Synopsis for April 4, 2003

The MMWR is embargoed until NOON ET, Thursdays.

1. Update: Outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome -- Worldwide, 2003
2. Hepatitis C Virus Transmission from an Antibody-Negative Organ and Tissue Donor -- United States, 2000-2002
3. Nonfatal Fall-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Among Older Adults -- California, 1996-1999
4. Update: Adverse Events Following Smallpox Vaccination -- United States, 2003

Synopsis for April 4, 2003

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

Summary not available.

Hepatitis C Virus Transmission from an Antibody-Negative Organ and Tissue Donor -- United States, 2000-2002

Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission from antibody-negative tissues and donors is likely uncommon, it can occur.

This report describes HCV transmission to recipients of organs or tissues from a donor who had tested negative for HCV infection using a screening antibody test. A patient developed acute hepatitis C after receiving a tissue transplant from a donor. We performed an additional test on the donor’s stored serum and detected the RNA of the virus. He was likely in an early phase of infection before the development of detectable antibodies. The donor was the source of HCV infection for 8 recipients of organs or tissues. Although HCV transmission from antibody-negative donors is likely uncommon, determining the frequency of such transmission will be important in evaluating whether additional prevention measures are warranted.

Nonfatal Fall-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Among Older Adults -- California, 1996-1999

Nonfatal fall-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) have significant consequences on the healthcare delivery system in California.

Although falls are the second leading cause of TBI hospitalizations overall and the leading cause of TBI hospitalizations among persons aged 65 years and older, little is known about the nature or the demographic characteristics of these injuries. This study examined nonfatal hospitalized fall-related TBI in California between 1996-1999. The findings support previous studies that those 65 years or older are at greater risk for hospitalization for a fall and that same-level falls are more common than falls from higher-levels such as ladders, chairs or stairs. Researchers also found that for those over 85 years old, three out of every five hospitalizations resulted in a discharge to a residential facility with skilled nursing or to a home health service with outpatient rehabilitation services.

Update: Adverse Events Following Smallpox Vaccination -- United States, 2003

Summary not available.

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