Licking County puzzled by rising gonorrhea rates

NEWARK, Ohio — Licking County health officials are encouraging residents to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases, especially as the county sees increasing rates of gonorrhea. Franklin County typically leads central Ohio counties in STD rates, which is common given its higher population, health officials said. While that remains the case, Licking County’s gonorrhea rates have been rising steadily, more so than the other counties surrounding Franklin.