The NHS’s latest data shows that the number of cases of gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted disease, is at an all-time high since records began over 100 years ago. Gonorrhoea is an ancient disease and it can be traced back as far as biblical times, as per Express.
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The disease was first described in 1879, but the Romans, Jews and Arabs also have documents referring to gonorrhoea. The sexually transmitted disease is referenced in the Old Testament Book of Leviticus: ‘The man that hath an issue of seed, shall be unclean’.
Now that gonorrhoea is at an all-time high, experts are considering a vaccination program to limit infections and protect those who are most vulnerable.
Gonorrhoea cases are on the rise
As per Express, NHS data shows that in 2022, there were 82,500 cases of gonorrhoea in the UK, which is 50% more than in 2021 and 16% more than before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019.
The number of cases slowed during the various lockdowns when Covid-19 was in full swing, but as the numbers show, infections are on the rise.
Gonorrhoea is typically spread through unprotected sex, but also through sharing sex toys and in some cases, pregnant women can pass it to their babies. In babies, without treatment, gonorrhoea can cause permanent blindness.
The number of gonorrhoea cases is highest in the Greater London area with 383 infections per 100,000 people.
Gonorrhoea symptoms can include thick green or yellow discharge from the vagina or penis, pain when peeing and bleeding between periods.
Is a vaccine against gonorrhoea available?
Since the number of gonorrhoea infections is at an all-time high, you may be wondering if a vaccine is available.
A vaccine solely for the purpose of fighting gonorrhoea is not available, but according to Professor Andrew Pollard, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the vaccine used for children to protect against meningitis and septicaemia could offer ‘some protection’.
He told Express:
Introducing a MenB vaccination programme to prevent gonorrhoea in England would be a world first and should significantly help to reduce levels of gonorrhoea, which are currently at a record high.
If a vaccine against gonorrhoea is rolled out, the JCVI explained that it would be primarily offered to gay and bisexual men, who have the highest rates of gonorrhoea. Eventually, the vaccine would be offered to everyone or anyone at ‘equivalent risk’.
Read more:
⋙ NHS could introduce new vaccine, check if your child would need to get it
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⋙ This 1950s disease is making a comeback in the UK, here’s everything you need to know
Sources used:
Express: ‘The biblical disease hitting record levels - check the number of cases where you live’
Gloucestershire Live: ‘Map shows rapid spread of 'biblical disease' in England’
