Synopsis for January 10, 2003

The MMWR is embargoed until 12 Noon ET, Thursdays.

1. Pertussis Outbreak Among Adults at an Oil Refinery -- August-October 2002
2. Accelerated Measles Control -- Cambodia, 1999-2002
3. Tobacco Use Among Middle and High School Students -- New Hampshire, 1995-2001

Synopsis for January 10, 2003

Pertussis Outbreak Among Adults at an Oil Refinery -- August-October 2002

Pertussis is a highly infectious cough illness that has been increasing in the adult population since the 1980s.

On September 16, 2002, a local county health department reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) four cases of cough illness among workers at an oil refinery. Following an investigation by IDPH, 17 individuals from the oil refinery were diagnosed with pertussis from August 1-October 9, 2002. Additionally, 7 patients with pertussis were identified in the local community from August 30-October 11, 2002. All 24 patients received treatment with antibiotics and there were no deaths. Among recommended childhood immunizations, pertussis is the only vaccine preventable disease with increased number of cases in the United States during the last 20 years. The number of pertussis cases in adults has risen substantially since the 1980s. Pertussis should be considered in adults with a cough illness lasting > 2 weeks with paroxysms of coughing, inspiratory "whoop," or post-tussive vomiting.

Accelerated Measles Control -- Cambodia, 1999-2002

Improving vaccine coverage and surveillance can quickly have a positive impact on measles control in Cambodia.

Cambodia is currently rebuilding its public health infrastructure following a long civil war and has limited trained personnel and logistic capacity. However, the country has made significant strides in the control of measles since 1999. 'Rolling’ vaccination campaigns have improved measles vaccination coverage in the country. These campaigns have led to a marked decline in reported cases from 11,940 cases in 2000 to 1,234 in 2002 (through 18 October 2002). To continue to improve measles control, Cambodia will need to further increase vaccination coverage through both routine services and periodic supplementary campaigns and strengthen surveillance. The lessons learned in Cambodia may be useful in planning measles control in other post-conflict settings.

Tobacco Use Among Middle and High School Students -- New Hampshire, 1995-2001

Smoking rates among adolescents in New Hampshire are declining as a result of cigarette price increases and tobacco control efforts.

Smoking prevalence in New Hampshire declined among middle school students from 12% in 2000 to 6% in 2001, and among high school students from 36% in 1995 to 25% in 2001. The decline was attributed to a 100% increase in the price of cigarettes from 1997 ($1.77 per pack) to 2001 ($3.53 per pack) and to local, state, and national tobacco control efforts. Although smoking prevalence in adults in New Hampshire has remained unchanged, per capita sales of cigarettes have declined 22% from 174 packs per person in 1997 to 136 packs per person in 2001. When fully operational, New Hampshire’s comprehensive tobacco prevention and control program should hasten the decline in adolescent smoking and begin to decrease smoking in adults.

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