Synopsis for March 28, 2003

The MMWR is embargoed until NOON ET, Thursdays.

1. Update: Outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome -- Worldwide, 2003
2. Cardiac Adverse Events Following Smallpox Vaccination -- United States, 2003
3. Rapid Assessment of Tuberculosis in a Large Prison System -- Botswana, 2002
4. Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication -- Egypt, 2002
5. Preliminary Clinical Description of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

Synopsis for March 28, 2003

Update: Outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome -- Worldwide, 2003

Summary not available.

Cardiac Adverse Events Following Smallpox Vaccination -- United States, 2003

Summary not available.

Rapid Assessment of Tuberculosis in a Large Prison System -- Botswana, 2002

There are high levels of TB in Botswana prisons.

A survey of four prisons in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, found a high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) among prisoners and prison guards. TB prevalence rates were estimated to be 3,797 cases per 100,000 among prisoners and 2,662 cases per 100,000 among prison guards. While similar TB prevalence data are not available for the general population, the prevalence rate among prisoners and prison guards is estimated to be several times higher than that of the general population. One of the strongest risk factors for TB was a longer period of incarceration, and transmission was likely facilitated by overcrowded cells and poor ventilation. To help reduce high TB rates in these facilities, health officials urged that inmates be screened and, if needed, treated for TB at prison entry and periodically thereafter and that thorough contact investigation be conducted when new TB cases were identified.

Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication -- Egypt, 2002

Despite recent progress, surveillance and vaccination activities need further improvements to interrupt poliovirus transmission in Egypt.

Egypt made significant progress toward poliovirus eradication during 2002. The ability to find poliomyelitis cases has been improved and over 1 million additional children have been vaccinated in national vaccination campaigns. Only 7 cases of polio were identified during 2002. Genetic analyses of viruses isolated both from cases and from sewage indicate that transmission has been reduced to fewer lineages. The primary objective in Egypt now is to maintain and extend these improvements.

Preliminary Clinical Description of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

In 1994, countries in the Region of the Americas set a goal to interrupt indigenous measles transmission.

Summary not available.

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