Michigan Sees 'Significant Statewide Increase' In Gonorrhea Cases

MICHIGAN — Data from across Michigan show an alarming increase in gonorrhea cases, according to state health officials.

Recent analyses of new reports of sexually transmitted diseases by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services STD Epidemiology program detected the increase. In 2019, Michigan reported 18,264 gonorrhea infections. The annual number has already been surpassed as of Oct. 31, pointing to a 22 percent increase in reported gonorrhea infections for 2020, officials said.

The increase in infections is even more alarming as it is likely an underestimate of the actual burden of disease due to decreased testing for STDs during the pandemic, officials said. While under normal circumstances the response to such an increase would include a call for broader testing, there is a national shortage of collection kits and laboratory supplies used to test for gonorrhea.

“A shortage of testing supplies during a significant statewide increase in cases presents an alarming potential for a host of negative health outcomes for Michiganders,” Michigan Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said. “Because laboratory testing is challenging at this time, it is imperative that medical providers continue to clinically diagnose and treat suspected cases of gonorrhea to slow the spread in our state.”

In support of STD providers, public and private, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released guidance to provide recommendations on clinical STD service challenges, including guidance on presumptive diagnosis and treatment of STDs during the pandemic. The state is advising healthcare providers to treat patients presenting signs or symptoms of an infection, regardless of laboratory confirmation of one, in order to offset a shortage of supplies.