The rate of reported cases of the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea in Hawai'i more than doubled between 2000 and 2005, according to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

The CDC said there were 81.1 cases per 100,000 people in Hawai'i in 2005. The total number of reported cases here was 1,024.

That compared with a 39.8 rate six years earlier, and marked the third-biggest gain in the ratio nationwide, the agency said. Only Utah and Montana had bigger increases.

Dr. Glenn Wasserman, chief of the communicable disease division of the state Department of Health, said some of the increase in Hawai'i is from more testing, better reporting to the department and use of more sensitive tests in recent years. He said the department is concerned about the higher rates and is encouraging people to be tested.

"We want to identify people with infection and treat them before it can become serious," Wasserman said. Moreover, people who test positive should get their sexual partners tested, otherwise the disease may continue to spread. The state is also looking at a program under which physicians could provide antibiotics or a prescription to be given to a partner when someone tests positive.

Gonorrhea can lead to life-threatening conditions and greater risk for contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDs. Disease symptoms can include a painful or burning sensation while urinating and discharges from sexual organs.

The CDC highlighted Hawai'i and seven other Western states in a report released yesterday, noting the group generally has had a lower rate than other regions in recent decades. The actual rate of infection is probably higher since the CDC estimates that only one-half of cases are reported nationally.

Hawai'i's rate, while higher than 2000 levels, is lower than three years ago and the 2005 national average of 115.6.

The report noted the spread of the disease among methamphetamine users and inmates also may have contributed to higher rates in the West.

Honolulu also has a higher incidence of gonorrhea that's resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Wasserman said the state became aware of this issue several years ago and recommended a different treatment.

Reach Greg Wiles at gwiles@honoluluadvertiser.com.