The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning about a small but significant rise in cases of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea. Most cases of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) can be treated quickly, but there's growing concern over strains that can't be dealt with so easily. Between June 2022 and May 2024, scientists working at the UKHSA identified 15 cases in England that were resistant to the antibiotic ceftriaxone, the first option drug used to treat the condition in the UK.
That compares to just nine cases that had ever been found before 2022. If left untreated, gonorrhoea can cause major health issues, including problems with your pelvis and infertility. So far all cases found were picked by heterosexual people.
Most were in their 20s and got the infection abroad. But some of the UKHSA's top epidemiologists say even though the numbers are small, they still need a major response. Dr Hamish Mohammed is one of them and told BBC Newsbeat: "One case is a case too many.
" "Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea is a worldwide public health concern," he says. He says it's vital to limit any transmission in the UK so gonorrhoea remains a treatable infection. But he adds that the UK has a unique and effective way of getting a "comprehensive data to look at trends in STIs".
The UKHSA is working to process samples from across the country, monitoring different strains and anything individual clinics can't fully diagnose. It also means cases can be quickly identified so sexual partn.