'Unprecedented' levels of chlamydia and gonorrhoea in neighbouring Tipperary

Public Health HSE Mid-West is appealing to people in North Tipperary (as well as in Limerick and Clare) to protect their sexual health and to avail of testing due to the unprecedented levels of chlamydia and gonorrhoea this year.

"According to the latest data, we are already reporting record levels of gonorrhoea in the Mid-West region. If current trends persist, record levels of chlamydia are likely to be recorded by the end of the year," said a spokesperson.

In 2022, Public Health HSE Mid-West recorded the highest number of both chlamydia cases (798), and gonorrhoea (188) in the past 10 years.

So far in 2023, there have been 664 cases of chlamydia, and 274 cases of gonorrhoea.

"Our key message is for people to use a condom correctly every time you have sex (oral, anal, vaginal), avoid sexual contact if you have symptoms of an STI and to get tested if you have symptoms of an STI. You should also get tested if your recent sexual partner have an STI or if you have new or multiple sexual partners," added the spokesperson.

People can avail of free home testing via SH24.ie. SH24 testing has accounted for nearly 40% of all positive chlamydia cases in the Mid-West so far this year.

Dr Kenneth Beatty, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, commented: “The rising incidence of sexually transmitted infections in the Mid-West is an issue of Public Health concern. For males and females, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can lead to painful inflammatory diseases, which can lead to infertility."

Dr Beatty added: “An individual, behavioural response is needed to protect ourselves. Wearing a condom correctly and availing of frequent testing is the most practical way to prevent future infections and to protect your sexual partners. Free contraception is available to 17-30-year-olds, and SH24 home testing is also free for everyone.”

Dr Patrick O’Donnell, GP with HSE Social Inclusion CHO3 & Associate Professor of General Practice at University of Limerick, said: “Testing for sexually transmitted infections is now even easier with the availability of the home testing programme. These curable conditions can be present for a period of time without a person realising it. There are easy treatments and supports available to a person if they have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection. If you need further advice you can speak to your GP, practice nurse, sexual health clinic or go online to sexualwellbeing.ie.” 

In summer 2023, HSE Mid-West established its first ever Regional Sexual Health and Wellbeing Committee, to tackle rising levels of sexually-transmitted infections and to improve sexual wellbeing in the Mid-West region.

The committee comprises expert membership from a wide range of disciplines, including community outreach, acute clinical, nursing, Public Health, and communications. It will convene its second meeting later this year.