Synopsis for June 7, 2002

The MMWR is embargoed until 12 NOON, ET, Thursdays.

1. Outbreak of Acute Gastroenteritis Associated with Norwalk-Like Viruses Among British Military Personnel ― Afghanistan, May 2002
2. Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication ― Nigeria, January 2000–March 2002
3. Rabies in a Beaver ― Florida 2001

MMWR Surveillance Summary
June 7, 2002, Vol. 51, SS-3

Abortion Surveillance-United States, 1998
In 1998, 884,273 legal induced abortions were reported to CDC, representing a 2% decrease from the 900,171 legal induced abortions reported by the same 48 reporting areas for 1997. The abortion ratio, defined as the number of abortions per 1,000 live births, was 264, compared with 274 in 1997 (for the same 48 areas); the abortion rate for these 48 areas was 17 per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years for both 1997 and 1998.

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Synopsis for June 7, 2002

Outbreak of Acute Gastroenteritis Associated with Norwalk-Like Viruses Among British Military Personnel -- Afghanistan, May 2002

During May 13-19, 2002, British soldiers and staff of a field hospital in Afghanistan became ill with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. This report summarizes the investigation which indicates that Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs) were the cause of their illnesses. NLVs were the most common cause of disability among soldiers in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. NLVs are extremely contagious and cause an estimated 23 million cases of illness; 50,000 hospitalizations; and 300 deaths each year in the United States.

Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication ― Nigeria, January 2000–March 2002

Nigeria is one of three global poliovirus reservoirs where low routine oral poliovirus vaccine coverage and high population density favor poliovirus transmission. From January 2000 – March 2002, Nigeria made great improvements in its acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance system. Key achievements in included expanded AFP surveillance and implementation of an intensified house-to-house vaccination strategy. Intensity of poliovirus transmission has decreased and the geographic distribution has shifted to the northern states. The rapid use of surveillance data to guide program activities, and the full implementation of these activities, will be important to interrupt wild poliovirus transmission in Nigeria.

Rabies in a Beaver -- Florida 2001

Rabies in the continental United States is usually reported in raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, and bats, which serve as reservoirs for the rabies virus. These animals can transmit rabies to nonreservoir species such as livestock, pets, and wildlife species, such as beavers and other large rodents. During the summer months, greater time spent outdoors in recreational activities may result in increased encounters with wildlife. The public should be aware that any mammal exhibiting unusual behavior might be infected with rabies. Persons should avoid approaching and handling wildlife, and any mammal exhibiting aggressive or other unusual behavior should be reported to public health officials.

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