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Div. of Media Relations
1600 Clifton Road
MS D-14
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3286
Fax (404) 639-7394 |
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Synopsis for August 18, 2000
MMWR articles are embargoed until 4 p.m. E.S.T.
Thursdays.
- Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Disease
California, Illinois, and New York, 1998
- Progress Toward Global Dracunculiasis Eradication,
June 2000
- Varicella Outbreaks Among Mexican Adults
Alabama, 2000
Synopsis for August 18, 2000
Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Disease
California, Illinois, and New York, 1998
Medical care, parent education, and preventive
measures early infancy are important in reducing complications from sickle
cell disease.
PRESS CONTACT:
Richard Olney, M.D., M.P.H.
CDC, National Center for Environmental
Health
(770) 4887160 |
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Currently most U.S. newborns
are screened for sickle cell disease. Early diagnosis allows young infants
to begin preventive antibiotic treatment and benefit from comprehensive
medical care and parent education programs. In California, Illinois, and
New York, the state health departments have been following young children
with sickle cell disease to determine rates of complications and use of
preventive measures. This report focuses on rates of preventive
interventions among young children. Data from this study show the need for
ongoing public health follow-up to ensure that all children receive needed
treatment and services. The results also indicate that there are gaps in
the use of penicillin and receipt of immunizations among young children
with sickle cell disease.
Progress Toward Global Dracunculiasis Eradication,
June 2000
Guinea worm disease has been eradicated from 7 of 20
countries and its incidence reduced by 97%.
PRESS CONTACT:
Ernesto Ruiz-Tiben, Ph.D., M.S.
CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases
(770) 4884509 |
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In 1986, an estimated 3 million persons were
infected with dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease). The global campaign to
eradicate Guinea worm disease has eliminated the disease from 7 of 20
affected countries, and reduced the annual incidence to less than 100,000
cases in 1999 (a reduction of 97%). Transmission of the disease no longer
occurs in Asia, but remains endemic in 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
Sudan remains the most affected country, having reported 66,097 (69%) of
the global cases in 1999. Although progress towards the elimination of the
disease in Africa has accelerated during 2000, the continuing war in Sudan
is the biggest impediment to the success of the campaign.
Varicella Outbreaks Among Mexican Adults
Alabama, 2000
Varicella (chickenpox) outbreaks among adults may be
associated with severe complications.
PRESS CONTACT:
M. Carolina
Holliday, M.D.
CDC, National Immunization Program
(404) 6398254 |
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In May and June 2000, Alabama health officials and
CDC identified two outbreaks of chickenpox among previously healthy
adults. During the first outbreak, 18 cases were identified. All
case-patients had been born in Mexico and now lived in the same apartment
complex and worked at the same poultry processing plant. Two of these
patients developed severe complications and were hospitalized. Control
measures were initiated at the apartment complex and the poultry
processing plant. On June 24, a second cluster of 7 cases of chickenpox
were identified among adults born in Mexico and now working at a sawmill.
Outbreaks of chickenpox are less common among adults than children.
However, previously unvaccinated adults and those with no exposure to the
disease (negative varicella serological testing) are at-risk for infection
and serious complications.
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