Reported cases of several intestinal infections are above their five-year medians in St. Louis County this year.
The St. Louis County Department of Public Health's October surveillance report shows broad increases in enteric diseases across the county. The report does not break out numbers by city or zip code. All figures are provisional as of Nov. 5.
Year-to-date Shigellosis cases reached 31 countywide, compared to a five-year median of 15, a 107% increase. Campylobacteriosis hit 141 cases versus a median of 92, up 53%. Salmonellosis grew 29% (146 vs. 113), Yersiniosis rose 47% (22 vs. 15), E. coli Shiga Toxin cases climbed 40% (42 vs. 30), Cryptosporidiosis increased 40% (28 vs. 20) and Giardiasis rose 36% (34 vs. 25).
The department noted that increased testing likely played a role. A nationwide Cyclosporiasis outbreak over the summer prompted more lab work for gut-related infections, leading to more confirmed or probable cases in July and August.
COVID-19 cases also rose gradually across the county, reaching 626 in October after 598 in September. The department said the increase is not uncommon for this time of year. Active influenza surveillance began in October, and the county has launched a new Respiratory Disease Dashboard to track both COVID-19 and flu data.
Residents can report a public health emergency to the St. Louis County Department of Public Health at 314-615-1630 during business hours or through the 24-hour line at 314-615-7677.
