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MMWR
Synopsis for October 25, 2002

The MMWR is embargoed until 12 Noon ET, Thursdays.

  1. Nonfatal Choking-Related Episodes Among Children – United States, 2001
  2. Prevalence of Self-Reported Arthritis and Chronic Joint Symptoms Among Adults – United States, 2001
  3. Outbreak of Listeriosis – Northeastern United States, 2002
  4. West Nile Virus Activity – United States, October 17-23, 2002

Notice to Readers
25th Anniversary of the Last Case of Naturally Acquired Smallpox

Telebriefing for October 24, 2002
WHO: Dr. Chad Helmick, CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
WHAT: To discuss an article in this week's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, "Prevalence of Arthritis and Chronic Joint Pain Among Adults – United States, 2001." Brief remarks followed by Q/A.
WHEN: Thursday, October 24, 2002; NOON – 12:30 PM ET
WHERE: At your desk, by toll-free conference line: Dial 866-254-5942
Teleconference name: CDC
A full transcript will be available online today following the teleconference and this teleconference will also be audio webcast. Access both at http://www.cdc.gov/media/.

Synopsis for October 25, 2002

Nonfatal Choking-Related Episodes Among Children – United States, 2001

PRESS CONTACT:
Julie Gilchrist, MD

CDC, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
Media Relations
(770) 488-4902
 
Parents can take important steps to keep their children safe from choking as we enter a holiday season when candy and other food items assume more importance in family life. This CDC study provides the first national estimates of nonfatal choking episodes in children 14 years and younger. In 2001, more than 17,000 children 14 years or younger visited U.S. hospital emergency departments because they choked on food or nonfood items. Candy, such as hard candy, gummy candy and chewing gum, was associated with 19 percent of these episodes. Other objects such as coins and small toys were also common choking hazards. Parents and caregivers should be aware of the choking hazards and keep a watchful eye on their children when they eat and play. Parents and caregivers should be trained to quickly assist the child with emergency first aid in case of choking.

 

Prevalence of Self-Reported Arthritis and Chronic Joint Symptoms Among Adults – United States, 2001

PRESS CONTACT:
Chad Helmick, MD

CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
(770) 488-5464
 
Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are common and costly problems that comprise the leading cause of disability in the United States. Almost 70 million American adults (1 in 3) have arthritis/chronic joint symptoms. The 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System provides, for the first time, directly-measured estimates of arthritis/chronic joint symptoms for each state. Prevalence among adults 18 and older ranged from 17.8 percent in Hawaii to 42.6 percent in West Virginia, averaging 33 percent, or 69.9 million people, in the United States. Arthritis and chronic joint symptoms are a major health problem that will likely increase even more in the future as the population ages, suggesting the need for greater efforts to reduce the impact of arthritis.

 

Outbreak of Listeriosis – Northeastern United States, 2002

PRESS CONTACT:
Division of Media Relations

CDC, Office of Communication
(404) 639−3286
 
Summary Not Available.

 

 

 

 

West Nile Virus Activity – United States, October 17-23, 2002

PRESS CONTACT:
Division of Media Relations

CDC, Office of Communication
(404) 639−3286
 
Summary Not Available.

 

 

 

 


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