MMWR News Synopsis for February 16, 2017

 

Trends in Postpartum Depressive Symptoms — 13 States, 2004, 2008, and 2012

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The proportion of women experiencing postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms has declined in recent years, yet 1 in 9 women experience these symptoms after giving birth. A new CDC analyses reveals that the percentage of women reporting symptoms of PPD declined by one-third between 2004 and 2012 in 13 states across the nation. Despite this decline, the symptoms of PPD remain common. Researchers used data from CDC’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) to analyze the number of women who experienced PPD symptoms in 2004, 2008, and 2012. Of the 13 states with data for all three time points, the prevalence declined from 14.8% in 2004 to 9.8% in 2012. In 26 states and New York City, the prevalence was 11.5% in 2012. The percentage of women experiencing symptoms of PPD varied by study site and by key factors such as maternal age and education level. While the study did not investigate reasons for the decline, better recognition of risk factors for depression and improved screening and treatment before and during pregnancy, including increased use of antidepressants, may have contributed to the decline. Postpartum depression is treatable. These findings underscore the value of universal screening and appropriate treatment

Update: Influenza Activity — United States, October 2, 2016–February 4, 2017

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Elevated influenza activity in parts of the U.S. is expected for several more weeks. Healthcare providers should continue to offer and encourage vaccination to all unvaccinated persons age ≥6 months. Influenza antiviral medications are an important adjunct to vaccination in the treatment and prevention of influenza. Early treatment with neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral medications is recommended for patients with severe, complicated, or progressive influenza illness and for those at high risk of influenza complications, including adults age ≥65 years. Influenza activity in the U.S. began to increase in mid-December and remained elevated as of February 4, 2017. Influenza A (H3) viruses accounted for the majority of the circulating influenza viruses, but influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 and influenza B viruses were identified also. Influenza activity has been moderate so far this season, and severity indicators are within the range of what has been observed in previous seasons when influenza A (H3N2) viruses predominated.

Interim Estimates of 2016–17 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness — United States, February 2017

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The findings of this study underscore the benefits of vaccination with currently available seasonal influenza vaccines but also underscore the importance of influenza antiviral drugs to treat flu illness, especially in severely ill and high-risk patients, and the importance of ongoing efforts to improve the effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccines. Interim influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates for the 2016–17 season indicate that vaccination reduced the risk for influenza-associated medical visits by approximately half. Based on data from 3,144 children and adults with acute respiratory illness enrolled during November 28, 2016 to February 4, 2017, at five study sites with outpatient medical facilities in the U.S., the overall estimated effectiveness of the 2016–17 seasonal influenza vaccine for preventing medically attended, laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infection was 48%. Vaccine effectiveness was 43% against the predominant influenza A (H3N2) virus and 73% against illness caused by influenza B virus. Influenza activity is likely to continue for several more weeks in the U.S., and vaccination efforts should continue as long as influenza viruses are circulating.

Transmission of Zika Virus — Haiti, October 12, 2015–September 10, 2016

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Zika virus disease rapidly spread through the Caribbean, including Haiti. Because many persons with mild Zika virus disease are asymptomatic and might not seek care, it is difficult to estimate the actual incidence of Zika virus infection. During October 12, 2015–September 10, 2016, the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population (Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population) detected 3,036 suspected cases of Zika virus infection in the general population, 22 suspected cases of Zika virus disease among pregnant women, 13 suspected cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, and 29 suspected cases of Zika-associated congenital microcephaly. Nineteen (0.6%) patients with suspected Zika virus disease, residing in Ouest (n = 10), Artibonite (6), and Centre (3) administrative departments, have been confirmed by laboratory testing, including two among pregnant women and 17 in the general population. Ongoing laboratory-enhanced surveillance to monitor Zika virus disease in Haiti is important to understanding the outbreak and ensuring effective response activities.

Notes from the Field:

• Francisella tularensis Type B Infection from a Fish Hook Injury — Minnesota, 2016

Quick Stats:

• Age-Adjusted Percentage of Adults Age ≥65 Years, by Number of Diagnosed Chronic Conditions and Poverty Status — National Health Interview Survey, 2013–2015

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