Preliminary Infectious Disease Summary, Utah, November 2007
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 2007 when compared to a 5-year average.

Click here for fact sheets on the corresponding disease names listed in the table. Click here for sexually transmitted disease epidemiologic data. Click here for AIDS/HIV epidemiologic data.

November 2007 Epidemiology Highlights

Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by the water-borne parasite Cryptosporidium. Increased Cryptosporidiosis infections have been reported to the Utah Department of Health since July 1, 2007. Local and state public health officials are closely monitoring the course of the outbreak and the effectiveness of prevention measures that have been implemented to control the spread of disease. Preventative measures include good hand hygiene (click here for hand washing information), not swimming while experiencing diarrhea and for two weeks after symptoms stop, Click here for more information about Cryptosporidiosis infections.

Viral Meningitis

The number of suspected viral meningitis cases reported in Utah was higher than expected during the month of November. Public health officials are investigating the cases. Viral meningitis may be caused by a number of different viruses. Click here for more information on Meningitis.