Synopsis for April 11, 2003

The MMWR is embargoed until NOON ET, Thursdays.

1. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Coronavirus Testing -- United States, 2003
2. Prevalence of Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults and Changes in Prevalence of Current and Some Day Smoking -- United States, 1996-2001
3. Observational Survey of Smoking Provisions in Food Service Establishments -- Southeast Health District, Georgia, 2001
4. Point-of-Purchase Alcohol Marketing and Promotion by Store Type -- United States, 2000-2001
5. Update on Adverse Events Following Civilian Smallpox Vaccination -- United States, 2003

Synopsis for April 11, 2003

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Coronavirus Testing -- United States, 2003

Summary not available.

Prevalence of Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults and Changes in Prevalence of Current and Some Day Smoking -- United States, 1996-2001

Tobacco use - particularly cigarette smoking - is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States and is responsible for more than 440,000 deaths each year.

One of the national health objectives for 2010 is to reduce the prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults to 12%. To examine the prevalence of smoking for the states, the District of Columbia, and territories, CDC analyzed data from the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). This report summarizes the results of that analysis and indicates that in 2001, adult current smoking prevalence ranged from 13.3%-30.9%, (median 23.4%) for the states and the District of Columbia. Prevalence of current smoking for three territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands) ranged from 9.8% to 31.4%. Between 1996 and 2001, the prevalence of current smoking was relatively stable in 41 states and the District of Columbia while the proportion of current smokers who were some day smokers increased significantly in 31 of those states and the District of Columbia.

Observational Survey of Smoking Provisions in Food Service Establishments -- Southeast Health District, Georgia, 2001

Consumers should be aware that, if they are eating in an establishment that allows smoking, they may not be protected from second hand smoke.

Second hand smoke is a major cause of heart disease and lung cancer in healthy nonsmokers. To reduce public exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), CDC recommends smoking bans and restrictions in public places. Restaurants in Georgia’s Southeast Health District were inspected for these measures. While the majority (70%) of restaurants were smoke-free, many restaurants that did permit smoking provided insufficient barriers to second hand smoke. Restaurant patrons and employees should be aware that in establishments that allow smoking, they may not be protected from second hand smoke. Public health officials in the Southeast Health District are concerned about the issue and plan to educate restaurant owners about reducing patrons' and employees' exposure to ETS. Health officials will continue to monitor the situation and encourage restaurant owners to take steps to address this issue.

Point-of-Purchase Alcohol Marketing and Promotion by Store Type -- United States, 2000-2001

Alcohol point-of-purchase (POP) marketing is pervasive in stores that are frequented by teens and young adults.

In addition, some POP practices such as selling iced single beers near checkout lines, could promote drinking and driving. Responsible alcohol POP strategies should be developed. Currently, there are no standards for alcohol POP in the U.S., even though such practices increase total alcohol consumption. Public health entities and policy makers should collaborate with liquor control boards to develop responsible POP alcohol marketing practices.

Update on Adverse Events Following Civilian Smallpox Vaccination -- United States, 2003

Summary not available.

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