Gonorrhoea Cases in Washington Jump by Nearly 40 percent

State Officials on Wednesday announced that gonorrhoea cases in Washington rose by nearly 40 percent and is spreading in the city.

In 2013, the number of reported cases were 4,395 while in 2014, the number has risen to 6,136.

From the year 2012 to 2013, the cases for gonorrhoea increased by another 30 percent as well.

With gonorrhoea being the second most sexually transmitted disease in the US, health officials are a little worried.

Washington State Department of Health's infectious disease coordinator Zandt Bryan said, "The continued increase in cases is concerning. 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."

While the states numbers are still below national figures, officials aren't still sure why the numbers are increasing.

From 34 cases in 100,000 people, the number of gonorrhoea cases for 2014 has now risen to 88 per 100,000 people.

According to information released by the health department, "The disease is spread through unprotected sex with an infected partner. The infection often has no symptoms, particularly among women. If symptoms are present, they may include discharge or painful urination. Serious long-term health issues can occur if the disease isn't treated, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and increased chances of HIV transmission."

"State health officials encourage anyone diagnosed with gonorrhea to be tested for HIV. Men who have sex with men who are diagnosed with gonorrhea are recommended to consider getting HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)."