There was a significant spike in the number of gonorrhea cases reported in Washington last year, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
In Lewis County, though, the rate is the third-lowest in the state.
Statistics provided by the state show there were 6,136 cases reported in the state in 2014, compared to 4,395 cases in 2013. That’s a jump of almost 40 percent following a 33 percent increase from 2012 to 2013.
Lewis County had 16 cases reported last year, for a rate of 21 cases per 100,000 residents, the measurement used by the Department of Health.
“Southwest Washington is pretty low comparatively,” Department of Health spokesman Marqise Allen said.
There were 34 cases in Grays Harbor County for a rate of 46.4 cases per 100,000 residents. Thurston County had 146 cases and a rate of 55.3, while Cowlitz County had 33 cases for a rate of 31.8.
According to a press release from the Department of Health, “Rates of infection in Washington have been rising from a 2009 low of 34 cases per 100,000 people to a rate of 88 cases per 100,000 people in 2014. Despite this recent rise, Washington gonorrhea rates remain below national figures. State and local health officials have yet to learn why the number of infections keeps climbing.”
“The continued increase in cases is concerning,” said Zandt Bryan, infectious disease coordinator for the department. “We’re working closely with local health partners to monitor the situation, and to share information about the importance of routine screening, getting exposed partners treated quickly, and the need to practice safe sex.”
Young adults continue to be the most affected, though the cases were reported by all ages.
Clark, Kitsap, Snohomish, Yakima, Grant and Spokane counties all experienced outbreaks during 2014, according to the press release.
Gonorrhea is the second most common sexually transmitted disease in the state after chlamydia.
