Community Trends in Seattle

Audrey Buckley

5 trends in infectious diseases

Jenny Lloyd MS

Epidemiologist

1)         A statewide outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) in 2012 exceeded the number of cases seen any other year in history. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is caused by a bacterial infection in the respiratory tract. Symptoms included coughing and common cold-like symptoms. It can result in death, more commonly in infants. According to Jenny Lloyd, it is thought that a shift several years ago to an acellular vaccine (that causes fewer side effects) has resulted in immunity that wanes more quickly than with the whole-cell vaccine. 

2)                   There has also been a shift in the strains of pathogenic E. coli that have been reported both nationally and locally over the past several years.  Historically, E. coli O157:H7 has accounted for nearly all of the cases reported.  In recent years, new test methods have allowed for identification of several additional strains.  The USDA has also developed protocols for including the most common non-O157 strains when they screen meat and poultry that will become part of the country’s commercial food supply.  Scroll to the bottom of this page for a graph. There is a slight increase in incidence in King County.

3)         This year, Jenny Lloyd commented that there has been an earlier and more severe flu season compared to recent years. The elderly have been particularly adversely affected.  This flu is brought on by widespread influenza infection. Infection causes symptoms such as chills, fever, headache, sore throat, coughing, weakness, etc. The elderly, children and pregnant women are more susceptible to bad infections.

4)                   Internationally, there have been several cases of infection with a novel coronavirus identified.  No cases have yet been reported in the U.S., though many jurisdictions are preparing for investigation of possible cases and are on heightened alert. Jenny Lloyd thought to mention this as a current issue that public health officials in the area were keeping an eye out for. Coronaviruses often cause the common cold. This strain, in particular could be result in more widespread and severe infections and is a cause for concern.

5)                   There has been a national increase in cases of multiply drug-resistant organisms of the family Enterobacteriaceae.  Because of the difficulty in treating these infections, patients often experience significant morbidity and mortality.  Special infection control precautions and surveillance measures are required to help control this emerging health threat. These bacteria can cause a wide variety of symptoms. Infections are more prevalent in those already ill.