Public health doctors have expressed concern about unprecedented levels of the sexually transmitted infections chlamydia and gonorrhoea in the Mid West so far this year.

Last year 798 cases of chlamydia were recorded – a 20% increase on 2019 – while 188 cases of gonorrhoea were also recorded – a 41% increase on 2019.

These were the highest numbers recorded for both infections over the past ten years.

So far this year, 664 cases of chlamydia have been recorded and 274 cases of gonorrhoea.

Dr Kenneth Beatty described the rising incidence as “an issue of public health concern”.

“For males and females, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can lead to painful inflammatory diseases, which can lead to infertility,” he said.

He said that wearing a condom correctly and availing of frequent testing is “the most practical way” to prevent infections.