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Alarming Rise in Gonorrhoea Cases in Bristol Amid Antibiotic Resistance Fears
Health officials have expressed serious concern regarding a sexually transmitted infection (STI), gonorrhoea, mentioned in ancient texts, which could become “untreatable” due to growing antibiotic resistance. Cases of gonorrhoea in Bristol and nearby areas are rapidly increasing, with recent data showing a notable 11% surge last year.
Recent statistics reveal a worrying escalation of gonorrhoea across Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. In 2023, authorities identified 1,051 cases – a substantial rise from 944 the previous year and almost five times the number reported a decade earlier in 2012.
While gonorrhoea typically responds effectively to treatment, the emergence of certain strains, especially those resistant to the key antibiotic ceftriaxone, is generating considerable anxiety.
The long-standing disease of gonorrhoea – documented in early religious and historical writings – now presents a heightened threat due to ceftriaxone resistance, making infections progressively challenging to manage.
Since the initial detection of ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea in England in 2015, the country has encountered 42 cases, a small portion of which were extensively drug-resistant (XDR) – meaning they also resisted alternative antibiotics, according to reports from Bristol Live.
Despite the relatively low number of cases to date, a clear rise in both occurrence and drug resistance is evident. In 2025 alone, four instances have been reported, following thirteen throughout the preceding year, exceeding the total for the two preceding years.
Notably, the increase in XDR cases is particularly concerning. The past fifteen months have witnessed slightly less than double the cases reported in the two-year period leading up to December 2023.
UKHSA Expert Warns of Untreatable Gonorrhoea
Dr. Katy Sinka, from the UKHSA, issued a stark warning: “Gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, potentially rendering it untreatable in the future.”
She cautioned that untreated gonorrhoea could lead to serious health issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
Dr. Sinka strongly advised: “The most effective method to prevent STIs is by using a condom. If you have engaged in unprotected sex with a new or casual partner, it is crucial to get tested, regardless of your age, gender, or sexual orientation.”
She also emphasized the risks associated with sexual encounters abroad: “This includes when you are sexually active while travelling internationally. Early detection is vital for protecting your own health and preventing further transmission.”
Highlighting the often symptomless nature of these infections, she added: “Many STIs present no apparent symptoms, making regular testing essential. Testing is readily available, free, and confidential.”
Of concern, the UKHSA has identified a link between the majority of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea cases and travel to or from the Asia-Pacific region, where ceftriaxone resistance is more prevalent.
Despite limited local transmission within England thus far, officials are concerned about the growing number of cases and their potential for wider dissemination and treatment complexities.
Record Gonorrhoea Cases Reported Nationally
A concerning record was broken in 2023, with an astounding 85,000 gonorrhoea cases reported across England. This marks the largest outbreak in over a century and represents a threefold increase from figures recorded ten years prior.
Bristol has emerged as a significant hotspot in the latest regional data, with 724 gonorrhoea cases recorded in 2023. This indicates the highest risk for this historical illness within our local areas.
With 151 infections per 100,000 residents, the sexual health crisis continues to worsen.
South Gloucestershire follows with 73 infections per 100,000 people, and North Somerset also shows worrying figures, reaching 51 infections per 100,000.
Gonorrhoea Symptoms and Transmission
The subtle symptoms of gonorrhoea, also known as “the clap,” can include a yellowish or greenish discharge from the genitals, painful urination, and, in women, bleeding between menstrual cycles.
Gonorrhoea is typically transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, including the sharing of sex toys, and can also be passed from mother to infant during childbirth.
Alarmingly, a significant number of those infected exhibit no noticeable symptoms, emphasizing the importance of routine screenings when engaging with new or multiple sexual partners.
If left unaddressed, gonorrhoea can cause severe complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease and potential infertility in women, as well as scrotal pain, urethral stricture leading to painful urination, and infertility in men.
More alarmingly, untreated gonorrhoea can result in irreversible blindness.
This ancient ailment, gonorrhoea, has existed since biblical times, leaving its impact throughout human history.