless sex with new or casual partners to get tested.
It warned that while the infection can usually be easily treated, some strains are resistant to commonly used antibiotics - making them harder to clear. Those who remain infected are at risk of becoming infertile. The Local Government Association, which represents councils with responsibility for commissioning clinics, blamed the rise in infections on people struggling to access to contraception and the huge demand for care.
A type that poses a 'particular threat’ is ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea, the UKHSA said. Ceftriaxone is the ‘first line’ antibiotic used to treat gonorrhoea in England and so resistance to the drug can make treatment difficult, especially for gonorrhoea infections in the throat. Between June 2022 and May 2024, 15 ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea cases were d.