Preliminary Infectious Disease Summary, Utah, August 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.

August 2007 Epidemiology Highlights

Cryptosporidiosis Outbreak

In a typical year, there are approximately 30 cases of cryptosporidiosis reported to the Utah Department of Health. More than 700 cases were reported statewide in August, mostly due to transmission of the parasite in swimming pools. Confirmed cases have been reported from all 12 of Utah's health districts, but predominantly from along the Wasatch Front.

Public health departments have enacted the following prevention measures in order to control the outbreak and prevent additional illness: exclusion of children under the age of five (and anybody in diapers) from swimming until the outbreak has subsided, weekly hyper-chlorination of swimming pools (maintaining a minimum level of chlorination at all times), and posting informational materials at each pool. Childcare centers were also asked to refrain from participating in recreational activities in water and were instructed in how to prevent child-to-child transmission of the parasite.

For more information on cryptosporidiosis please click on the following link: http://health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/crypto/crypto_07_new.htm