MMWR

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Pool Chemical-Associated Health Events in Public and Residential Settings – United States, 1983-2007

Press Contact: CDC Division of Media Relations
Phone: (404) 639-3286

• Press Release

Public pool operators and residential pool owners can help prevent pool chemical–associated injuries through safe chemical handling and storage practices. Pool chemicals make the water in aquatics venues such as pools and water parks safer by protecting us from germs. However, pool chemicals can also cause injuries if not properly stored and handled. These preventable injuries lead to thousands of emergency room visits each year. In 2007, greater than 40 percent of these injuries occurred at a residence. Public pool operators and residential pool owners can protect themselves and swimmers by taking these key steps: always secure pool chemicals away from children and animals, always read product label and manufacturer’s directions before each use, always use appropriate protective gear, such as safety glasses and gloves, when handling pool chemicals and never mix chlorine products with each other, with acid, or with any other substance.

Pediatric Bacterial Meningitis Surveillance – African Region, 2001-2008

Press Contact: CDC Division of Media Relations
Phone: (404) 639-3286

Surveillance for bacterial meningitis and pneumonia in Africa provides essential information for programmatic and policy decision-makers, effectively informing decisions about vaccine introduction to prevent these diseases in hard-hit countries. A surveillance network for three childhood killers in Africa is providing valuable data that informs vaccine introduction in hard-hit countries. Each year, 500,000 children in Africa are killed by bacterial meningitis and pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and Streptococcus pneumoniae. In addition, Neisseria meningitidis is responsible for recurring large-scale epidemics of bacterial meningitis. A sentinel surveillance system was established in 2001 in 26 countries in the region, which has been useful for decisions to use Hib vaccine in some countries. This network needs to be maintained and strengthened to inform decisions about vaccine introduction to prevent bacterial meningitis and pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis, and to monitor the impact of vaccination.

Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infections in Three Pregnant Women – United States, April-May 2009

(Previously Released)

Press Contact: CDC Division of Media Relations
Phone: (404) 639-3286

No summary available.

Outbreak of Salmonella Serotype Saintpaul Infections Associated with Eating Alfalfa Sprouts – United States, 2009

(Previously Released)

Press Contact: CDC Division of Media Relations
Phone: (404) 639-3286

No summary available.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES