MMWR

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Lyme Disease - United States, 2003-2005

PRESS CONTACT: CDC — Division of Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

• June 14, 2007: CDC Reports High Lyme Disease Rates in 10 States Number of the most common vector-borne disease doubles in 15 years

Take steps now to prevent Lyme disease. With over 20,000 cases reported to CDC in 2005, Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. The risk of infection is highest during the spring and summer months when infected young ticks are active. Fortunately, there are many steps people can take to prevent infection, including daily tick checks, using repellent, and yard maintenance and landscaping. Prompt diagnosis and proper treatment are important to prevent serious illness, including arthritis and nerve damage.

Elemental Mercury Releases Attributed to Antiques - New York, 2000-2006

PRESS CONTACT: New York State Department of Health
Claire Pospisil, Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Group
(518) 473-1470

People need to be cautious when handling mercury-containing antiques. (1) Purchase mercury-free products. If you have antiques that contain mercury, make sure the items are properly sealed. (2) Immediately call your local fire department if you suspect an elemental mercury spill. (3) Do not vacuum spilled mercury. Vacuuming will heat the mercury and increase air levels. High levels of mercury can be toxic if inhaled. Metallic, or elemental mercury, is a heavy, silvery odorless liquid that is found in some household products such as thermostats and thermometers. Lesser-known household sources of elemental mercury include some antique or vintage items, such as clocks, barometers, mirrors and lamps. Over time, the mercury in these items can leak, particularly as seals age or if the items are damaged, dropped, or improperly moved. This report chronicles the six antique-related mercury spills reported to HSEES in New York from 2000 to 2006. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) created the Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) system, a multi-state health department surveillance system designed to help reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the release of hazardous chemicals. Certain measures can be taken to prevent accidental releases of mercury such as inspecting items for leaks; having the mercury component replaced; exercising caution during handling, cleaning, moving and transporting; or purchasing mercury free items.