A sharp rise in the number of gonorrhoea cases in Whangarei is worrying health officials.
Northland Health says its STD clinic usually sees two to three cases a month. However, clinicians say that number has gone up to about eight a month.
Hayley Bennett says they have dealt with 25 cases of gonorrhoea in Whangarei in the past three months, most of them in people aged from 15 to their mid-20s.
Dr Bennett says gonorrhoea can be symptom-free in women, but can cause infertility if it is not treated.
She says anyone who is sexually active should have regular check-ups, which are free at Northland Health, Family Planning and Student Health Services.