Preliminary
Infectious Disease Summary, Utah, April 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 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.
April 2007 Epidemiology Highlights
Campylobacteriosis
The number of reported Campylobacter infections was higher than expected from areas along the Wasatch Front in April. Several local health departments are investigating an outbreak of this disease. Campylobacterosis is a bacterial infection of the stomach and intestines caused by Campylobacter bacteria. Eating or drinking food or water that is contaminated with the bacteria puts people at risk of acquiring the infection. Improperly cooked poultry, untreated water, and unpasteurized milk are the main sources of infection. Click here for more information on campylobacterosis.
Haemophilus influenzae (invasive disease)
The number of invasive Haemophilus influenzae diseases reported in April was higher than expected. Local public health officials are investigating the cases and implementing disease prevention measures. Click here for more information on the disease. Click here to read information about the vaccine that can provide immunity to Haemophilus influenzae type b.
Invasive Streptococcal Diseases
The number of invasive streptococcal group A and group B infections reported to the Utah Department of Health was also higher than expected in April. Public health officials are collaborating with medical providers to determine why there has been an increase in the number of cases associated with this disease. Pregnant women with a streptococcal group B infection, who can pass the disease to their newborn children, and people in long-term care facilities, are the main groups within the population that are most commonly affected by the disease. Click here for more information on streptococcal group A invasive disease.
Invasive Pneumococcal Disease
The number of invasive pneumococcal diseases reported in April was higher than expected. Twenty-two suspected and confirmed cases were reported statewide during the month. 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. Click here for more information on the pneumococcal vaccine.
Viral Meningitis
The number of cases of viral meningitis reported in April was higher than expected. Click here to read more about the disease.
