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MMWR
Synopsis for September 19, 2003

The MMWR is embargoed until NOON ET, Thursdays.

  1. Progress Toward Global Dracunculiasis Eradication, January – June 2003
  2. Decline in Annual Incidence of Varicella — Selected States, 1990–2001
  3. Wound Botulism Among Black Tar Heroin Users— Washington, 2003
  4. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Regarding West Nile Virus — Connecticut, 2002
  5. West Nile Virus Activity — United States, September 11–17, 2003
MMWR Telebriefing for Thursday, September 18, 2003
WHO: Dr. Julie Gerberding, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
WHAT: News conference to discuss West Nile Virus activity in the United States, measles outbreak in the Marshall Islands, and public health preparedness for Hurricane Isabel.

(Note: Dr. Jesse Goodman, Director, FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, will be available by phone to answer questions about WNV and the blood supply).

WHEN: Thursday, August 18, 2003
Noon, ET
Brief remarks followed by Q/A.
WHERE: CDC
1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta
Building 16, enter via Clifton Way parking deck

Parking is available in the Building 16 parking deck located on Clifton Way. Media should arrive at Building 16 entrance by 11:30 p.m. Media must present photo ID for access.

Media who cannot attend in person, can listen and ask questions by toll-free conference line. The briefing will begin promptly; media should dial in a few minutes before the start of the conference.

Teleconference name: CDC
U.S. Media Dial: 1-888-795-0855

Important Instructions: If you would like to ask a question during the call press *1 on your touchtone phone, and to withdraw your question press *2. You may queue up at anytime. You will hear a tone to indicate your question is pending.

This briefing will also be audio webcast. To listen LIVE online and to view the press briefing graphics visit the CDC at www.cdc.gov/media. A full transcript of this teleconference will also be available at the CDC web site following the press briefing.

Synopsis for September 19, 2003

Progress Toward Global Dracunculiasis Eradication, January – June 2003

In 1986, the World Health Assembly called for the eradication of Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease), by the end of 2002, cases had been reduced by 98 percent.

PRESS CONTACT:
Ernesto Ruiz-Tiben, PhD

CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases
(770) 488–4509
 

Dracunculiasis is caused by a parasite that infects persons who drink from ponds contaminated by copepods (water fleas) that contain the parasite. No effective treatment or vaccine is available for dracunculiasis, but it can be prevented by filtering drinking water and treating contaminated water with larvicide. By the end of 2002, a global coalition of public health partners in this campaign had reduced the annual incidence of Guinea worm disease (GWD) from 3.5 million cases annually in 1986 to 54,638 cases. In 2002, 76% of the cases were reported from Sudan. Outside of Sudan only 13,145 cases remain. Seven of 20 countries have stopped transmission of GWD, and Asia is now free of the disease.

 

Decline in Annual Incidence of Varicella — Selected States, 1990–2001

Varicella disease (chickenpox) is declining as a result of increased use of the varicella vaccine.

PRESS CONTACT:
Aisha Jumaan, PhD, MPH

CDC, National Immunization Program
(404) 639–8754
 

The availability of a safe and effective varicella vaccine has reduced the impact of varicella disease substantially. This study reports a decline in varicella incidence in Illinois, Michigan, Texas, and West Virginia during 1999–2001 that is associated with increased vaccination coverage, and underscores the continued need to improve surveillance to better monitor the impact of the varicella vaccination program and assess any changes in varicella transmission and disease. In 2001, disease incidence was reported by 22 states and the District of Columbia; however, only four states had adequate and consistent reporting for the study period, 1990-2001. The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists has recommended that by 2005, states establish or enhance varicella surveillance programs that provide individual case reporting.

 

Wound Botulism Among Black Tar Heroin Users— Washington, 2003

PRESS CONTACT:
Karen Kiang

CDC, Epidemiology Program Office
(612) 676–5592
(Minnesota)
 

No summary available.

 

 

 

 

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Regarding West Nile Virus — Connecticut, 2002

WNV infection can be very serious, particularly for people who are 50 years and older.

PRESS CONTACT:
Office of Communications

Connecticut Department of Public Health
(860) 509–7270
 

An assessment of knowledge and behaviors related to West Nile virus was conducted of Connecticut residents during the 2002 season. General awareness of WNV and knowledge of the elderly being at risk for more severe illness was high. However, awareness of local surveillance findings was poor and did not predict the use of behaviors to protect against mosquito bites. The national West Nile virus epidemics of 2002 and 2003 highlight the need for continuing public education on the use of personal protective behaviors, which include avoiding outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, using mosquito repellent, and/or wearing long sleeved clothing. Periodic assessment of the effectiveness of public education should be made to guide prevention efforts and refine public health messages and the effectiveness with which they are delivered.

 

West Nile Virus Activity — United States, September 11–17, 2003

PRESS CONTACT:
Division of Media Relations

Office of Communication
(404) 639–3286
 

No summary available.

 

 

 

 


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This page last reviewed September 18, 2003
URL: http://www.cdc.gov/media/mmwrnews/n030919.htm

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