Synopsis for June 21, 2002

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

1. Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication ― Pakistan and Afghanistan, January 2000–April 2002
2. Update: Rashes Among Schoolchildren ― 27 States, October 4, 2001–June 3, 2002
3. Cancer Death Rates ― Appalachia, 1994–1998

Synopsis for June 21, 2002

Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication ― Pakistan and Afghanistan, January 2000–April 2002

Afghanistan and Pakistan together represent one of three global poliovirus reservoirs where low routine oral poliovirus vaccine coverage and high population density favor poliovirus transmission. Although polio is still endemic in both countries, the incidence and geographic distribution of poliovirus have been reduced significantly. Both countries have intensified eradication efforts and improved oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) coverage by using a house-to-house vaccination strategy during national and subnational immunization days. Political commitment in both countries is high, but ongoing armed conflict and political instability may threaten efforts to stop virus transmission by the end of 2002.

Update: Rashes Among Schoolchildren ― 27 States, October 4, 2001–June 3, 2002

The reports of rashes among school children have raised public concern. However, in any school, children routinely have rashes resulting from a variety of causes including medications, dry or sensitive skin, eczema, allergies, viral infections, and environmental factors. While reports of rashes among school children have continued since the previous MMWR article (March 1, 2002/ Vol. 51 / No. 8) on this subject was published, there is still no evidence of a common cause for all of the reports. Investigations have identified causes for some of the rashes occurring in some of the schools. Regardless of the cause of the rashes (including those rashes of unknown etiology) reports indicate they are self-limiting and that affected children have few, if any, accompanying signs or symptoms.

Cancer Death Rates ― Appalachia, 1994–1998

Appalachia is a U.S. region with a high prevalence of risk factors for the development of cancer. Death rates for 1994-1998 for all cancers for rural Appalachia (176.3 per 100,000 population, age-adjusted using the 1970 U.S. standard population) and all of Appalachia (173.1 per 100,000) were significantly higher than the corresponding U.S. death rate (166.7 per 100,000). Findings from the study indicate that the death rates for lung and colorectal cancers were higher in all Appalachia as compared to the corresponding U.S. rates, whereas, death rates for lung and cervical cancers were higher in rural Appalachia when compared to the rates in the U.S. These data highlight the need for a strengthened focus on cancer prevention and control programs as major public health priorities for communities, health-care providers, and public health agencies throughout this region.

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