Synopsis for August 22, 2003

The MMWR is embargoed until NOON ET, Thursdays.

1. Physical Activity Levels Among Children Aged 9–13 Years — United States, 2002
2. Suspected Moonflower Intoxication — Ohio, 2002
3. Vaccination Coverage Among Children Entering School — United States, 2002–03 School Year
4. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infections Among Competitive Sports Participants — Colorado, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Los Angeles County, 2002 –2003

5. West Nile Virus Activity — United States, August 14– 20, 2003

MMWR Surveillance Summaries
August 22, 2003, Vol. 51, No. SS-8

State-Specific Prevalence of Selected Chronic Disease-Related Characteristics --- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2001

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data indicate that high proportions of persons in the U.S. states and territories continue to engage in high-risk behaviors and do not report making sufficient use of preventive health practices. Despite substantial variations among states and population groups, it is clear that over the past 10 years, there has been an increase in prevalence of obesity, little overall change in leisure-time physical activity and cigarette smoking were observed. In terms of being aware of medical conditions associated with chronic diseases, increasingly more people were told by a health care provider that they had diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol over the past 10 years. Screening behaviors have also changed over the past 10 years. Blood cholesterol screenings, colorectal cancer screenings (using a sigmiodsocopy or colonoscopy), and breast cancer screening (using mammograms) increased over this time frame.

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Synopsis for August 22, 2003

Physical Activity Levels Among Children Aged 9–13 Years — United States, 2002

Improving levels of physical activity levels will require innovative solutions that motivate children and address parents’ perceived barriers to their children engaging in physical activity.

In October 2002, CDC initiated a media campaign to encourage children aged 9–13 years to engage in and maintain high levels of regular physical activity. To obtain a baseline of physical activity levels among these children, CDC conducted the YMC Longitudinal Survey (YMCLS), a nationally representative survey of children aged 9–13 years and their parents. Results from this survey showed that fewer kids reported doing organized sports (38.5%) than free-time physical activity (77.4%). Black and Hispanic children were significantly less likely than white children to report involvement in organized activities, as were children with parents who had lower incomes and educational levels. Parents identified transportation problems, lack of opportunities in their area, expense, and lack of neighborhood safety as barriers for their children’s physical activity. Significantly more black and Hispanic parents reported these obstacles than white parents.

Suspected Moonflower Intoxication — Ohio, 2002

Education for teens, as well as parents, on the potential toxicity from the recreational use of a plant to “get a high” is important to help prevent serious illness.

During October 11 - November 20, 2002, the Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC) received notification of and offered treatment advice for 14 adolescents in the Akron/Cleveland area who became ill after intentional ingestion of toxic seeds which the DPIC identified as Datura inoxia. This may represent a new trend of substance abuse in this area. The clinical effects of recreational use of a plant may vary drastically from the desired effects. It is essential to educate adolescents as well as parents on the potential toxicity from recreational use of a plant and the need for medical attention if an exposure occurs. Also, gardening practices in a community may provide novel ways for experimenting with intoxicating substances.

Vaccination Coverage Among Children Entering School — United States, 2002–03 School Year

In the United States, immunization coverage of children entering school remains high and is approaching or exceeding 2010 objectives of greater than 95% in most states.

Immunization programs in the United States monitor the vaccination status of children entering school each year. When unvaccinated children are identified, the programs and schools work with parents to help them get their children up-to-date on the vaccines required by law. As a result of this process, states are making significant progress toward meeting Healthy People 2010 objectives related to immunization. Currently, coverage for all vaccines except Hepatitis B (Hep B) was reported to be ≥95% in 29 states and ≥90% in 45 states. Only thirty-nine states require Hep B vaccines before school entry. Among those states reporting on Hep B, the average coverage was 96%.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infections Among Competitive Sports Participants — Colorado, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Los Angeles County, 2002 –2003

While outbreaks of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been associated with health are institutions, it is emerging as a frequent cause of skin infections in the community.

This report summarizes several reported clusters of skin and soft tissue infections associated with MRSA among participants of different competitive sports and discusses possible risk factors for infection, such as physical contact, skin damage, and sharing of equipment and/or clothing. The findings underscore the potential for MRSA infections among sports participants; the need for medical providers to be aware that skin and soft tissue infections occurring in these settings may be caused by MRSA; and the importance of implementing prevention measures by players, coaches, parents, and school and team administrators.
 

West Nile Virus Activity — United States,
August 14– August 20, 2003

No summary available.

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