Super Gonorrhoea is spreading in Leeds, again

A strain of untreatable ‘Super Gonorrhoea,’ is spreading across the UK for the second time.

The strain of the sexually transmitted infection, was first identified in Leeds in last year and threatened to ruin Freshers’ Week.

Now, Public Health England, say 11 cases have been confirmed in the West Midlands and in the South of England, five of which are in London.

The infection is normally treated with antibiotic azithromycin but this particular strain has become resistant to the drug and doctors are relying on a secondary drug, ceftriaxone, to treat it. If the infection develops a resistance to the secondary drug there may be no cure.

“Most cases of drug resistant Gonorrhoea have occurred in the under 25 group – given that the majority of students are under 25 there is a heightened risk,” said Tim Doyle from MESMAC, a Leeds based sexual health charity.

We could have used a much worse picture here

He added: “Using a condom during sex is the best way to prevent Gonorrhoea being transmitted. If you share sex toys you should wash them or cover with a condom between each person.”

Last year in the UK there were an estimated 35,000 cases of gonorrhoea, the second most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK after chlamydia.

Those who have symptoms may have a pussy discharge, a burning sensation when weeing or pains in the pelvis but almost 10% of men and almost 50% of women display no symptoms. If you need help or advice on sexual health click here.