Synopsis for April 6, 2006

The MMWR is embargoed until Thursday, 12 PM EST.

1. Homicides among Children and Young Adults – Puerto Rico, 1999-2003
2. Update: Guillain-Barré Syndrome among Recipients of Menactra® Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine – United States, October 2005-February 2006
3. Mumps Epidemic – Iowa, 2006

Homicides among Children and Young Adults – Puerto Rico, 1999-2003

Fatal interpersonal violence (homicide) is an important public health issue that disproportionately affects adolescents and young adults in Puerto Rico. Several efforts have been initiated in Puerto Rico such as enhancing violence-related public health surveillance systems and developing, implementing and evaluating prevention strategies however, there are still many communities that have not been reached.   

The Puerto Rico Department of Health (PRDH) and University of Puerto Rico have identified homicides as a major public health issue for their population. Homicides are the leading cause of death among Puerto Rican residents aged 15-29 years. While U.S. homicide rates have been declining over the past five years, rates among some young adult males in Puerto Rico are apparently increasing. The Puerto Rican government has implemented a strategy to address the problem of fatal (homicide) and nonfatal (assault) interpersonal violence which includes the following: appointment of a commission to direct violence prevention activities; improved data collection of violent events; and increased resources for several agencies that address violence such as public health and criminal justice. 1) During 1999‑2003, 3613 total homicides occurred in Puerto Rico, 64 percent of all the homicides occurred among persons aged less than 30 years. Among the homicide victims aged less than 30 years, 93 percent were male. 2) Firearms were the most frequently used method used in homicides for both males and females. 3) Homicide rates among persons aged 25-29 years increased by 47.6% from 1999 to 2003, among males rates increased 56.7%.

Update: Guillain-Barré Syndrome among Recipients of Menactra® Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine – United States, October 2005-February 2006

Providers should continue to use Menactra®    for persons who should have the vaccine; however they should be alert for and report any vaccine side effects to Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.

In October 2005, a possible association between Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and receipt of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menactra®) (MCV4) was reported. GBS is a serious neurologic disorder involving temporary paralysis. At the time of the first report, five confirmed cases of GBS after receipt of MCV4 had been reported to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS). During the 4 months since, three additional confirmed cases of GBS have been reported. Further monitoring and studies are ongoing. CDC continues to recommend use of MCV4 for persons who should have the vaccine; the additional reported cases have not resulted in any change to that recommendation.

Mumps Epidemic – Iowa, 2006

This is a reprint of the MMWR Dispatch that was released on March 30, 2006. The report summarizes and characterizes the ongoing mumps epidemic in Iowa, the public health response, and recommendations for preventing further transmissions. This is the largest epidemic of mumps in the United States since 1988.

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This page last reviewed April 6, 2006
URL: http://www.cdc.gov/media/mmwrnews/n0600406.htm

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