Preliminary Infectious Disease Summary, Utah, September 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.

September 2007 Epidemiology Highlights

Cryptosporidiosis Outbreak

Approximately 30 Cryptosporidium infections are reported to the Utah Department of Health each year. More than 1,000 cases were reported statewide in September, primarily due to transmission of the parasite in several recreation water venues. Confirmed cases were reported from all 12 of Utah's health districts, but predominantly from along the Wasatch Front.

Public health departments implemented disease prevention measures in order to control the outbreak and prevent additional illness. The interventions have instrumental in reducing the transmission of the disease as evidenced by a substantial decrease in the number of cases reported during the past couple of weeks. Due the decreased disease activity reported, some of the swimming pool-related restrictions, implemented in August, have been lifted.

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