Iowa has seen a 145% increase in gonorrhea cases since 2013.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, preliminary data indicates 3,600 cases of the sexually transmitted disease in the state last year, up from 2,600 cases in 2016. Gonorrhea can infect both men and women, causing infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat.

In Iowa, increases are occurring in both men and women, however the rate of increase is higher in men. About 80% of the diagnoses are among patients 15 to 34 years of age. According to IDPH, there continue to be disproportionate rates among Iowa’s black/African American populations which make up 3.5% of the state’s population, and just under 30% of the gonorrhea diagnoses.

Gonorrhea is spread through unprotected sex, and can be passed from a pregnant mother to her baby during childbirth.