By Oliver Lees
Melton has been identified as a hotspot area in a rising number of gonorrhea infections across the state.
The findings have come via an Alfred Health study which has tracked cases of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) over a decade.
Gonorrhea has the potential to spread through unprotected sexual interactions and can create discomfort, unusual discharge and burning sensations around an individual’s sexual organs.
The study found a total of 24,825 cases of the infection between 2017 and 2019, with 42 per cent of cases found in men who have sex with other men.
Sexual health epdimiologist Eric Chow said higher case numbers were found in areas of great socioeconomic disadvantage.
“Cases in women were concentrated in inner Melbourne, but there were also high numbers of cases in outer Melbourne local government areas such as Melton and Casey,” Mr Chow said.
“The pattern was similar for heterosexual men with cases concentrated in inner Melbourne, Casey, and Brimbank.”
Mr Chow told Star Weekly it was important to understand the nature of STIs and monitor for symptoms.
“If you test positive, it is important to notify your sexual partners so they can get tested and treated,” he said.
“[It] is important to know your STI status if you are sexually active. Some STIs do not have symptoms and hence regular testing is important for timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent ongoing transmission.”
In 2020, Alfred Health established the Victorian Sexual Health Network, where individuals can get tested at community centres for free.
“The Kings Park Medical Centre Hillside is part of the Victorian Sexual Health Network, which is located closest to Melton,” he said.
Mr Chow recommends that people use the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre website ‘Stay STI Free’ for recommendations and information about STI’s.
Details: www.staystifree.org.au
