Alaska health authorities have confirmed the death of a woman in her 50s due to disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), a rare but serious complication of untreated gonorrhea. The woman was admitted to an Anchorage hospital in respiratory distress earlier this year.
DGI occurs when the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria spread through the bloodstream from infected mucosal areas, leading to severe conditions including septic shock and heart failure caused by endocarditis. Tests showed the woman had positive gonorrhea infections at multiple sites.
Prior to her illness, she had two healthcare visits related to opioid use disorder but no record of gonorrhea testing. The untreated infection allowed the bacteria to invade her organs, resulting in the fatal outcome.
Between January and May 2025, eight DGI cases were reported in Alaska, mostly in Anchorage, with five involving women. Only a few had previous STI diagnoses. An investigation found no direct links among the cases but noted risk factors such as substance use and multiple sexual partners.
Officials urge residents, especially those with new or multiple partners, to watch for symptoms and seek testing. Dr. Liz Ohlsen highlighted that the risk includes anyone with multiple partners or partners who do.