Synopsis for March 29, 2002

The MMWR is embargoed until 12 NOON, ET, Thursdays.

1. Progress Toward Global Eradication of Poliomyelitis, 2001
2. Reporting of Laboratory-Confirmed Chlamydial Infection and Gonorrhea by Providers Affiliated with Three Large Managed Care Organizations — United States, 1995–1999
3. Oral Health Survey of Third Grade Students — New Hampshire, 2001

MMWR Surveillance Summaries
March 29, 2002

Asthma Surveillance - United States, 1980-1998
Despite some evidence of leveling off in death rates and declines in hospitalization rates, asthma remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. The asthma death rate, which increased through the 1980s and the early part of the 1990s, has plateaued and may be decreasing, and hospitalization rates have steadily decreased since the mid-1980s.

Contact: David Mannino, M.D.
CDC, National Center for Environmental Health
(404) 498-1000

Malaria Surveillance-United States, 1999
Malaria is caused by four species of protozoa of the genus Plasmodium (i.e., P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, or P. malariae). Malaria is transmitted by the bite of an infective female Anopheles sp. mosquito. The majority of malaria infections in the United States occur in persons who have traveled to areas with ongoing transmission. In the United States, cases can occur through exposure to infected blood products, by congenital transmission, or locally through mosquitoborne transmission. Malaria surveillance is conducted to identify episodes of local transmission and to guide prevention recommendations for travelers.

Contact: Robert Newman, M.D.
CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases
(770) 488-7559

Synopsis for March 29, 2002

Progress Toward Global Eradication of Poliomyelitis, 2001

During 2001, 461 laboratory-confirmed poliomyelitis cases were reported throughout the world. Only 10 countries, 3 in Asia and 7 in Africa experienced indigenous transmission of the disease. Of these 10 countries, only 3 (India, Pakistan and Nigeria) are still considered to be major poliovirus reservoirs. Improved access to all children, continued political commitment and assurance of uninterrupted funding will be necessary to interrupt wild poliovirus transmission globally. As the eradication of poliomyelitis is in sight, preparation for post-eradication activities is underway. These include the development of laboratory containment plans in all countries, certification that the World is free of poliomyelitis after 6 regional certification commissions have reviewed all available evidence and planning for post-certification vaccination policy.

Reporting of Laboratory-Confirmed Chlamydial Infection and Gonorrhea by Providers Affiliated with Three Large Managed Care Organizations — United States, 1995–1999

A recent evaluation, published in today's MMMR, analyzed the completeness and timeliness of STD reporting at three large managed care organizations (MCO’s) in Colorado, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. Overall, 64%-84% of gonorrhea cases and 78%-98% of chlamydia cases confirmed by laboratory tests ordered by the MCO providers were confidentially reported to public health officials as required by state law. However, the interval from specimen collection to entry into the state registry took a median of 14 days in one MCO and 19 days in another MCO. Such delays may slow detection of outbreaks and notification and care for sex partners of infected MCO patients. To improve the timeliness of reporting, study authors recommend that MCO’s consider using electronic data transfer systems instead of regular mail and manual data entry and using electronic medical and pharmacy records to rapidly verify treatment before cases are reported.

Oral Health Survey of Third Grade Students — New Hampshire, 2001

This survey provided New Hampshire health officials with the first statewide data to assess the oral health status of children. Twenty-six schools participated in the survey and almost all (99 percent) of the children screened were 8 or 9 years of age. Among the children screened, 52 percent had a history of dental caries, 21.7 percent had untreated decay, and 45.9 percent had a dental sealant on at least one permanent molar. CDC, in collaboration with the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors, developed the National Oral Health Survey to help public health programs monitor the burden of oral disease, the use of the oral healthcare delivery system, and the status of community water fluoridation on both a state and national level.

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