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PRESS CONTACT: |
A study by CDC and the Georgia Department of Corrections and Division of Public Health provides among the first detailed data on risk factors and HIV transmission within prisons in the U.S.
Between July 1988 and February 2005, testing records confirmed that 88 inmates contracted HIV in Georgia correctional facilities. Analysis of risk factors associated with transmission found that infected inmates were significantly more likely to have engaged in male-to-male sex in prison; to have received a tattoo in prison; to have a low body mass index; and to be black, when compared to uninfected inmates with similar sentence lengths and time served. Study findings suggest that while HIV transmission in Georgia prisons is not likely to be widespread, both HIV infection and risk behavior do occur during incarceration. Similar to other state and federal prisons in the U.S., overall HIV prevalence among Georgia prisoners was higher than in the general population. In Georgia, over 90 percent of HIV-positive prisoners were infected prior to incarceration. Because prisons bring together a population at high risk for HIV infection, they offer a unique opportunity to intervene with programs that can help slow the HIV epidemic. Comprehensive HIV testing and prevention interventions in prisons can help equip inmates with the knowledge and skills to prevent HIV transmission in prison and in their communities, upon release.
PRESS CONTACT: |
Public health departments might consider collaborating with local or regional poison control centers to monitor for exposures after disasters with the potential to adversely affect public health.
By utilizing real-time, pre-existing public health information from the Florida Poison Information Center Network in the period surrounding hurricanes in 2004 and 2005, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) had an increased ability to detect health hazards created and to help prevent the potential for continued morbidity and mortality related to these hazards. Data on carbon monoxide and other exposures were used to develop and distribute public health prevention messages to Florida communities affected by hurricanes.
PRESS CONTACT: |
Rural communities that are affected by multiple hurricanes may be at increased risk for ongoing public health needs even after the initial impact of a storm. Assessments of the continuing needs of these communities can be valuable for directing public health interventions in disaster response and preparedness.
On October 24, 2005, Hurricane Wilma made landfall on
the southern tip of Florida and caused extensive wind and flood damage
to homes and businesses. The Florida Department of Health identified Hendry
County as a rural area most affected by the storm. On November 1–2,
teams assessed the specific needs of residents in two Hendry country communities.
The assessment determined that approximately one third of households had
been affected by multiple hurricanes. A large number of homes had sustained
damage, but most were habitable and had basic utilities. A majority of
the residents had received disaster relief aid; however, most had not received
information about how to stay safe during clean-up activities and did not
own a working carbon monoxide monitor.
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Contact Us This page last reviewed April 20, 2006 Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention |
