Preliminary
Infectious Disease Summary, Utah, March 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.
March 2007 Epidemiology
Highlights
Campylobaceriosis
The number of reported cases of campylobacterosis was higher than expected from areas along the Wasatch Front and northern Utah in March. 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.
Invasive Streptococcal Diseases
The number of invasive streptococcal group A and group B infections reported to the Utah Department of Health were higher than expected in March. 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 March 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.
Tuberculosis
The number of reported tuberculosis (TB) cases was higher than expected in March. All 8 cases reported in March were in persons born outside the U.S., including the following: 2 from the Marshall Isles, 2 from Mexico, and 1 each from Chad, Sudan, China, and El Salvador. The risk for TB approximates the country of origin in the early years of residence in the U.S. It declines and approaches that of the host country over time. Symptoms of pulmonary TB may include a productive, prolonged cough (duration of $3 weeks); chest pain; and bloody sputum. Systemic symptoms of TB include fever, chills, night sweats, appetite loss, weight loss, and easy fatigability. A diagnosis of TB should be considered in persons who have these symptoms. Persons suspected of having TB should be reported to the Tuberculosis Control Program at 538-6096. Click here for more information on tuberculosis.
