MMWR

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Progress Toward Global Eradication of Dracunculiasis — Worldwide, July 2005

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

Only 9 of 20 countries at the beginning of the eradication campaign in the 1980s remain endemic. Sudan and Ghana reported 99% of the 25,217 cases of the disease in 2006, and so far during 2007. Less than 100 cases of dracunculiasis have been reported so far during 2007 from the 7 other endemic countries, outside of Sudan and Ghana, and four of these countries are very close to stopping transmission of the disease nationwide during this year. The article summarizes the status of dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease) eradication as of the end of 2006 and through the first 6 months of 2007. The eradication campaign is close to its goal of stopping all transmission of dracunculiasis in the remaining nine endemic countries, but delays in Ghana and the challenge of South Sudan must be overcome in order to meet the December 2009 eradication target date. Dracunculiasis, more commonly known as Guinea worm disease (GWD), is a preventable infection caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis. Infection affects poor communities in remote parts of Africa that do not have safe water to drink.

Scombroid Fish Poisoning Associated with Tuna Steaks — Louisiana and Tennessee, 2006

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

Louisiana Dept. of Health and Hospitals
Bob Johannessen
(225) 342 1532

Fish must be kept cold at all points between catch and consumption to prevent scombroid fish poisoning. Scombroid fish poisoning is an acute illness that occurs after eating fish containing high levels of histamine, which develop in fish that have not been properly refrigerated. Two outbreaks of scombroid fish poisoning occurred in Louisiana and Tennessee and were associated with tuna steaks harvested in Indonesia and Vietnam, respectively. The majority of seafood consumed in the United States is imported, underscoring the importance of monitoring both foreign suppliers and U.S. importers to ensure that fishermen, processors, and distributors adhere to safe temperature practices at all levels of the fish supply chain. The only effective method for prevention of scombroid fish poisoning is consistent temperature control of fish at <40°F (<4.4°C) at all times between catching and consumption.

Scombroid fish poisoning occurs infrequently and accounts for less than half of one percent of foodborne illnesses reported in the United States. Signs often mimic an allergic reaction and can include facial flushing, rash, itching, a burning or peppery taste in the mouth, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Illness usually resolves within several hours without medical intervention. More severe symptoms are experienced occasionally and include respiratory distress, swelling of the tongue, and blurred vision. Persons experiencing these signs should contact their healthcare provider.

Vaccination Coverage Among Children in Kindergarten — United States, 2006–07 School Year

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

Findings from this analysis include that 75% of states report that they have reached the 2010 objective of 95% coverage for each of the kindergarten vaccines. National health objectives for 2010 include achieving >95% vaccination coverage among children in kindergarten through first grade for some vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The majority of the states report that they have already reached the Healthy People 2010 goal of >95% coverage for each of the vaccines recommended by ACIP for kindergarten vaccines; the remaining states are making progress toward this goal. Vaccines required in each reporting area and the methods for surveying children vary substantially from state to state; the majority of states rely on self-reports by schools, rather than audits by health departments, to determine coverage, which might lead to underestimations or overestimations. To address this issue, CDC has promoted greater standardization of reporting, for example, by encouraging all states to report coverage based on ACIP recommendations rather than on state requirements. Improving survey methods and assessment procedures will help ensure that health jurisdictions are accurately reporting progress toward the coverage goals.

West Nile Virus Update — July 25–August 14

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

No Summary Available.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES