New Report Shows Chlamydia Most Frequently Reported

Written by admin, May 8, 2013

May 8, 2013 – Sexually-Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections Remain Area’s Most Common Communicable Diseases in 2012

New Report Shows Chlamydia Most Frequently Reported Communicable Disease in Peterborough City and County

According to the 2012 Reportable Disease Report released today by Peterborough Public Health, 64% of all reportable diseases last year were sexually-transmitted or blood-borne infections, with chlamydia topping the list as the most frequently reported communicable disease in our community last year.

Of the 749 confirmed cases of all reportable diseases in 2012, 388 (52%) of those were chlamydia.  However, for a second year, there was a slight reduction in the number of cases of chlamydia in Peterborough, down 14 cases from a total of 402 in 2011.  

“Chlamydia rates remain high across the province, and it continues to be the most widespread bacterial sexually-transmitted infection in Canada which may be partially attributable to better screening programs and more sensitive testing procedures,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. 

“It’s also noteworthy to see the burden influenza continues to place on our population, with it representing 18% of all reported diseases in 2012,” added Dr. Salvaterra.  “This is a good reminder that getting the flu shot makes a real difference in our community, as influenza is by far the most common respiratory illness accounting for 81% of all cases in this category.”

Overall, there was a 4.4% increase in the total number of reportable communicable diseases locally in 2012 from 2011. There are more than 60 communicable diseases that all health care providers are required to report to Public Health for appropriate follow up and infection control measures.   The Public Health’s 2012 report organizes these diseases into four categories: food and water borne diseases; sexually-transmitted and blood-borne infections; diseases spread by direct contact and respiratory routes; and ‘other’ which includes vaccine-preventable diseases, vector-borne diseases, and zoonotic diseases.

Other highlights from the report include: 

  • There was an average of 62 incidences of reportable diseases each month in 2012 with the largest number reported in December (126) and the fewest in July (45).  Just over one third (266 or 36.4%) of all cases in 2012 occurred in the fourth quarter (October through December) largely as a result of a number of community and institutional influenza outbreaks.  
  • There was an increase in the number and relative frequency of reportable diseases caused by food and waterborne routes, partially due to an increase in the number of reported cases of salmonella.  
  • The number of gonorrhea cases doubled in 2012 from 2011.
  • Approximately two thirds (471 or 63.3%) of all the illnesses reported to Public Health occurred in females.

To see the full report, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca, click on “About Us”, then “Plans and Reports – Reportable Diseases in Peterborough County and City 2012”.

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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391

 


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