A new report published by our Office of Infectious Disease Services examines the epidemiology of selected infectious diseases in recent years. The report contains an overview of Arizona’s surveillance system, graphs and maps on more than 25 different reportable conditions and links to other ADHS tables and reports for 2008-2013.
Among many other topics, the report contains sections showing an increase in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and pertussis cases over this five-year period; a description of expanded Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever distribution and activities in Arizona; and details about changes to the surveillance system itself.
A list of all the ADHS publications related to infectious diseases, as well as posters presented at conferences are also included. This is a great resource to learn more about the infectious diseases affecting Arizona and the great work that we have been doing.
Keep up the good work!
Dr. Christ,
I am doing a paper for school and came across this article which mentions the previous director, Mr. Humble. In the articles, it states that he references studies that show that higher income families are more likely to not vaccinate their children. I was curious if you might know what studies are being referenced and where I would be able to access them. Thank you in advance.
Thank you for the question. In 2012, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) commissioned the University of Arizona to conduct a study examining potential reasons for the increase in Arizona school immunization exemption rates. The resulting Personal Beliefs Exemption study examined school coverage levels and exemption rates, identified barriers, and suggested strategies to decrease exemption rates in Arizona. The University of Arizona Personal Beliefs Exemption Study and the resulting ADHS Action Plan to Address Increasing Vaccine Exemptions can be found at http://azdhs.gov/phs/immunization/statistics-reports/index.php?pg=exemption-study.