Synopsis for July 25, 2003

The MMWR is embargoed until Noon ET, Thursdays.

1. Contribution of Selected Metabolic Diseases to Early Childhood Deaths—Virginia, 1996–2001
2. Use of Quarantine in Preventing Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome—Taiwan, 2003
3. Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication—Afghanistan and Pakistan, January 2002–May 2003
4. West Nile Virus Activity—United States, July 17–23, 2003

Synopsis for July 25, 2003

Contribution of Selected Metabolic Diseases to Early Childhood Deaths — Virginia, 1996–2001

Expanded newborn screening is now available to test for many metabolic diseases among newborns.

Many newborn screening programs have added tandem mass spectrometry technology and others are considering the addition of this technology to their programs. However, it is unknown how many deaths among young children might be prevented if affected children are identified and treatment is begun during the newborn period. We found that about 1% of children who died unexpectedly in Virginia during a recent 6-year period had a positive screen for these diseases. Timely identification of affected children and initiation of therapies might have prevented these deaths. Newborn screening for these disorders offers an opportunity to reduce early childhood mortality.

Use of Quarantine in Preventing Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome—Taiwan, 2003

No summary available.

Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication—Afghanistan and Pakistan, January 2002–May 2003

Since the World Health Assembly resolved in 1988 to eradicate poliomyelitis globally, the number of countries where polio is endemic decreased from 127 to only seven.

Despite significant progress in reducing the scope and genetic diversity of transmission, wild virus circulation continues in Pakistan and Afghanistan. This report summarizes the progress toward polio eradication in these two countries during January 2002—May 2003, highlighting the progress made in strengthening the acute flaccid paralysis surveillance (AFP) system and the need for further improvements in the quality of the supplementary immunization activities.

West Nile Virus Activity—United States, July 17–23, 2003

No summary available.

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