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Disease Data
and Graphics
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 the table to access their corresponding fact sheets.
Click here
for sexually transmitted disease epidemiologic data. Click here
for AIDS/HIV epidemiologic data.
August
2005 Epidemiology Highlights
Pertussis
("Whooping Cough")
The number of reported pertussis cases in Utah continued to be higher
than expected during August, especially from communities along the
Wasatch Front and central and northern Utah. Pertussis outbreaks
have also been reported in many parts of the U.S. this year. Pertussis
is a common cause of chronic coughing during community outbreaks
(click here
to hear samples of whooping cough sounds). Testing for pertussis
can help interrupt the spread of the disease and guide doctors in
the appropriate use of antibiotics for treatment of the bacterial
infection.
Historically, the majority of reported pertussis cases have been
among unvaccinated children. Like other state health departments,
the Utah Department of Health has observed a disproportionate increase
in the number of cases reported among Utah adolescents and adults.
Immunity from childhood vaccination generally begins to wear off
after five to 10 years, leaving many adolescents susceptible to
this highly contagious disease. However, a new pertussis booster
vaccine for adolescents received approval from the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2005. Previously, there was no
pertussis vaccine approved for use in the U.S. in children seven
years of age or older. Call the Immunization Hotline (1-800-275-0659)
for more information on the vaccine. Click
here
for more information on pertussis and click here
to compare historical Utah pertussis rates with national rates.
Rabies
Rabies is an immediately reportable viral disease of the nervous
system. It usually results from exposure to an infected animal and
is nearly 100% fatal. Nine bats tested positive for the disease
during August. Follow-up treatment and action was provided to humans
and pets exposed to the infected bats.
Approximately
10 to 12 rabid bats are identified per year in Utah. Rabies in companion
animals, such as dogs and cats, is uncommon. Only two dogs and two
cats have tested positive for the disease during the past 15 years
in Utah. Though rabies is rare in companion animals, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends that a rabies
vaccination history be acquired for cats and dogs that have bitten/scratched
people and that those currently vaccinated are held under a household
observation for 10 days for any sign of illness. Domestic animals
that have contact with a potentially infected animal should be reported
to a local
animal control agency. Any persons who have contact with a suspected
rabid animal should contact a doctor, local
health department or the Utah
Department of Health. Click here
for more information about the disease.
Salmonellosis
The number of reported
cases of salmonellosis was higher than expected from areas
along the Wasatch Front and northern Utah. Salmonellosis is an infection
of the stomach and intestines caused by Salmonella bacteria.
Several local health departments are investigating an outbreak of
this disease. Click here
to read more about Salmonella infections.
West
Nile Virus
West Nile virus activity among humans and animals has been detected
in several parts of Utah, including the following counties: Carbon,
Davis, Duchesne, Grand, Juab, Salt Lake, Tooele, Uintah, Utah, Washington,
and Weber. All West Nile virus infections are reportable in Utah.
In the past several years, Utah has detected West Nile virus activity
from July through October. Personal protective measures should be
encouraged, including the use of insect repellent and/or covering
exposed skin from dusk to dawn. Click here
to access the West Nile virus web page, which is updated weekly.
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