Students are advised to use condoms during Freshers Week due to high rates of a little-known STI, as indicated by our map showing increased infections in different areas. Although recent data shows a decrease in gonorrhoea rates, cases remain prevalent. The UK Health Security Agency cautions against unprotected sex.
Health professionals note a gradual decline in STIs but stress the importance of understanding infection risks, especially among individuals aged 15 to 24. In England, there were 71,802 cases of gonorrhoea last year, a doubling from a decade ago and a 167% increase from 2012.
The infection rate for gonorrhoea in 2024 was 124.5 per 100,000 people, double the rate from ten years ago. Despite a 16% decrease in 2024, cases remain historically high, particularly in London.
In Lambeth, there were 3,516 gonorrhoea diagnoses last year, translating to 1,113.7 infections per 100,000 people. The top 15 areas with the highest infection rates were all in London, with Lambeth, Southwark, and Hackney leading the list.
Outside London, Manchester had the highest risk of gonorrhoea, followed by Brighton, Salford, Liverpool, and Nottingham. Dr. Hamish Mohammed from the UKHSA advises using condoms to reduce the risk of STIs and emphasizes the importance of testing if symptoms arise.
Gonorrhoea has historical references dating back to Biblical times, with mentions in early human records. The disease has been known by different societies, with varying symptoms and treatments. If left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to severe complications, including infertility and blindness.