Health Officials Warn About Rare Form Of Gonorrhea

medical54-39
medical54-39

A rare form of gonorrhea has shown up in southwest Michigan. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Lynn Sutfin tells WSJM News there have been four confirmed cases in Kalamazoo County, and one in St. Joseph County. It’s also investigating one possible case in Calhoun County. This form of the illness, commonly called DGI, is more serious than your standard gonorrhea.

“Standard gonorrhea, you can treat that with some antibiotics and kind of move on with your life,” Sutfin said. “Unfortunately, this is putting people in the hospital, which is not something gonorrhea typically does.”

Sutfin says DGI involves fevers, chills and joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The illness will usually come after a regular case of gonorrhea. The state health department notes cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis all increased in 2018. Sutfin says everyone is urged to practice safe sex.