Synopsis for February 28, 2003

The MMWR is embargoed until Noon ET, Thursdays.

1. Pregnancy in Perinatally HIV-Infected Adolescents and Young Adults — Puerto Rico, 2002
2. Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Middle and High School Students — Texas, 2001
3. Ambulance Crash-Related Injuries Among Emergency Medical Services Workers — United States, 2000–2002
4. Smallpox Vaccine Adverse Events among Civilians —United States, February 18–24, 2003

Synopsis for February 28, 2003

Pregnancy in Perinatally HIV-Infected Adolescents and Young Adults — Puerto Rico, 2002

A first-time CDC report shows that as perinatally HIV-infected children are surviving to adolescence, they are becoming sexually active and, in some cases, pregnant.

Conducted in Puerto Rico, the assessment of eight perinatally infected adolescents and young adults with a history of pregnancy indicates no cases of mother-to-child HIV transmission to date. In comparison to eight perinatally infected females without a history of pregnancy, those who became pregnant learned of their HIV status slightly later than those who did not, and they were less likely to consistently use condoms – although the differences were not statistically significant. While small, the study underscores that perinatally infected females are increasingly surviving to adolescence and adulthood and some are initiating sexual activity and becoming pregnant. These adolescents require tailored reproductive health interventions and support services.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Middle and High School Students — Texas, 2001

Despite its known health hazards, secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among Texas youth is common.

The Texas Department of Health assessed SHS exposure among Texas public school students using data from the 2001 Texas Youth Tobacco Survey. Half of 8,687 middle-school students (grades 6-8) and two-thirds of 8,696 high-school students (grades 9-12) reported SHS exposure within the 7 days preceding the survey. Over 90% of students with social sources of SHS exposure (i.e., lived with a cigarette smoker and had at least one close friend who smokes) reported SHS exposure compared to 30% of students without any social sources of SHS exposure. Middle-school students who perceived SHS to be harmful to health were less likely to report SHS exposure.

Ambulance Crash-Related Injuries Among Emergency Medical Services Workers — United States, 2000–2002

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel on board ambulances need more practical restraint systems for the patient compartments.

Ambulance crashes pose a real threat to EMS personnel. Although no complete national count of ambulance crashes exists, the total number of fatal crashes involving ambulances can be determined by using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Standard ambulance restraints are often ineffective and may seldom be used by ambulance personnel. CDC is identifying and testing practical restraint alternatives to reduce injury risk to EMS workers.

Smallpox Vaccine Adverse Events among Civilians —United States, February 18–24, 2003

Summary Not Available.

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