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Background
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Neisseria gonorrhea bacteria. Urethral infections in men and uro-genital infections in women are the main presenting feature, but a broad spectrum of clinical presentations can occur, including systemic dissemination with fever and skin and joint involvement. Throat and ano-rectal infections also occur.
(Case Definition)

Epidemiology
In 2021, a total of 7,381 cases of gonorrhea were reported in Taiwan. The ratio of males to females was 9：1. The majority was cases with age group of 25 to 34 years-old (39%). The following was the age group of 15 to 24 years-old (34%). (See Figure 1)


Figure 1. Statistics on age groups of gonorrhea cases in Taiwan, 2010-2021

Prevention and Control

1. To reduce gonorrhea transmission.
2. To promote safe sex education for general population and STI screening for target population.
3. To provide comprehensive case management, including correct diagnosis; effective treatment to avoid complications; health education and counseling.

FAQs

1. How is gonorrhea spread?
   • You can get gonorrhea by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has gonorrhea.
   • If a pregnant woman has gonorrhea, she may give the infection to her baby during delivery as the baby passes through the birth canal. If untreated, infants can develop eye infections. 
2. What is the treatment for gonorrhea?
   • Recommended treatment for uncomplicated infections is a third-generation cephalosporin or a fluoroquinolone plus an antibiotic (e.g., doxycycline) effective against possible coinfection with Chlamydia trachomatis. Sex partner(s) should be referred and treated. No effective vaccine yet exists.
3. Can gonorrhea be cured?
   • Yes, gonorrhea can be cured with the right treatment. However, it is becoming harder to treat some gonorrhea, as drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea are increasing. If your symptoms continue for more than a few days after receiving treatment, you should return to a health care provider to be checked again.

More Information

1. WHO - STIs
2. STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) Online 
3. USCDC - STD treatment guideline 2021