As Freshers Week approaches, health officials are urging students to use condoms as gonorrhoea infections remain alarmingly high in Somerset. Known historically as the “Biblical STI,” gonorrhoea has seen a dramatic rise in recent years, despite a slight recent decline.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) highlights the risks, particularly for young people aged 15 to 24, urging caution and awareness as this group remains the most affected. While there has been a recent 16% drop in cases in 2024, infections are still at historically elevated levels.
In England, 71,802 cases were reported last year alone, including 290 in Somerset, 127 in North Somerset, and 107 in Bath and North East Somerset—figures that have more than doubled since 2012. The infection rate in 2024 stood at 124.5 cases per 100,000 people—equivalent to one in 803 people—doubling the rate from a decade ago.
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The surge has been fueled by rising cases over the last ten years, a dip during COVID-19 lockdowns, and a return to record numbers once restrictions lifted. Between January and March 2025, cases continued to fall, but health experts warn that the threat remains significant.
North Somerset shows one of the highest local infection rates with 57.4 cases per 100,000 residents, followed by Bath and North East Somerset at 53.5 and Somerset at 49.9 per 100,000. Our interactive map allows residents to view detailed local data and track trends over the past decade.
Dr Hamish Mohammed, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, advises, “Starting university is an exciting time—don’t let an STI spoil it. Using condoms is one of the most effective prevention methods. If you’ve had condomless sex and notice any symptoms, get tested promptly. Testing is free, confidential, and key to protecting your health as you begin your academic journey.”
Gonorrhoea has ancient origins, with references dating back to the Old Testament Book of Leviticus, which warns about bodily discharges. The disease was documented by the Romans, Jews, and Arabs, each with their own treatments and descriptions. The Roman physician Galen coined the term “gonorrhoea” in around 130 AD, describing it as an “involuntary escape of semen.”
Common symptoms include a thick green or yellow discharge, painful urination, and, in women, bleeding between menstrual periods. The infection spreads mainly through unprotected sex or sharing sex toys, and it can also be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth.
If left untreated, gonorrhoea can cause serious health complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, urethral stricture, scrotal swelling, and even permanent blindness.
With infections rising sharply over the last decade, taking preventive measures and seeking timely testing remains essential to curb this long-standing public health challenge.