Preliminary Infectious Disease Summary, Utah, October 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.

October 2007 Epidemiology Highlights

Coccidioidomycosis

Twenty coccidioidomycosis cases were reported in Utah during October, 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.  Click here for more information about the disease.

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.

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by the water-borne parasite Giardia lamblia. A person has to eat or drink the Giardia lamblia parasite cyst to become ill. Persons who drink untreated contaminated water are at highest risk for getting giardiasis. Giardiasis occurs throughout all age groups, although the prevalence is higher in children than adults. People who are immunocompromised can be at risk for developing chronic, symptomatic infections.

The number of reported Giardiasis infections reported along the Wasatch Front was higher than expected for October. One hundred and seven suspected and confirmed cases were reported. Utah giardiasis cases include in-state and out-of-state exposures. Public health is investigating the situation. Click here for more information about Giardiasis infections.

Invasive Streptococcal Group A Infections

The number of cases of invasive disease due to Group A strep that were reported to public health was higher than expected this month. Due to recent changes in surveillance efforts, it is unclear whether this increase is significant. Invasive disease due to Group A strep generally rises during the winter and spring months and falls during the summer and fall. This year, invasive Group A strep rose in October, rather than in November as in the past. Click here for more information on invasive streptococcal group A infections.

Salmonellosis

The Bureau of Epidemiology noted an increase in the number of cases of Salmonellosis reported in Utah during October. Public health investigators compare risk factors including food and travel histories, animal contact, and other exposures to determine the possible source of illness. Salmonellosis infections in October were distributed along the Wasatch front.   Salmonellosis infections can be avoided by washing hands well (click here for hand washing information), cooking food properly, and avoiding undercooked, raw or unpasteurized animal products. Click here for more information on Salmonellosis.