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Div. of Media Relations
1600 Clifton Road
MS D-14
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3286
Fax (404) 639-7394 |
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Synopsis for April 5, 2002
The MMWR is embargoed until 12 Noon, ET, Thursdays.
- Alcohol Use Among Women of Childbearing Age United States, 19911999
- Update: Influenza Activity United States, 200102 Season
- Suspected Cutaneous Anthrax in a Laboratory Worker Texas, 2002
- Imported Dengue United States, 1999 and 2000
| Telebriefing, April 4, 2002 |
| WHO: |
Dr. Louise Floyd, CDC birth defects expert
Dr. Nancy Rosenstein, CDC anthrax expert and Dr. Elena Page, CDC occupational safety expert
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| WHAT: |
To discuss articles in this weeks MMWR on alcohol use among women of childbearing age and cutaneous anthrax
in a laboratory worker. Brief remarks followed by Q/A.. |
| WHEN: |
Thursday, April 4, 2002; 12 Noon 12:30 PM ET |
| WHERE: |
At your desk, by toll-free conference line: Dial 866-254-5942
Teleconference name: CDC |
| A full transcript of this teleconference will be available today following the teleconference on the CDC
website at http://www.cdc.gov/media/.
This teleconference will also be audio webcast. Listen LIVE online at http://www.cdc.gov/media/.
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Synopsis for April 5, 2002
Alcohol Use Among Women of Childbearing Age United States, 19911999
Healthcare professionals, who provide care for women of childbearing-age, should routinely screen for alcohol use.
PRESS CONTACT:
Jasjeet Sidhu, MD, MPH
CDC, National Center for Birth Defects and
Developmental Disabilities
(770) 4887425 |
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The findings in this report indicate that the rates of binge drinking (i.e., >5 drinks on any one occasion) and frequent drinking
(i.e., >7 drinks per week and/or >5 drinks on any one occasion) during pregnancy remain at high levels. Among non-pregnant
women of childbearing age, rates of binge drinking and frequent drinking have not declined. Furthermore, numerous other studies have
demonstrated an association between prenatal exposure to alcohol and increased risk for various adverse effects on the developing fetus. This
association, coupled with the fact that rates of binge and frequent drinking among pregnant women remain high, has led the United States
Department of Health and Human Services to make decreasing alcohol consumption among pregnant women an important objective in their Healthy
People 2010 initiative.
Update: Influenza Activity United States, 200102 Season
U.S. influenza activity appears to have peaked in February for the 20012002 influenza season.
PRESS CONTACT:
Scott Harper, MD, MPH, MSc
CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases
(404) 6393747 |
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This report summaries influenza activity in the United States during September 30, 2001March 23, 2002, and updates previous summaries from
this season. Preliminary data collected by CDC indicate that U.S. influenza activity appears to have peaked in February for the 20012002
season. The most commonly isolated influenza viruses this season were covered by the strains in the influenza vaccine.
Suspected Cutaneous Anthrax in a Laboratory Worker Texas, 2002
A laboratory worker, who developed cutaneous anthrax, may have become infected because of skin exposure to a contaminated surface.
PRESS CONTACT:
Division of Media Relations
CDC, Office of Communication
(404) 6393286 |
|
The worker had not used gloves while handling vials that were later found to be positive for Bacillis anthracis. CDC and the National
Institutes of Health recommend that laboratories producing quantities or concentrations of B. anthracis apply appropriate biosafety
practices which emphasize primary and secondary barriers. Gloves should be used whenever handling material that contains or might contain B.
anthracis. This investigation did not identify inhalation exposures, and CDC does not recommend prophylaxis for the prevention of cutaneous
anthrax.
Imported Dengue United States, 1999 and 2000
Dengue, an acute viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, continues to occur in U.S .residents returning from tropical areas.
PRESS CONTACT:
John Hayes, DrPH, MSPH
CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases
(787) 7062399 |
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Blood samples from 216 cases of suspected dengue occurring in 1999 and 2000 were submitted to the CDC, and 41 (19%) were laboratory diagnosed as
dengue. The most common symptoms were fever, headache, rash, and body pain. At least three persons were hospitalized, and one patient died in
2000. Available travel histories indicated that most infections were acquired in Asia and the Caribbean islands, but documented cases also
included travelers to central and south America, and Africa. Since there is no vaccine, the prevention of dengue relies on avoidance of exposure
to mosquitoes. Health-care providers should consider dengue in the differential diagnosis for patients who have compatible manifestations and a
history of travel to tropical areas. CDC can assist in the laboratory diagnosis.
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