Chlamydia Remains Area’s Most Frequently Reported Communicable Disease
Written by admin, June 13, 2012
June 13, 2012 – Public Health Releases 2011 Reportable Disease Report
According to the 2011 Reportable Disease Report released today by Peterborough Public Health, chlamydia tops the list as the most frequently reported communicable disease in our community last year.
Of the 710 confirmed cases of all reportable diseases locally in 2011, 402 of those were chlamydia. However, for the first time since 2005, the total number of chlamydia cases went down from the previous year, with 43 fewer cases in 2011 than in 2010, or a 9.5% decrease. Still, since 2005 the number of local chlamydia cases has increased by 69.6%.
“Chlamydia is the most widespread bacterial sexually-transmitted infection in Canada, so it’s not surprising that local rates are also proportionally higher than other reportable diseases,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra. “This increasing trend has been occurring in Ontario and across Canada since 1997. Some of the increase seen in Peterborough since 2005 may be partially attributable to better screening programs and more sensitive testing procedures.”
Overall, there was a 7.2% increase in the total number of reportable communicable diseases in 2011 from 2010. Other highlights from the report include:
Just over one-third (266 or 37.5%) of all cases in 2011 occurred in the first quarter (January through March) largely as a result of a number of institutional influenza outbreaks. Approximately two-thirds (459 or 64.4%) of all the illnesses reported to Public Health occurred in females. Influenza represents the largest contributor of respiratory illnesses locally, with 142 cases in 2011 compared to five cases in 2010, however provincial testing requirements in the post-H1N1 outbreak may have affected the number of cases reported to Public Health in 2010. There was a decrease in the number and relative frequency of reportable diseases caused by food and waterborne routes, largely due to a reduction in the number of reported cases of giardiasis. An increase in the number of encephalitis/meningitis cases in 2011.
To see the full report, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca, click on “Plans and Reports” and then click on the link for “Reportable Diseases in Peterborough County and City 2011” on the left side bar.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Officer
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391