Synopsis for April 15, 2005

The MMWR is embargoed until Thursday, 12 PM EDT.

1. Health Concerns Associated with Disaster Victim Identification Following a Tsunami ― Thailand, December 26, 2004-March 31, 2005
2. Preliminary FoodNet Data on the Incidence of Infection with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food ― 10 Sites, United States, 2004
3. Acute Public Health Consequences of Methamphetamine Laboratories ― 16 States, January 2000-June 2004
4. Anhydrous Ammonia Thefts and Releases Associated with Illicit Methamphetamine Production ― 16 States, January 2000-June 2004

Health Concerns Associated with Disaster Victim Identification Following a Tsunami ― Thailand,
December 26, 2004-March 31, 2005

Consensus guidelines are needed for victim identification and worker safety and health in future large-scale multinational disasters.

Identifying the deceased after disasters can be complicated and challenging because no international guidelines exist for disaster victim identification (DVI). In Thailand, where more than 5,000 people died as a result of the December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean tsunami, the combined efforts of Thai and international experts led to the development of common protocols and standards for DVI. In addition, the team developed recommendations for DVI worker and environmental safety and health in temporary morgues. This information may help other countries prepare for the challenges of DVI in future large-scale multinational disasters.

Preliminary FoodNet Data on the Incidence of Infection with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food ― 10 Sites, United States, 2004

Important declines in foodborne infections have occurred in the FoodNet surveillance area. However, vigorous additional efforts will be needed to reach national health objectives for some major pathogens.

Foodborne illnesses are a substantial health burden in the United States. FoodNet conducts active surveillance for laboratory-diagnosed illnesses caused by enteric pathogens transmitted commonly through food. This report describes preliminary surveillance data for 2004 and compares them with baseline data from 1996–1998. The 2004 data indicate declines in the incidence of infections caused by Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157, Listeria, Salmonella, and Yersinia. Declines in Campylobacter and Listeria incidence are approaching national health objectives; for the first time, the incidence of STEC O157 infections in FoodNet is below the year 2010 target. Further efforts are needed to sustain and extend these important declines and to improve prevention of foodborne infections.

Acute Public Health Consequences of Methamphetamine Laboratories ― 16 States, January 2000-June 2004

Because injuries related to meth events have increased since 1996, emergency responders and the public need to be educated to recognize the dangers associated with meth labs. Responders must be aware of the importance of wearing personal protective equipment, particularly respiratory protection, during responses.

Methamphetamine (meth), a powerfully addictive stimulant, is often produced in illicit, makeshift laboratories in the United States. This report summarizes the 1,791 meth-associated events reported to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) by 16 states via the Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) system during January 1, 2000–June 30, 2004. Persons most frequently injured were police officers and members of the general public; respiratory irritation was the most frequent injury. The report describes injury prevention recommendations, including education to help the public recognize the presence of meth laboratories and the importance of responders wearing proper personal protective equipment, particularly respiratory protection.

Anhydrous Ammonia Thefts and Releases Associated with Illicit Methamphetamine Production ― 16 States,
January 2000-June 2004

Storers of anhydrous ammonia used for agricultural fertilization or as industrial refrigerant need to be educated about the potential for theft of the gas for illicit meth production and the possibility of accidental releases during the theft.

Anhydrous ammonia, a gas used primarily as an agricultural fertilizer and industrial refrigerant, is a key ingredient for illicit methamphetamine (meth) production. Exposure to anhydrous ammonia can be immediately dangerous to life or health. Persons involved in illicit production of meth often steal anhydrous ammonia, frequently causing accidental releases. This report summarizes the 164 anhydrous ammonia releases from thefts associated with illicit meth production reported to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s (ATSDR) Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) system by 16 states during January 1, 2000–June 30, 2004. Injury prevention recommendations include educating employees about the potential for theft; storing tanks in well-lit areas; having detailed inventory information to identify missing chemicals quickly; inspecting tanks each morning; setting up valve-protection plans; installing valve locks or fencing; reporting thefts, signs of tampering, or leaks; and installing theft-deterrent measures such as motion-detector lights.

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