Anchorage, Alaska — Health officials have reported the death of a woman in her 50s due to a rare and severe complication of gonorrhea, highlighting a growing concern about the spread of disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) in the state. This alarming case marks a notable trend, as Alaska sees an increase in DGI diagnoses, a condition where gonorrhea-causing bacteria spread beyond the genital area into various organs.
The woman was admitted to an Anchorage hospital earlier this spring, suffering from septic shock and heart failure. Following her diagnosis of DGI, state epidemiologists confirmed her death. She was among eight Alaskans diagnosed with DGI from January to May 2024, with those affected aged between 32 and 59, including five women. All received treatment in Anchorage facilities.
Despite her tragic case, records indicate the woman had not been tested for gonorrhea in the year preceding her death, even though she had sought treatment for opioid abuse multiple times in the previous six months. Dr. Liz Ohlsen, a physician with the Alaska Department of Health, emphasized the importance of regular testing, especially for those who may not exhibit symptoms. She noted that undetected infections can escalate to more serious conditions like DGI.
Gonorrhea is typically treatable with antibiotics; however, many individuals remain asymptomatic, leading to potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Ohlsen pointed out a worrying trend: An increase in gonorrhea cases in Alaska might be linked to a particular strain that doesn’t present obvious symptoms, making it easier for the infection to go unnoticed.
In response to the rising rates, state health officials are launching a public awareness campaign, targeting individuals with multiple sexual partners and encouraging routine check-ups every three to six months. Alaska has long grappled with elevated rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), consistently ranking among the highest nationwide.
Last year saw a spike in DGI cases in Alaska, which rose to 27 reported instances in 2024 from just three in 2022 and eight the following year. This sudden increase represented 1.3% of all reported gonorrhea cases, markedly higher than in previous years. DGI can lead to various severe health complications, including joint and heart issues, as well as meningitis, an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord that can be life-threatening.
While fatalities associated with DGI are reportedly rare, Dr. Ohlsen warned that an increase in cases elevates the risk of serious complications and potential deaths. Capturing accurate data on DGI cases poses a challenge, as public health reporting focuses primarily on gonorrhea diagnoses. Although studies indicate a small percentage of gonorrhea cases can progress to DGI, definitive statistics remain elusive.
Research from California highlighted that, during a specific timeframe from mid-2020 to mid-2021, about 0.24% of recorded gonorrhea cases evolved into DGI. Another analysis involving various Western states revealed that 2.2% of the confirmed and probable DGI cases reported to health authorities resulted in patient deaths.
As health officials continue to monitor the spread of DGI and educate the public about the importance of testing and treatment, the urgency around addressing this growing issue will remain at the forefront of Alaska’s ongoing effort to combat sexually transmitted infections.