SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES CONTROL BRANCH

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Infection can lead to serious reproductive health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Gonorrhea also can cause infections in newborn babies. Tests and effective treatments are available.

Information on disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) and antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea.

Resources for Providers

How to Prescribe Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) for Sexually Transmitted Infections (californiaptc.com) (PDF)
Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) for STIs – What is EPT and Why should I Prescribe it? (PDF)
Gonorrhea Treatment Guidelines and Management of Suspected Treatment Failure (2/4/22) (PDF)
CDPH Dear Colleague Letter - Updated Gonorrhea Treatment (2/25/21) (PDF)
Update to CDC’s Treatment Guidelines for Gonococcal Infection, 2020
CDPH DGI FAQ for Health Care Providers (PDF)
CDPH Dear Colleague Letter for Clinicians - Increasing Reports of Disseminated Gonococcal Infection in CA (12/23/20) (PDF)
CDPH Dear Colleague Letter - Extragenital Screening (PDF)
Improving Antibiotic Use to Treat Gonorrhea
Antibiotic-Resistant Gonorrhea Video
Gonorrhea Treatment Guidelines (CDC)
Best Practices for Preventing Repeat Chlamydial and Gonococcal Infections, 2016 (PDF)**
CDC Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the US Report (PDF)

Resources for Local Health Jurisdictions

CDPH Dear Colleague Letter - Increasing Reports of Disseminated Gonococcal Infection in CA (11/5/20) (PDF)
CDC Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI) Case Report Form (PDF)
CDC Dear Colleague Letter - Increasing Reports of Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (12/5/19) (PDF)
Disseminated Gonococcal Infection Working Case Definition (PDF)
Instructions for Shipping Disseminated Gonococcal Infection Isolates to CDC (PDF)
Guidelines for the Treatment of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Cases and Exposed Sexual Partners by Health Department Staff in Non-Clinical Settings, 2012 (PDF)**
Targeted Evaluation Spotlight: Gonorrhea Treatment Adherence (PDF)
CDC Division of STD Prevention
Antibiotic-Resistant Gonorrhea Talking Points for Public Health Leadership (astho) (PDF)
Antibiotic-Resistant Gonorrhea Key Facts for Public Health Leadership (astho) (PDF)

Resources for the Public

Gonorrhea Fact Sheet (CDC) [English] [Spanish]
Expedited Partner Therapy: A Counseling Guide for Providers (PDF)
Patient and Partner Education Materials for PDPT in Multiple Languages
Free STD Retest Reminders for Patients
STD Test Sites
Teen-Friendly STD Information and Health Clinics
Condom Access for Teens
Assess Your Risk for STDs
Send and Email or Text to Let Your Partners Know They Should Get Tested (TellYourPartner.org)
Just Diagnosed? Next Steps After Testing Positive for Gonorrhea or Chlamydia

Data & Surveillance

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in CA Youth: 2017 Snapshot (PDF)
Gonorrhea Tables (Excel)
Gonorrhea Slides (PPTX)
Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project (GISP) Tables (Excel)
Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project (GISP) Slides (PPTX)

**Please note, the treatment regimens for patient-delivered partner therapy/expedited partner therapy are out of date in these documents. Please refer to the 2021 STI Treatment guidelines for the current treatment regimens.

Page Last Updated :

What’s New

Administrative

Diseases and Conditions

Family Health

Health and Safety

Health Facilities

Personal Health and Prevention

Licensing, Certification and Other Credentials

Person Interested In

Gonorrhea