| Disease
Data and Graphics
The total
number of confirmed and suspected cases for selected diseases, reported
by Utah health
districts, is provided below (Table
1 and Figure 1). The data
are preliminary and subject to change upon completion of the disease
investigations. Suspected cases are cases that may either become
confirmed or may be determined to be not a case once the disease
investigation has been 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.
October
2005 Epidemiology Highlights
Campylobacteriosis
The Bureau of Epidemiology noted an increase in suspected and confirmed
Campylobacter infections reported in Utah during October.
Epidemiologic investigations compare risk factors such as food consumption,
travel histories and animal contact. Several investigated outbreaks
of campylobacterosis have been linked to the consumption of unpasteurized
dairy products. To help eliminate Campylobacter infections,
people should wash their hands well, cook their food properly and
avoid consuming undercooked, raw or unpasteurized animal products.
Click here
for more information on campylobacteriosis.
Coccidioidomycosis
Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides.
The fungus lives in the soil in certain areas of the southwestern
U.S. The number of infections reported varies from year to year,
typically depending upon rainfall and soil conditions. In Utah,
10 coccidioidomycosis cases were reported in October 2005, compared
to 5 cases reported in October 2004. The majority of cases were
reported in the southwestern part of the state. Southwestern Utah
has experienced above average rainfall during the past spring and
summer months, which may explain the increase in reported cases.
Click here
for more information about the disease.
Influenza
Click here
to view up-to-date information on influenza virus activity in the
state.
Invasive
Streptococcal Disease
The number of reported invasive streptococcal diseases continues
to be high due to intensive and proficient data collection. Streptococci
are bacteria commonly found in the throat and on the skin. The bacteria
are spread by direct contact with nose and throat discharges of
an infected person or with an infected patch of skin. Few people
who come into contact with invasive streptococcal disease cases
will get the infection. The spread of all types of streptococcal
infections may be reduced by good hand washing, especially after
coughing and sneezing and before preparing food and eating. Click
here
for more information about streptococcal diseases.
Pertussis
The number of reported pertussis cases in Utah continued to be higher
than expected during October, especially from communities along
the Wasatch Front, northern Utah, and southeast 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 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
identified 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. The new vaccine helps protect
adolescents and adults from pertussis, and reduces the risk of spreading
the disease to infants. 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.
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