Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea, also known as "the clap" is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea. The bacteria can infect the soft skin covering the openings of the body such as the urethra, vagina, cervix, anus and the throat. Gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics.

For more information on symptoms of gonorrhea, how it is spread, how it is treated, how it is prevented and how many cases have occurred in Minnesota, see below:

On this page:
Gonorrhea Basics
Gonorrhea in the News
Gonorrhea Statistics and Reports
Getting Tested for Gonorrhea
Reporting a Case of Gonorrhea
External Links

Gonorrhea Basics

• STD Facts: Gonorrhea
  MDH overview of gonorrhea: signs and symptoms, transmission, complications, prevention and treatment. (Download PDF versions below, formatted for print)
  • STD Facts: Gonorrhea (English) (PDF: 4 KB/1 page)
  • Spanish (PDF: 4 KB/1 page)
  • Amharic (PDF: 65 KB/1 page)
  • Oromo (PDF: 6 KB/1 page)
  • Somali (PDF: 4 KB/1 page)
    
    
• Programs to Prevent and Reduce the Risks of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases: Minnesota Statute § 121A.23 for STD/HIV Education in Schools
  Statute requiring HIV and STD education to be provided in the classroom within Minnesota’s school districts.
  
  
• Important Information for You and Your Partner
  This brochure is designed to help those infected with chlamydia and/or gonorrhea to notify their sexual partners about their potential exposure. The brochure may be downloaded for duplication purposes.
  
  
• For Persons Who Have Been Sexually Assaulted - Information You Should Know About STDs
  For those who may have been sexually assaulted, this brochure provides guidelines on being tested for HIV and other STDs. The brochure may be downloaded for duplication purposes.
  

Gonorrhea in the News

• New Treatment Recommendation for Gonorrhea Among Gay/Bisexual Men
  CDC issues notice regarding Fluoroquinolone-resistant gonorrhea. Attention: Non-MDH link
  
  
• Highest number of sexually transmitted diseases reported in a single year: Officials call for more screening and treatment of partners - April 2007
  MDH Press Release
  
  
• Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Selected Pathogens
  MDH chart of pathogens and their susceptibility to selected treatments.
  
  
• Bug Bytes: Resistant Gonorrhea is on the Rise
  MDH article on Minnesota cases diagnosed with resistant gonorrhea infections.
  
  
• National STD Awareness Month
  Tip sheets on how to plan activities for National STD Awareness Month developed by the MDH.
  

Gonorrhea Statistics and Reports

• STD Surveillance Report
  Number of bacterial STD cases reported in Minnesota including gonorrhea by year and other demographic breakdowns.
  
  
• Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Among Blacks in Minnesota, 2006
  Data from the MDH shows disproportionately higher rates of STDs among blacks in MN compared with rates among other race groups.
  
  
• STD Prevalence and Reproductive Health Services for Adolescent Women in Special Settings
  MDH report about the prevalence of STDs, pregnancy and contraceptive use of female teens.
  

Getting Tested for Gonorrhea

Reporting a Case of Gonorrhea

• STD Case Reporting Instructions
  MDH summary of procedures to report selected STDs, including gonorrhea.
  
  
• Frequently Asked Questions About STD Reporting
  MDH fact sheet on STD reporting
  
  
• Communicable Disease Reporting Rules, Chapter 4605
  Statute summarizing the communicable diseases that are required to be reported in Minnesota.
  
  
• STD/HIV Partner Services Program
  A brochure designed for health providers, information is provided about the program that assists HIV or STD infected persons notify their partners about their potential exposure. The brochure may be downloaded and printed.
  

External Links

• Gonorrhea Disease Information
  CDC overview of gonorrhea: signs and symptoms, transmission, complications, prevention and treatment. Attention: Non-MDH link
  
  
• Information To Live By: Gonorrhea
  American Social Health Association overview of gonorrhea: signs and symptoms, transmission, complications, prevention and treatment. Attention: Non-MDH link
  
  
• STD Treatment Guidelines
  CDC’s latest treatment guidelines for STDs. Attention: Non-MDH link
  
  
• ipartysmarter.com
  Smart women - smart choices to decrease “risky” drinking and increase self-protection against sexually transmitted diseases and other alcohol-related risks Attention: Non-MDH link
  
  
• STD Image Library
  Image library of STD symptoms developed by the Cincinnati STD/HIV Prevention Training Center. Attention: Non-MDH link
  
  
• Minnesota Family Planning and STD Hotline
  Toll-free hotline for confidential information about the prevention, testing locations and treatment of STDs in Minnesota. (1-800-78-FACTS) Attention: Non-MDH link

Content Notice: This site contains HIV or STD prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV and other STDs are spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please exit this web site.

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