Preliminary Infectious Disease Summary, Utah, April 2008
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 2008 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.
April 2008 Epidemiology Highlights
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis. The increase in the number of Chlamydia cases in Utah that were reported to public health during April 2008 is a trend that has been occurring in the state for the past six years. This is a concern due to the fact that Chlamydia is most often "silent" and can go undetected. Undetected and untreated Chlamydia infections can have serious lifelong consequences such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and the acquisition and transmission of HIV. Click here for more information on Chlamydia.
Streptococcal Group A infection (invasive)
The number of cases of invasive disease due to Group A strep that were reported to public health was higher than expected this month. Invasive disease due to Group A strep generally rises during the winter and spring months and falls during the summer and fall. Click here for more information on invasive streptococcal group A infections.
Haemophilus influenzae (invasive disease)
The number of cases of invasive Haemophilus influenzae (H. flu) reported to public health was higher than expected for year-to-date. However, due to recent changes in surveillance efforts, it is unclear whether this increase is significant. The reported cases of H. flu are of varying serogroup, and do not appear to represent a cluster or outbreak. Click here for more information on Haemophilus influenzae.
Updated 05/27/08 tj
