Preliminary
Infectious Disease Summary, Utah, October 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 occurrence 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.
October 2006 Epidemiology Highlights
Chicken pox
The number of reported chickenpox cases was higher than expected in October from areas along the Wasatch Front, central Utah, and northern Utah. Chickenpox is usually a childhood disease that is spread from person-to-person by direct contact with infected people or by airborne spread from respiratory tract secretions. Chickenpox preventative measures include receiving the vaccine that was licensed in 1995 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The vaccine can be administered to healthy people aged 1 year or older who have had no previous chickenpox illness. Call the Immunization Hotline (1-800-275-0659) for more information on the vaccine. Click here for more information about chickenpox.
Invasive Pneumococcal Disease
The number of invasive pneumococcal diseases reported in October was higher than expected. Thirteen suspected and confirmed cases were reported along the Wasatch Front during the months. There are several preventive measures that may be taken against invasive pneumococcal disease. There are pediatric and adult versions of a pneumococcal vaccine that may reduce the occurrence of severe disease in both infants and older adults (the two most commonly affected age groups). Click here for more information on invasive pneumococcal disease.
Shigellosis
The number of shigellosis cases reported was also higher than expected in October. Public health officials are currently investigating the cases to determine the cause of the disease. Shigellosis is a bacterial infection of the large and small intestines and is caused by Shigella bacteria. Shigellosis commonly occurs during the summer and early fall in Utah. Thorough hand washing can help prevent the spread of the disease. Click here for more information about shigellosis.
West Nile Virus
Aggressive disease tracking activities for West Nile virus have ended in Utah. The 2006 season was the most active season yet in Utah for the disease. In the past several years, Utah has detected West Nile virus activity from July through October. Click here to read more about the West Nile virus and the 2006 season.
