Preliminary Infectious Disease Summary, Utah, January 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.

January 2008 Epidemiology Highlights

Coccidioidomycosis

Six suspected coccidioidomycosis cases were reported in Utah during January, the majority of which are still under investigation. Coccidioidomycosis is a disease caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis. This fungus lives in soil and is found in certain areas of the southwestern U.S. Utah residents are exposed to Coccidioides immitis exclusively in the southern parts of the state. Risk factors for Utah residents include living in or traveling through parts of the state where the fungus grows. The number of fungal coccidioidomycosis cases reported in Utah varies from year to year and may be affected by rainfall and soil conditions. Click here for more information about Coccidioidomycosis.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis. The increase in the number of Chlamydia cases reported to public health in January 2008 is a trend that has been occurring in Utah 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, infertiltity, and the acquisition and transmission of HIV. Click here for more information about Chlamydia.

Haemophilus influenzae (invasive disease)

The number of cases of invasive Haemophilus influenza (H. flu) reported to public health was higher than expected. 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.

Hepatitis A

Six suspected hepatitis A cases were reported in Utah during January, the majority of which are still under investigation. Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A can affect anyone. In the United States, hepatitis A can occur in situations ranging from isolated cases of disease to widespread epidemics. Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation can help prevent hepatitis A. Vaccines are also available for long-term prevention of hepatitis A virus infection in persons 12 months of age and older. Immune globulin is available for short-term prevention of hepatitis A virus infection in individuals of all ages. Click here for more information on Hepatitis A.

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. Due to recent changes in surveillance efforts, it is unclear whether this increase is significant. 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.

Norovirus infection

Seven Norovirus cases were reported in Utah in January. Noroviruses (genus Norovirus, family Caliciviridae) are a group of related viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis in humans. Noroviruses are highly contagious and transmitted primarily through the consumption of contaminated food or water or by direct person-to-person spread. Norovirus illness can be prevented with strict hand washing after using the bathroom and before handling food items, staying home while ill, and environmental disinfection. Click here for more information on Norovirus infection.

 

Updated02/08/08 bgw