Rebound of Gonorrhea after Lifting of COVID-19 Preventive Measures, England

Emerg Infect Dis. 2024 Feb;30(2):329-332. doi: 10.3201/eid3002.231148. Epub 2024 Jan 2.

Abstract

After lifting of all COVID-19 preventive measures in England in July 2021, marked, widespread increases in gonorrhea diagnoses, but not testing numbers, were observed, particularly in persons 15-24 years of age. Continued close surveillance and public health messaging to young persons are needed to control and prevent gonorrhea transmission.

Keywords: COVID-19; COVID-19 preventive measures; COVID-19 restrictions; England; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; SARS; SARS-CoV-2; United Kingdom; bacteria; coronavirus; coronavirus disease; gonorrhea; respiratory infections; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; viruses; zoonoses.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • England / epidemiology
  • Gonorrhea* / epidemiology
  • Gonorrhea* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Public Health
  • SARS-CoV-2