Preliminary Infectious Disease Summary, Utah, May 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.

May 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 reported to public health during May 2008 is a trend that has been occurring in Utah for the past five 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.

Most (66%) of the reported cases have been in the age group 15-24 years. The majority (62%)   have been reported from four counties along the Wasatch Front:  Salt Lake, Weber, Davis and Utah. 


Hepatitis A
The number of reported suspect, probable, and confirmed hepatitis A infections during May was higher than expected. Two suspect, probable, and confirmed cases have been reported, on average, during the month of May (according to 5-year historical data). In 2008, 8 suspect, probable, and confirmed cases were reported during the month. Local health departments are investigating these cases to rule out any outbreaks, and to verify case status. Click here for more information on Hepatitis A .
 

Hepatitis B
The number of reported suspect, probable, and confirmed hepatitis B infections during May was higher than expected. Three suspect and confirmed cases have been reported, on average, during the month of May (according to 5-year historical data). In 2008, 6 suspect, probable, and confirmed cases were reported during the month. Local health departments are investigating these cases to rule out any outbreaks, and verify case status. Click here for more information on Hepatitis B.
 

Haemophilus Influenzae (H. Flu)
The number of reported cases of invasive (Haemophilus influenzae) disease increased between 2006 and 2007.  At this time, we cannot tell whether this is due to an increase in reporting or an actual increase of disease.  This is under active investigation by the Utah Department of  Health. Click here for more information on Haemophilus influenzae.


Invasive Strep B
The increase in reported cases of invasive disease due to Group B streptococcus is primarily due to better reporting.  Cases of early and late disease in newborns is higher than expected and is under active investigation by the Utah Department of Health.


Legionellosis
Currently, Utah has had 13 legionellosis infections year to date.  The 5-year average is 6.2 infections per year.  Historically, it is believed that Legionella infections are underreported. This increase in cases may be reflective of health care reporting of legionellosis cases. Local health departments are investigating these cases to rule out any outbreaks, or commons source of infection, and verify case status.  Click here for more information on legionellosis.


Strep Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS)
The Utah Department of Health has changed the investigation form for this disease to help identify cases. Increases in this disease will likely be due to increased reporting. Click here for more information on STSS.

 

Updated 06/23/08 tj