Preliminary
Infectious Disease Summary, Utah, July 2006
Disease Data and Graphics
A preliminary total number of confirmed and suspect cases for selected diseases, reported by Utah health districts, is provided below (Table I and Figure I). These numbers are subject to change upon the completion of ongoing disease investigations. "Suspect" cases are cases that may become confirmed upon final investigation or may be dismissed as a case when the investigation has been completed. Figure II represents the percent change in selected communicable disease incidence in 2006 when compared to a 5-year average.
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 2006 Epidemiology Highlights
Coccidioidomycosis
Eight suspected coccidioidomycosis cases were reported in Utah during July, the majority of which are still under investigation. Coccidioidomycosis is a disease caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis. This fungus lives in soil and is found in certain areas of the southwestern U.S. Utah residents are exposed to Coccidioides immitis exclusively in the southern parts of the state. Risk factors for Utah residents include living in or traveling through parts of the state where the fungus grows. The number of fungal coccidioidomycosis cases reported in Utah varies from year to year and may be affected by rainfall and soil conditions. Southwestern Utah experienced above-average rainfall in the spring and summer months of 2005, which may be consistent with an increase in reported cases from that area since that time. Click here for more information about the disease.
Influenza
Click here to view up-to-date information regarding influenza virus activity in the state.
Pertussis (“Whooping Cough”)
The number of reported pertussis cases in Utah continued to be higher than expected during July. Many other states in the U.S. have also reported a sustained increase in the number of pertussis cases reported during the past year. Utah pertussis cases are associated with clusters in schools, families and the workplace. The number of cases includes both suspect cases, which are still under investigation, and confirmed cases.
Pertussis is a common cause of chronic coughing during community outbreaks (click here to hear samples of whooping cough sounds). Pertussis is spread by close contact with people that are contagious. Sick people can spread the disease when they talk, cough or sneeze. Testing and vaccination for pertussis can help reduce the spread of the disease. In spring 2005, two tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines were licensed for individuals from 10 to 64 years of age. Previous pertussis-containing vaccines were not licensed for anyone over 7 years of age, leaving adolescents and adults without protection.
The Tdap vaccine is recommended for adolescents 11 and 12 years of age in place of the tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster typically given to adolescents. It is also recommended that adults from 19 to 64 years of age be vaccinated with Tdap to replace the Td booster, if they received the last dose of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine >10 years earlier. The new Tdap vaccine helps protect these two vulnerable populations from pertussis, and additionally reduces the risk of spreading the disease to infants, who are at greatest risk of complications associated with the disease. 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. Click on the following image to view the geographic distribution of pertussis disease rates in Utah:
Shigellosis
The number of shigellosis cases reported to the Utah Department of Health was higher in July than expected. The cases are currently under investigation. There is no correlation between the reported cases according to preliminary investigation results.
Shigellosis is a bacterial infection of the large and small intestines caused by bacteria called Shigella. Shigellosis commonly occurs during the summer and early fall in Utah. To help eliminate the spread of shigellosis people can use good handwashing techniques.
