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MMWR
Synopsis for September 6, 2002

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

  1. Self-Reported Increase in Asthma Severity after the September 11 Attacks on the World Trade Center ― Manhattan, New York, 2001
  2. Psychological and Emotional Effects of the September 11 Attacks on the United States
  3. Weekly Update: West Nile Virus Activity ― United States, August 29–September 4, 2002

Notice to Readers

Occupational Health Guidelines for Remediation Workers at Bacillus anthracis-Contaminated Sites – United States, 2001−2002
Since early October, 2001, CDC has been investigating cases of anthrax related to deliberately contaminated letters sent through the U.S. Postal Service. Decontamination activities have been initiated in contaminated buildings and offices along the paths of the implicated letters and downstream from contaminated mail-processing centers. While no cases of anthrax have been reported among decontamination workers, they are potentially exposed to B. anthracis spores. Federal guidelines and regulations may not be sufficient for protecting these workers against anthrax.

Contact: Elena Page, MD
CDC, National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health
(513) 458−7144

Note: There are two telebriefings scheduled today.
Telebriefings for September 6, 2002
NOON TELEBRIEFING
WHO: Drs. Wayne Giles, chronic diseases expert; Thomas Matte, environmental diseases experts; and Elena Page, occupational health expert
WHAT: To discuss the MMWR articles on asthma severity post September 11th and the psychological/emotional impact of September 11th, and guidelines for workers at anthrax-contaminated sites, respectively. Brief remarks followed by Q/A.
WHEN: Thursday, September 5, 2002; NOON ET
WHERE: At your desk, by toll-free conference line: Dial 866-254-5942
Teleconference name: CDC
A full transcript will be available today following the teleconference at http://www.cdc.gov/media/.

This teleconference will also be audio webcast. Listen LIVE online at http://www.cdc.gov/media/.

6 PM TELEBRIEFING
WHO: Dr. Lyle Peterson, West Nile virus expert
WHAT: To discuss the MMWR article on West Nile virus activity in the United States. Brief remarks followed by Q/A.
WHEN: Thursday, September 5, 2002; 6PM ET
WHERE: At your desk, by toll-free conference line: Dial 866-254-5942
Teleconference name: CDC
A full transcript will be available today following the teleconference at http://www.cdc.gov/media/.

This teleconference will also be audio webcast. Listen LIVE online at http://www.cdc.gov/media/.

Synopsis for September 6, 2002

Self-Reported Increase in Asthma Severity after the September 11 Attacks on the World Trade Center -- Manhattan, New York, 2001

Both environmental and psychological factors, related to September 11, contributed to an increase in symptoms among adults with asthma in the weeks following the attacks.

PRESS CONTACT:
Thomas Matte, MD, MS
CDC, National Center for Environmental Health
(212) 822–7280
 
A survey of Manhattan residents, conducted by the New York Academy of Medicine, after the September 11 attacks, showed an increase in symptoms reported by some adult asthmatics. Of the 13% of respondents with asthma, 27% reported more severe asthma symptoms than in the 4 weeks before September 11. While asthma attacks usually increase in the fall, asthmatics reporting difficulty breathing because of smoke and debris during the attacks. Those with psychological distress, associated with the attacks, were more likely to report their asthma had worsened. People with asthma and their clinicians should be aware of the role that these factors might play in worsening asthma after disasters.

 

Psychological and Emotional Effects of the September 11 Attacks on the United States

Many residents of Connecticut, New Jersey and New York, who experienced emotional or psychological problems after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, did not receive assistance.

PRESS CONTACT:
Wayne Giles, MD, MS
CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion
(770) 488–5507
 
One month after the terrorist attacks on New York City, 75% of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut residents, who were contacted as part of a routine CDC telephone survey on health risk behaviors, reported having emotional or psychological problems associated with the attacks. Forty-eight percent reported feeling angry; 3% reported drinking more alcohol; and 21% of smokers reported smoking more cigarettes. Of those who reported problems, only 12% sought help. Of those who received assistance, 36% turned to family members and 31% to friends and neighbors. Both sexes and all age groups, education levels, and racial and ethnic groups were affected. These findings underscore the need to integrate into existing disaster-preparedness plans, programs that address the emotional and psychological health of affected citizens.

 

Weekly Update: West Nile Virus Activity -- United States, August 29-September 4, 2002

PRESS CONTACT:
Division of Media Relations
CDC, Office of Communications
(404) 639–3286
 
This report summarizes West Nile virus surveillance data reported to CDC through ArboNET and by states and other jurisdictions as of September 4, 2002.

 




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