Synopsis for March 22, 2002

The MMWR is embargoed until NOON, ET.

1. Tuberculosis Outbreak on an American Indian Reservation — Montana, 2000–2001
2. Progress Toward Tuberculosis Control — India, 2001
3. Progress Towards Elimination of Haemophilus influenzae Type b Invasive Disease Among Infants and Children — United States, 1998–2000

Notice to Readers

Satellite Broadcast on HIV Prevention
Contact: Office of Communications
CDC, National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention
(404) 639–8895

MMWR Surveillance Summaries
March 22, 2002

Asthma Surveillance - United States, 1980-1998 and Malaria Surveillance-United States, 1999

Contacts: "Asthma Report"
David Mannino, M.D.
CDC, National Center for Environmental Health
(404) 498-1014

"Malaria Report"
Robert Newman, M.D.
CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases
(770) 488-7559

Synopsis for March 22, 2002

Tuberculosis Outbreak on an American Indian Reservation — Montana, 2000–2001

Researchers found that routine contact investigations during this outbreak identified only one of the secondary TB cases. An analysis of the contact investigation procedures revealed that regular alcohol-drinking partners, who were at increased risk for TB because of prolonged exposure to the index case, had been overlooked when the initial investigation focused primarily on family members. As national TB rates continue to decline, public health officials and health care providers will need continuing education to remain proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of people with TB. At Fort Belknap, where only one case of TB had been reported in the prior eight years, health care providers collaborated early in the investigation with federal and state public health officials and pulmonary specialists to bolster TB control skills.

Progress Toward Tuberculosis Control — India, 2001

In this report, the government of India and CDC review progress made towards controlling TB and outline remaining barriers in a country that now experiences 2 million TB cases annually – nearly one-fourth of the world's new TB cases. Since implementation, death rates among TB patients in areas served by the Revised National TB Control Program have dropped to 4%, compared to previous estimates of up to 29%. Researchers attribute this success to expanded use of directly observed therapy, a secure supply of TB drugs, improved diagnostic tools, and the use of disease surveillance system which allows officials to document trends in the number of TB cases and treatment outcomes. However, several key challenges remain, most notably the level of poverty.

Progress Towards Elimination of Haemophilus influenzae Type b Invasive Disease Among Infants and Children — United States, 1998–2000

Compared with incidence from the pre-vaccine era, by 1996, due to the widespread use of Hib conjugate vaccines, the incidence of Hib invasive disease among children <5 years of age declined by >99%. During 1998-2000, the national incidence of Hib invasive disease among children <5 years of age remained low. However, illness and death associated with the Hib bacteria occurred mostly among young infants who have not completed the 2-dose (given at 2 and 4 months of age) or 3-dose (given at 2, 4 and 6 months of age) primary series of Hib vaccination, and unvaccinated or under-vaccinated older children. Cases that occurred in children who had been old enough to complete the primary Hib vaccination series might have been preventable.

Media Home | Contact Us

CDC Home | Search | Health Topics A-Z

This page last reviewed March 21, 2002
URL:

United States Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Office of Communication
Division of Media Relations