The number of sexually transmitted diseases reported to Iowa health authorities is on the rise. In fact, the number of gonorrhea cases is now twice what it was just four years ago.

Statewide, the Iowa Department of Public Health counted 2,600 gonorrhea cases in 2017. That’s up 145 percent since 2013.

The number of cases in Linn County showed an even larger percentage increase. Linn County had 108 cases in 2014. The next year, the number was 169 and then 266 in 2016. Last year cases hit 354.

Heather Meador with Linn County Public Health says there is no one explanation for the rising numbers.

“Could be multiple factors for this but we just want to get the word out that if you were sexually active it’s very important to be screened for all sexually transmitted infections and if you are positive, make sure you are treated appropriately,” she said.

Meador says other sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and syphilis were also up statewide but not at the rate of increase in gonorrhea cases.