MMWR

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Disparities in HIV/AIDS Diagnosis – 33 States, 2002-2005

PRESS CONTACT: CDC - National Center for HIV, STD & TB Prevention
(404) 639-8895

A new analysis of CDC surveillance data from 33 states with long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting shows HIV remains a persistent threat to the health and well-being of African Americans. While Blacks represented 13 percent of the population in these states, they accounted for 51 percent of new HIV diagnoses between 2001 and 2005. Black men continued to bear the greatest burden, with a diagnosis rate in 2005 (127.6 per 100,000 population), nearly seven times higher than that of white men (18.5) and more than twice that of black women. Men who have sex with men accounted for the majority (52 percent) of black male diagnoses. Black women also remained severely affected, with a rate (61.4) more than that of white women (3.0). Racial disparities were particularly pronounced among youth aged 13-24, with blacks accounting for 61 percent of diagnoses. As the epidemic has grown, so have efforts by CDC and African American communities to combat it. To accelerate progress, CDC, together with its public health and African American community partners, is committing to and calling for a heightened, urgent and collaborative response on four critical pathways: expanding the reach of HIV prevention services; increasing opportunities for diagnoses and treatment; developing new, effective interventions; and mobilizing broader community action.

Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Children with Asthma – United States, 2004-2005 Influenza Season

PRESS CONTACT: CDC - Susan Brim
(404) 498-1000

Children with asthma older than 6 months should receive an inactivated influenza vaccination during influenza season every year. CDC recommends that all children with asthma older than 6 months receive inactivated influenza vaccine each influenza season. Despite this recommendation, only 29 percent of children with asthma aged 2-17 years received an influenza vaccination during the 2004-2005 influenza season. 1) Children with asthma are at increased risk for complications from influenza. 2) All children with asthma older than 6 months should receive an inactivated influenza vaccination during influenza season every year. 3) Fewer than 1 out of 3 children with asthma received an influenza vaccination during the 2004-2005 influenza season.

Invasive Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections among Dialysis Patients – United States, 2005

PRESS CONTACT: CDC - Division of Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

Dialysis patients are at high risk for infection with invasive MRSA. Recommendations for the prevention of infections among dialysis patients can be found on the CDC website at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtm/rr5005a1.htm. Individuals who receive dialysis are at high risk for infection with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Although dialysis patients are know to be at high risk for infections in general, surveillance data found that the risk of invasive MRSA infection among dialysis patients in 2005, was 100 times higher than for the general population. Most of the infections occurring in dialysis patients were bloodstream infections. Strategies to reduce infection rates, such as minimizing the use long-term vascular access catheters, and preventing additional antimicrobial resistance through the judicious use of antibiotics are important for this patient population.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES