A number of students presented with gonorrhoea and chlamydia to the UL Student Health Centre in recent weeks.
Students at the University of Limerick have been alerted about an ‘outbreak’ of gonorrhoea and chlamydia on campus following an increase in the cases of both illnesses in recent weeks.
The Limerick Leader reports that an email was circulated to students on Wednesday morning warning of the outbreak and strongly advising all students who have had unprotected sex or have any concerns to contact the Student Health Centre or their G.P.
While the email circulated to students warned of an ‘outbreak’ of gonorrhoea and chlamydia on campus, it is understood that there have been approximately 10 cases in total in the last two weeks.
A statement from University of Limerick on the matter, issued to JOE on Wednesday afternoon, read as follows: “University of Limerick is working closely with the HSE following the identification of an increase in the number of students presenting with gonorrhoea and/or chlamydia to the UL Student Health Centre.
“As is best practice, UL has rolled out an awareness campaign contacting every student directly. In accordance with HSE protocols students are being urged to present to the STI and/or the GP clinics run by the UL Student Health Centre should they have concerns with regard to any element of their health and to get the necessary treatment.
“All students who present are currently being seen with or without an appointment and UL will continue to work closely with the HSE to ensure all awareness and treatment protocols are fully adhered to.”
Dr Bernadette Walsh, Director of Student Services at UL, said: “This year, the Student Health Centre has been proactively screening for STIs and this may account for the increased levels of detection.
“According to the most up-to-date figures that we have access to, there have been 97 cases of gonorrhoea in counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary during 2016. 14 of these are associated with this campus, which consists of approximately 15,000 students.
“We have taken the proactive step, working closely with the HSE, of sending out a strongly-worded message to our student community alerting them to this public health issue because we take the wellbeing of our students very seriously.
“The health of all students is paramount. Therefore, we would advise any student who may have a concern about any element of their mental or physical health to seek appropriate medical treatment.”
Main image via Facebook/University of Limerick
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