MIL OSI – Source: Auckland Regional Public Health Service – Release/Statement
Headline: Disease surveillance for Apr-Jun 2017 > ARPHS
Dengue fever
There has been an increase (~120%) in the number of cases of dengue fever for the three months between April and June. A lesser increase (~50%) has occurred if the last quarter results are compared with the corresponding quarter in the last three years. Dengue is endemic in much of Asia, including India, and South East Asia, so consider the diagnosis in febrile patients returning from these regions.
Mumps
A large increase in the number of mumps cases has occurred following an outbreak in several Auckland schools, with the majority of cases coming from West Auckland. Some cases acquired the disease overseas, however the majority of transmission is occurring in the community. Low levels of immunity among students are likely to be responsible.
Typhoid
The large increase in typhoid cases seen in Q2 was driven by a well-publicised outbreak in a Samoan community. It is believed to have been spread from a point source, ultimately leading to 23 notifications in the Auckland region, including one death. The outbreak is now considered over, but it is a timely reminder of the need for vigilance in considering the diagnosis since the disease is frequently imported from the Pacific and Asia.
Pertussis
Pertussis case numbers have increased compared to the same period in 2016, however the increase is not unusual, considering the number notifications that have occurred over the same three month period during the last three years.