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MMWR
Synopsis for October 18, 2002

The MMWR is embargoed until 12 PM ET, Thursdays.

  1. Local Transmission of Plasmodium Vivax Malaria-Virginia, 2002
  2. Q Fever - California, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, 2000-2001
  3. First Probable Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Case in a U.S. Resident - Florida, 2002
  4. West Nile Virus Activity - United States, October 10-16, 2002, and Update on West Nile Virus Infections in Recipients of Blood Transfusions
There is no MMWR telebriefing scheduled for October 17, 2002

Synopsis for October 18, 2002

Local Transmission of Plasmodium Vivax Malaria-Virginia, 2002

In August 2002, two teenagers from northern Virginia were infected with malaria while having no risk factors for acquiring the disease.

PRESS CONTACT:
John R. MacArthur, MD, MPH

CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases
(770) 488-7780
 
Investigations conducted by public health authorities found numerous mosquitoes competent for transmitting the infection. Subsequent screenings of these mosquitoes using new rapid tests revealed mosquitoes positive for Plasmodium vivax malaria. Efforts are underway to develop methods to confirm these results. The likely source of this outbreak is the bite of a mosquito infected with the parasite after biting another malaria-infected individual. No further human cases have been reported. The community is encourage to practice precautions recommended for West Nile Fever in reducing exposure to mosquitoes including wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants, using repellent containing DEET, and avoidance of late evening outdoor activities.

 

Q Fever - California, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, 2000-2001

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii.

PRESS CONTACT:
Jennifer Wright, DVM, MPH

CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases
(404) 639-2838
 
Its most common reservoirs are domesticated ruminants, primarily cattle, sheep, and goats. Humans typically acquire Q fever through inhalation of contaminated dusts generated by animals or animal products. Acute infections can include self-limited influenza-like illness, hepatitis, and pneumonia. Chronic Q fever can manifest years or decades after initial infection, occurs predominantly in patients with valvulopathies or vascular grafts, and presents most commonly as a culture-negative endocarditis. During 2000–2001, a total of 48 patients who had a diagnosis of Q fever were reported to CDC by 19 states through the National Electronic Telecommunications System for Surveillance (NETSS). This report describes the case investigations for six of these patients, which indicate that these persons acquired Q fever probably through direct or indirect contact with livestock. The findings underscore the need for health-care providers to be aware of this disease and to report cases to state health departments or CDC.

 

First Probable Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Case in a U.S. Resident - Florida, 2002

CDC and the Florida Department of Health report the investigation of a probable case of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in a U.S. resident.

PRESS CONTACT:
Division of Media Relations

CDC, Office of Communication
(404) 639−3286
 
The occurrence of this case was first announced on April 18, 2002. The patient was likely exposed to the agent of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or “mad cow disease”) while in the United Kingdom where she was born and lived until 1992, indicating a probable incubation period of between 9 to 21 years. The investigation indicates that the patient is unlikely to have transmitted the disease to others. The occurrence of this case underscores the importance of physicians increasing their suspicion for vCJD in patients presenting with clinical features consistent with those of the Florida patient and who have spent time in areas with endemic BSE.

 

West Nile Virus Activity - United States, October 10-16, 2002, and Update on West Nile Virus Infections in Recipients of Blood Transfusions

PRESS CONTACT:
Division of Media Relations

CDC, Office of Communication
(404) 639-3286
 
No Summary Available.

 

 

 

 


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This page last reviewed October 18, 2002
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