| 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). Suspect cases are cases that may become confirmed upon final investigation or may be dismissed as a case when the investigation is completed. 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.
December 2005 Epidemiology Highlights
Pertussis
The number of reported pertussis cases in Utah continued to be higher than expected during December, especially from communities along the Wasatch Front and northern Utah. Pertussis reports have been elevated in Utah throughout 2005, and 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 and vaccination 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. Pertussis is spread by close contact with people that are contagious. Sick people can spread the disease when they talk, cough or sneeze.
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. It is recommended that adults from 19 to 64 years of age be vaccinated with the new (Tdap) booster. The new vaccine helps protect adults from pertussis, and reduces the risk of spreading the disease to infants. 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.
Coccidioidomycosis
Coccidioides is a fungus that causes an infection known as coccidioidomycosis. The fungus lives in certain areas of the southwestern United States in the soil. The number of infections reported varies from year to year based on rainfall and soil conditions.
In Utah 17 coccidioidomycosis cases were reported in December, and reported coccidioidomycosis was elevated during several months in 2005. The majority of cases were reported in the southwestern part of the state as expected. Southwestern Utah experienced above average rainfall in the spring and summer months, which would be consistent with an increase in reported cases from that area. Click here for more information about the disease.
Invasive Streptococcal Disease
Public health monitors activity of three types of invasive streptococcal disease: Streptococcal pneumoniae, Group A strep (Streptococcal pyogenes), and Group B strep (Streptococcal agalactiae). Only isolates found in sterile body sites are reportable.
The number of reported Invasive Streptococcal Diseases continues to be high due to better datareporting. There are several preventive measures that are available. There are pediatric and adult versions of a pneumococcal vaccine that can serve to reduce the incidence of severe disease in both infants and older adults (the two most commonly affected age groups). Group B strep in newborns can be prevented by adhering closely to recommended guidelines for screening and treating pregnant women.
Influenza
Click to view up-to-date Influenza virus activity in the state.
Utah 2005 Epidemiology Highlights
West Nile Virus (WNV) Activity in 2005
WNV is a viral infection that wild birds can carry. The virus is spread to birds by infected mosquito’s that can then infect humans. In 2005 the reported cases of West Nile Virus increased in Utah. Increased cases can be attributed to the fact that after introduction to the United States in 1999 WNV moved from east to west. West Nile Virus entered Utah in August 2003 and reported cases have increased since that time. Click here for more information about the disease including prevention
|
