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MMWR
Synopsis for October 6, 2000

MMWR articles are embargoed until 4 p.m. E.S.T. Thursdays.

  1. Cigarette Smoking Among Adults — United States, 1998
  2. Consequences of Delayed Diagnosis of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Children — West Virginia, Michigan, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, May–July 2000
Notice to Readers

Updated Recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in Response to Delays in Supply of Influenza Vaccine for 2000–01 Season

Contact: Division of Media Relations
CDC, Office of Communication
(404) 639–3286

Recommendations and Reports

Prevention of Pneumococcal Disease Among Infants and Children: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
Vol. 49 (RR-9) October 6, 2000

In February 2000, a 7-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine was licensed for use among infants and young children. This report includes ACIP's recommended vaccination schedule for infants at ages 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months. This report also includes a pneumococcal vaccination schedule for infants and young children who are beginning their vaccination series at an older age and for those who missed doses.

Contact: Chris Van Beneden, M.D.
CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases
(404) 371–5418


MMWR
Synopsis for October 6, 2000

Cigarette Smoking Among Adults — United States, 1998

CDC study shows that about a quarter of all adults in the U.S. are smokers.

PRESS CONTACT:
Linda Pederson, Ph.D.

CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion
(770) 488–5493
 
The study shows that 24.1% of U.S. adults currently smoke — declining slightly, but not significantly, from the 1997 rate of 24.7%. Adults with 16 or more years of education had the lowest smoking prevalence (11.3 percent) — reaching the Healthy People 2010 goal of reducing smoking rates to no more than 12 percent. Young adults aged 18-24 years (27.9%) now appear to be smoking at a rate comparable to adults aged 25-44 years (27.5%). Historically, young adults smoking prevalence was significantly lower than older adults. The recent increases among young adults may be attributed to the aging of high school students whose smoking rates were high during the 1990s. It may also be an indicator for increased initiation of smoking among young adults. Implementing a comprehensive tobacco control program as outlined in the Surgeon General’s report on Reducing Tobacco Use and CDC’s Best Practices can result in cutting smoking in half among all U.S. adults.

(This article is embargoed only until 9:30 AM EST.)



Consequences of Delayed Diagnosis of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Children — West Virginia, Michigan, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, May–July 2000

Prompt, specific antibiotic therapy is essential for avoiding severe complications and possibly death in patients who have contracted Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

PRESS CONTACT:
Marta Guerra, D.V.M., M.P.H., Ph.D.

CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases
(404) 639–1075
 
During May–July 2000, CDC was alerted to severe illnesses and death in children caused by Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). RMSF, a tick-borne illness, occurs throughout the continental United States, and children represent the age group with the highest incidence of this disease. Across all age groups, delayed diagnosis and treatment of RMSF is associated with an increased risk of severe complications and death. Physicians should maintain awareness of, and suspicion for RMSF, particularly in patients with fever, rash, and a history of tick exposure. Therapy with a tetracycline-class antibiotic, usually doxycycline, should be initiated quickly when RMSF is suspected.


 

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