The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, with the help of the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department, are investigating 10 confirmed cases and one potential case of a rare gonorrhea infection complication.
The complication called disseminated gonococcal infection happens after a person has become infected with the STD and needs hospitalization. Symptoms of this disease include chills, fever, joint pain, swelling and stiffness. It can also lead to infections in the internal organs and joints.
Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department Medical Director Dr. William Nettleton said the gonorrhea infection spreading to the joints and internal organs is rare but very serious that needs medical intervention in the way of hospitalization.
In some cases, some people with the disease have no symptoms. However, anybody that is experiencing these STD symptoms is urged to reach out to their doctor or other healthcare provider. These providers will also need to report the cases to the Kalamazoo County Health and County Services Department.
Written by Mark Riegel, MD
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