ACT Health is closely monitoring the first appearance of a drug-resistant strain of gonorrhea in Australia.
According to the Agency, the Federal Department of Health has issued a statement relating to multi-drug–resistant (MDR) gonorrhea following two cases being detected in Western Australia and Queensland.
ACT Health said drug-resistant gonorrhea existed in several countries around the world, including Australia.
“However, these latest cases and a recent one in the UK appear to be the first reported that are resistant to all of the antibiotics that have been in routine use against gonorrhea,” ACT Health said.
“Multi-drug–resistant strains of gonorrhea can be difficult to treat; effective treatment of gonococcal infections is important to prevent further spread.”
It said there had been no cases of MDR gonorrhea reported in the ACT; however, the number of gonorrhea cases had been increasing in all Australian States and Territories, including the ACT, over the past few years.
“ACT Health is closely monitoring the situation, and will continue to follow up all cases of gonorrhea to ensure effective treatment and testing is undertaken,” ACT Health said.
“Whether at home or overseas, the best way to prevent gonorrhea and other sexually transmissible infections is to practise safe sex, even if you and/or your partner don’t have symptoms.”
It said people most at risk of gonorrhea were men who had unsafe sex with men and males and females who had unsafe heterosexual sex.
“Untreated gonorrhea can have serious complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in women,” ACT Health said.
