Synopsis for May 24, 2002

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

1. State-Specific Mortality from Stroke and Distribution of Place of Death — United States, 1999
2. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Surveillance ― Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, New York, 1995–1997
3. Nonfatal Self-Inflicted Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments ― United States, 2000

Synopsis for May 24, 2002

State-Specific Mortality from Stroke and Distribution of Place of Death — United States, 1999

In the United States, stroke is the third leading cause of death and one of the major causes of serious, long-term disability among adults. There are over 167,000 stroke deaths each year. This report shows that almost 48% of 167,364 stroke deaths in 1999 occurred before transport to a hospital. Additionally, almost 25% of stroke deaths among people aged less than 65 years occurred before transport to a hospital or occurred in the emergency room. Since younger adults, in particular, may dismiss stroke as a problem of the elderly and delay their reaction to symptoms, there is a need to increase their awareness of risks, stroke symptoms, and the importance of calling 9-1-1 for immediate transport to an emergency facility.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Surveillance ― Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, New York, 1995–1997

CDC, in conjunction with four states, has developed the first state-based program specifically designed to monitor trends in the occurrence of FAS. The program, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Surveillance Network (FASSNet), reports that many children continue to be affected by maternal alcohol use during pregnancy. The rate of FAS in children born during 1995 through 1997 in the four states (Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, and New York) ranged from 0.3 to 1.5 per 1,000 live births and varied by state and by race/ethnicity. Even though higher rates are reported among blacks and American Indian and Alaskan Native populations, this may reflect, in part, closer scrutiny and better reporting among these populations. Reducing the prevalence of FAS is an objective of Healthy People 2010.

Nonfatal Self-Inflicted Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments ― United States, 2000

Hospital emergency departments treat more than a quarter of a million self-inflicted injuries each year, many of which are suicide attempts. Adolescent and young adult women are at greatest risk for self-inflicted injuries. CDC tracks and analyzes the magnitude and characteristics of self-inflicted injuries to monitor trends and assist in evaluating prevention programs and policies like those outlined in the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.

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This page last reviewed May 23, 2002
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