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| Press Summaries | |
MMWR articles are embargoed until 4 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday. |
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| MMWR Synopsis | |
Click here
for MMWR home page. Synopsis March 26, 1999
Norwalk-Like Viral Gastroenteritis in U.S. Army
Trainees--Texas, 1998 |
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| PRESS CONTACT: Roger Glass, M.D. CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases (404) 639-3577 |
During August 27-September 1, 1998 at an Army training center in Texas, 99 of 835 soldiers were hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis. An investigation conducted by CDC and the U.S. Army Epidemiologic Consultation Service indicated that a Norwalk-like virus was the cause of the outbreak. Norwalk-like viruses are the most common cause of nonbacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks among adults. The viruses are transmitted by the fecal-oral route and contaminate water and food. An ill food handler may have contaminated food items served in the base's dining facilities. Recommendations for preventing Norwalk-like illnesses include handwashing, exclusion of sick food handlers from the workplace, and basic hygiene and sanitation measures. |
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Mass Treatment of Humans Who Drank Milk from Rabid
Cows--Massachusetts, 1996-1998 Do not drink unpasteurized dairy products. |
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| PRESS CONTACT: Paul Arguin, M.D. National Center for Infectious Diseases (404) 639-1050 |
In the past 2 years, 80 persons are known to have received a series of rabies shots because of drinking unpasteurized milk from rabid dairy cows. When large numbers of people receive rabies shots as a result of mass exposures, it places a strain on the available supply of rabies-prevention products; particularly, rabies immune globulin. Rabies virus is usually transmitted by the bite of an infected mammal. However, foodborne transmission of rabies virus in unpasteurized milk is a theoretical possibility. Although consumption of meat and milk from rabid animals is not recommended, rabies virus is inactivated by high temperatures (such as cooking and pasteurization),and therefore, consuming such foods is not an indicator for rabies postexposure prophylaxis. |
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Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication in South East
Asia, 1997-1998 The 10 countries of the South East Asia Region are successfully implementing polio eradication strategies. |
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| PRESS CONTACT: Roland Sutter, M.D., M.P.H., T.M. CDC, National Immunization Program (404) 639-8252 (Alternate: Peter Strebel, M.D., same phone number) |
In 1988, the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) resolved to eradicate polio globally by the year 2000. In 1994, member countries of WHO's South East Asia Region (SEAR) accelerated implementation of polio eradication strategies. In 1997, all SEAR countries, except one, reported reaching >80% oral polio vaccine coverage. Between 1994-1997 all SEAR member countries initiated highly successful annual National Immunization Days. Progress in polio surveillance in the SEAR region, particularly in India, has been substantial though a few countries are progressing less rapidly. Elimination of poliovirus circulation has been achieved in several countries and significantly reduced in others. |
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