Public Health Trends in Orange County, CA – Infectious Diseases

Lauren Montgomery

Public Health Trends in Orange County

I did my research on the top 5 infectious diseases affecting Orange County, California. I spoke with Steven Klish, the Senior Epidemiologist in the epidemiology office of the Orange County Health Department (714-834-7700).

1.     Chlamydia – Chlamydia is the most common infectious disease in Orange County and, therefore, is also the most common sexually transmitted disease in that area. In 2011, there were 3,969 cases reported per 100,000 people in the population. The symptoms of Chlamydia can be hard to detect; however, if left untreated it can cause several other health problems for both men and women. Women run the risk of infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, or passing the disease to a child during childbirth. Men have an increased risk of contracting nongonococcal urethritis, infections of the urethra, or proctitis.

2.     Gonococcal Infections – A gonococcal infection is an STD also known as gonorrhea. In Orange County, 448 cases per 100,000 people were reported in 2011. The prevalence of gonorrhea varies widely among communities and populations but is most commonly found in younger people (ages 15-30) who have multiple sex partners. Symptoms may show, but women are usually asymptomatic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all patients with gonorrheal infection also be treated for a presumed co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis.

3.     Salmonellosis – Salmonellosis is an infection with the bacteria called Salmonella and is the 3^rd most common infectious disease in Orange County. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps and usually recover without treatment in 4 to 7 days. However, symptoms may become so severe that hospitalization and prompt treatment with antibiotics may be required to prevent death. The elderly, infants, and people with immunodeficiency are most likely to contract a severe form of Salmonellosis. Orange County had about 139/100,000 cases in the population in 2011.

4.     Campylobacteriosis – Similar to Salmonellosis, Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection. Bacteria called Campylobacter cause the disease. When infected, some people do not have any symptoms while others have symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Campylobacter grows best in the body temperatures of birds and is spread through undercooked poultry and, sometimes, unpasteurized milk or contaminated water. It is most prevalent in the warm summer months rather than winter, which explains why it is common in Orange County where the weather is warm most of the year. In 2011, Orange County had 138 cases per 100,000 persons.

5.     Viral Meningitis – Viral Meningitis is the 5^th most common infectious disease in Orange County at this time with a rate of 101/100,000 people affected. It is a viral infection in the covering of the brain and spinal cord called the meninges. Its symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and an altered mental status. The infection is spread through fecal contamination and respiratory secretions, so properly washing one’s hands is the most important preventative measure. Viral Meningitis is caused by enteroviruses, which appear most often during the summer and fall in temperate climates. This explains why it is common in Orange County where the climate is always mild.