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Highlights
Campylobacteriosis
The Office of Epidemiology
noted a statistically significant increase in suspected and confirmed
campylobacteriosis cases reported in Utah during July, comparable
to the increase observed in June. No more than 38 suspected and/or
confirmed cases of the gastrointestinal infection were expected
to be reported during the month, but the Office of Epidemiology
received 44 reports of the disease from 7 of Utah's 12 health districts.
Disease investigators continue to be vigilant for exposures that
cases may have in common. The Salt Lake Valley Health Department
identified fresh peas from a roadside stand as the source of illness
among 4 cases during the month.
Campylobacter
infections may be prevented by implementing the following 8 guidelines:
1. Never leave raw meat
at room temperature.
2. Always cook meat thoroughly. Ensure that juices run clear and
that the inside is cooked to 170°F (77°C) for breast meat,
and 180°F (82°C) for thigh meat. If one is served undercooked
poultry in a restaurant, he or she should send it back for further
cooking.
3. Thoroughly cook raw eggs or foods containing raw eggs.
4. Avoid using unpasteurized milk and untreated surface water.
5. Prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen: Use separate cutting
boards for foods of animal origin and other foods. Carefully clean
all cutting boards, countertops and utensils with soap and hot water
after preparing raw food of animal origin.
6. Carefully wash hands before and after preparing food.
7. Make sure children wash their hands carefully, especially after
using the toilet or handling pets.
8. Always wash hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet
or changing diapers.
9. Wash fruits and vegetables
before consumption.
Coccidioidomycosis
No common exposures have been identifed among the 5 reported suspect/confirmed
fungal infections.
Hantavirus
Infection
The first confirmed hantavirus
infection of 2004 was reported to the Office of Epidemiology in
July. The patient, a resident of the Central Utah Health District,
made a complete recovery. No definitive exposure was identified
by public health officials. Since 1993, Utah has had 26 cases of
hantavirus infections reported to the Office of Epidemiology. Seventy-three
percent of the cases have been male and 27% female. The average
age of reported cases is 35 years (range: 17 to 67 years) with a
case fatality rate of 27%.
Lyme
Disease
Lyme Disease is not endemic in Utah. Laboratory results are pending
to confirm the status of the 5 reported suspect cases. Investigations
are being conducted by local health departments to determine travel
history and other possible risk factors.
West
Nile Virus
West Nile virus activity
was detected in Utah on July 29. Three positive mosquito pools,
from Washington and Grand counties, and two infected humans, from
Salt Lake and Box Elder counties, were reported to the Office of
Epidemiology. Both patients presented with meningitis and are recovering
from the infection.
The total
number of confirmed and suspect cases for selected diseases, reported
by Utah health
districts, is provided below (Table
1 and Figure 1). Click on the
disease names in Table 1 to access their corresponding fact sheets.
Click here
for sexually-transmitted disease epidemiologic data. Click here
for AIDS/HIV epidemiologic data.
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