Synopsis for December 12, 2003

The MMWR is embargoed until NOON ET, Thursdays.

1. Revised SARS Case Definition
2. Tuberculosis Outbreak Among Homeless Persons – King County, Washington, 2002-2003
3. Update: Influenza Activity – United States, 2003-2004 Season
4. Reptile-Associated Salmonellosis – Selected States, 1998-2002

Synopsis for December 12, 2003

Revised SARS Case Definition

No summary available.

Tuberculosis Outbreak Among Homeless Persons – King County, Washington, 2002-2003

As a result of intensive screening efforts, many persons with tuberculosis have been identified and treated, thereby decreasing spread in the community.

The Public Health Seattle and King County Tuberculosis Control Program, with assistance from the Washington State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, continues to investigate ongoing transmission of tuberculosis disease among homeless persons in Seattle. This report summarizes results of the ongoing investigation into the outbreak.

Update: Influenza Activity – United States, 2003-2004 Season

The United States is experiencing an early season that will probably be more severe than the previous three.

Influenza activity nationwide currently is moderate to severe and is expected to increase during the coming weeks. This reporter summarizes influenza activity in the United States during the weeks ending October 4 – November 29, 2003. Influenza began circulating in the United States is unusually early, and cases of severe disease, including deaths, have been reported in children. Demand for influenza vaccination has been high. Most of the viruses that have been characterized have been antigenically similar to A/Fujian/411/2002, a drift variant of A/Panama/2007/99, which was included in the vaccine. Hemagglutination inhibition testing shows that antibodies to the A/Panama vaccine viruses cross react with the A/Fujian viruses and therefore should provide some degree of protection against A/Fujian viruses.

Reptile-Associated Salmonellosis – Selected States, 1998-2002

To reduce the risk of Salmonella infections with serious complications, reptiles and amphibians should be kept out of homes, child care centers and other areas where there are children under 5 years of age.

Each year in the United States, exposure to reptiles and amphibians accounts for an estimated 74,000 Salmonella infections, many of which are in children. Children younger than age 5 with Salmonella infections are more likely to suffer serious complications such as bloodstream infection and meningitis. Even minimal contact with surfaces or objects touched by a reptile or amphibian can lead to Salmonella infection. Therefore, reptiles and amphibians should be kept out of homes, child care centers and other areas where there are children younger than age 5. People who handle reptiles and amphibians or their cages should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward.

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