The third most populous county in Wyoming is experiencing a gonorrhea outbreak, in which the number of cases reported in 2014 is already double the 2013 numbers. This has prompted Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) representatives to remind those at risk to seek testing for the sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Through the end of October, WDH had reports of 29 gonorrhea cases in Northern Wyoming among Campbell County residents. “Last year we saw just 61 cases for the entire state, 14 of which were in Campbell County,” says Courtney Smith, communicable disease surveillance manager with WDH.
Tai Cooper, communicable disease preventionmanager with WDH, said gonorrhea is transmitted through unprotected sexual activity including oral, anal and vaginal sex. “We know other risk factors include being between the ages of 15-29, having a new sexual partner in the last 60 days, multiple sex partners and a history of or current STD,” Cooper said.
If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women and infertility in men and women. “It’s essential that anyone at risk get tested and properly treated,” Cooper continued. “Most people who have gonorrhea or other STDs do not show symptoms or feel sick.”
Smith noted the current outbreak in Campbell County is mostly affecting men and women ages 20-29.
As of the 2010 census, the population of Campbell County was 46,133, according to Census Bureau statistics.
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