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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.
July
2005 Epidemiology Highlights
Viral
Meningitis
The number of reported cases of aseptic (presumably viral) meningitis
was higher than expected along the Wasatch Front during July. In
most cases, viral meningitis is a self-limiting illness characterized
by sudden onset of fever and severe headache. However, some individuals
with the condition may be ill enough to require urgent medical care.
Click here
for more information about the disease.
All cases of meningitis
are reportable in Utah. Some forms of bacterial meningitis, such
as meningococcal
meningitis and meningitis caused by Haemophilus
influenzae, are immediately reportable to a local
health department or the Utah
Department of Health.
Pertussis ("Whooping
Cough")
The number of reported pertussis cases in Utah continued to be higher
than expected during July, especially from communities along the
Wasatch Front 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 states, 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. The Utah Public Health Laboratory detected
the first two animal rabies cases in Utah for 2005. One bat from
southern Utah, which bit a person, tested positive during July.
The person subsequently received preventive treatment for the exposure.
A second bat, from northeastern Utah, also tested positive for rabies
and had contact with a pet dog, which was up-to-date on its rabies
vaccine.
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.
Invasive Streptococcal Disease
The number of invasive streptococcal diseases reported in July
was higher than expected. Public health officials are investigating
the cases in order to determine the cause of the observed increase.
Click here
for more information about the disease.
Western
Equine Encephalitis
The western equine encephalitis virus was detected in mosquitoes
and birds in southern Utah. The virus is a mosquito-borne virus
that may be transmitted to animals and humans and cause a flu-like
illness that can progress to encephalitis. Historically, the disease
has been more common in children than adults, but more severe in
adults than in children. The virus is transmitted by the same kinds
of mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus, so it is important to
use insect repellent while outdoors between dusk and dawn or ensure
that exposed skin is covered appropriately. Click here
for more information about western equine encephalitis, which is
a reportable disease in Utah.
West
Nile Virus
West Nile virus activity was detected in mosquitoes and/or birds
in Duchesne, Salt Lake, Uintah, and Utah counties during July. There
have been no reported human cases this year. However, the Utah Department
of Health has received numerous reports of aseptic meningitis cases
in the state. At this time of year, it is important for doctors
to test patients with aseptic meningitis for the presence of West
Nile virus. 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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