Preliminary Infectious Disease Summary, Utah, March 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.

March 2008 Epidemiology Highlights

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.

Salmonellosis

Utah has had several cases of Salmonella associated with various outbreaks across the country. For example, there was a nationwide outbreak of Salmonella Litchfield associated with cantaloupes early this year in which Utah had five cases. A more recent outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium found in the municipal water supply in Alamosa, Colorado gave Utah one confirmed case with two cases that were epidemiologically linked. Click here for more information on Salmonellosis.

Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidium (often referred to as “Crypto”) is a parasite that causes watery diarrhea. Other symptoms may include: dehydration, nausea, vomiting and a fever. There are many ways in which Cryptosporidium can be spread, but the outbreak in 2007 showed that swallowing recreational water contaminated with Cryptosporidium (recreational water includes water in swimming pools, hot tubs, jacuzzis, fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams that can be contaminated with sewage or feces from humans or animals) is one major method.  Note: Cryptosporidium can survive for days in swimming pools with adequate chlorine levels.  Please refer to the Cryptosporidiosis page for more detailed prevention messages.

Utah has seen a slight increase of Cryptosporidium both in the month March and for the 2008 year so far.  These cases have been investigated by Public Health; none have had any swimming exposure in 2008.  The majority of cases were sufferers of chronic diarrhea and an onset date of symptoms could not be accurately determined.

 

Updated 04/14=/08 bgw