Back to SearchKingston—The rate of gonorrhea has been steadily rising over the past 5 years. In January 2020, KFL&A Public Health declared a gonorrhea outbreak when it reached an all-time monthly high of 25 cases. This monthly high was quickly surpassed in February when 26 cases were reported. Through the first 5 months of 2020, KFL&A Public Health has been notified of 98 confirmed cases of gonorrhea.
“In comparison, there were 81 total confirmed cases of gonorrhea in all of 2019,” said Dr. Hugh Guan, PGY5 Public Health & Preventative Medicine Resident at Queen’s University. “Although we normally think of youth when we think about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), 60% of these cases reported so far this year have been patients 30 years of age or older.”
To address this rise in gonorrhea infections in our area, KFL&A Public Health is launching a Quick Test Clinic where individuals who want routine testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia can get a quick test without seeing a health care provider. Individuals who attend this clinic are asked to bring their health card, if they have one, and to assist in the testing process (e.g., fill out a lab requisition with their contact information, label the specimen container, and provide a sample for testing).
This new clinic is right for you if:
- You have had sex with a new partner since your last sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing (or you haven’t been tested before).
- You only want testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- You don’t have any symptoms of an STI (e.g., discharge, pain, or sores on your genitals).
- You know it is important to look after your health when you are sexually active, and you want to help reduce the spread of STIs.
- You don’t want to speak with or have a physical exam with a health care provider.
This Quick Test Clinic is available at KFL&A Public Health (main office) at 221 Portsmouth Avenue and is offered twice a week on Monday from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. and Thursday from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m., with no appointment needed. The first clinic will be held on Thursday, June 18 at 1:00 p.m.
This clinic is designed to minimize any barriers to accessing health services during COVID-19. Individuals attending the clinic will independently pick up a test kit and provide a sample to complete the quick test. Individuals that test positive will be contacted by a public health nurse within two weeks to provide treatment and assist with partner follow-up.
For more information on STI testing services or sexual health, visit kflaph.ca/SexualHealthClinic
Note: Please delay your visit if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, for a full list of symptoms and the most up to date information on COVID-19, visit www.Kflaph.ca/Coronavirus or www.Ontario.ca/coronavirus.
--30—
Subscribe