|
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.
September
2005 Epidemiology Highlights
Pertussis
The number of reported pertussis cases in Utah continued to
be higher than expected during September, 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 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.
West
Nile Virus
Click here
to view up-to-date West Nile virus activity in the state.
|
*Please visit the
West Nile Virus 
