MMWR

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Acute Renal Failure Associated with Soft-Tissue Filler Injections — North Carolina, 2007

PRESS CONTACT: Carol Schriber, Public Information Officer
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
(919) 733-9190

These findings underscore the risks posed by cosmetic injections administered by unlicensed practitioners. Cosmetic injections should only be administered by licensed providers with the appropriate medical training or supervision. Public health officials should be alert for adverse events associated with these injections and take all necessary actions to prevent additional injuries. On December 27, 2007, the North Carolina Division of Public Health (NCDPH) was notified of three cases of renal failure occurring among women who had received cosmetic soft-tissue filler injections at a facility in North Carolina. All injections were administered by a practitioner with no medical training or supervision. Investigators were not able to identify the substances injected. Although records indicated that the injections contained liquid silicone, this substance has not been associated previously with renal failure.

Syncope After Vaccination — United States, January 2005–July 2007

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

Injury associated with syncope after vaccination could be prevented, especially by following the 15-minute postvaccination observing and waiting period recommendations. To describe trends in occurrence of syncope (“fainting”) after vaccination, CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) analyzed data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) for January 1, 2005–July 31, 2007, and compared the results with VAERS reports received during 2002–2004. The findings indicate that since 2005, reports to VAERS regarding postvaccination syncope have increased, primarily among adolescent females, and sometimes, subsequent serious injuries have occurred. To prevent syncope-related injuries, vaccine providers are reminded of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidance, particularly, to “strongly consider observing patients for 15 minutes after they are vaccinated.”

Human Rabies — Minnesota, 2007

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

Do not handle wildlife, wash any animal bites, and seek prompt medical attention after such animal exposures. During October 2007, a Minnesota resident died from rabies, approximately 2 months after removing a bat from a cabin. Rabies is a fatal, but preventable viral disease. People should avoid handling wildlife. After any animal bite, regardless of severity, wash the wound with soap and water, and seek medical attention regarding the need for rabies prophylaxis. Clinicians should consider rabies in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with acute, progressive encephalitis.

Updated Recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for Use of Quadrivalent Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4) Among Children Aged 2–10 Years

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