Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) occurs when the gonorrhea infection spreads to sites other than the genitals, such as the joints, skin, heart, or blood. DGI occurs in a very small percentage of all cases of gonorrhea and is more common in women.¹ Symptoms may include:

• Fever.
• Skin infection (cellulitis).
• An infection in the bloodstream (sepsis).
• Inflammation of a joint (arthritis). It most often affects the knees and hands.
• An infection and inflammation of the heart valves and the chambers of the heart (endocarditis).
• An infection of the fluid and tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).