MMWR – Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

1. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day — February 7, 2011 (Box)

National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
News Media Line
(404) 639-8895

No summary provided.

2. Disparities in Diagnoses of HIV Infection Between Blacks/African Americans and other Racial/Ethnic Populations — 37 States, 2005–2008

National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
News Media Line
(404) 639-8895

A CDC analysis of previously reported data from 37 U.S. states between 2005 and 2008 indicates that African Americans continue to experience a disproportionate burden of HIV diagnoses, with higher rates of HIV diagnoses than any other racial or ethnic group. HIV diagnoses are the number of people diagnosed with HIV in a given time period, regardless of when they originally became infected. In 2008, the HIV diagnoses rate among black males and females was eight and nineteen times the rate for whites and two and four times the rates for Hispanic/Latino males and females. Between 2005 and 2008, blacks represented half of all HIV diagnoses (50.3 percent) in the 37 reporting states, despite accounting for just 13.6 percent of the U.S. population. In addition, the data show that rates of HIV diagnoses increased among black men during the four year period studied. While disparities of HIV diagnoses rates between blacks and other racial and ethnic groups existed across several demographic and transmission groups, they were most pronounced among young people (aged 13-24), women, and among persons who were infected through heterosexual contact. According to the authors, addressing social and contextual factors, such as poverty and access to health care, is key to reducing these racial disparities.

3. Increase in Newly Diagnosed HIV Infections Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men — Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, 1999–2008

National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
News Media Line
(404) 639-8895

A CDC investigation found that the reported increase in HIV diagnoses among young black MSM in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is likely due in part to increased transmission of HIV within this population. CDC and the Wisconsin Division of Public Health conducted the investigation after noting a 144 percent increase in HIV cases among young black MSM, ages 15-29, between 2000 and 2008. Researchers compared HIV and syphilis surveillance and examined trends in HIV testing among young MSM in Milwaukee County from 1999-2001 and 2006-2008. Their analysis found that increases in HIV diagnoses among young black MSM pre-dated statewide intensified testing efforts and that cases found using a new social networks testing strategy were insufficient to account for the rise in HIV diagnoses among young black MSM over the ten-year period. Finally, an increase in syphilis among young black MSM was also noted between 1999-2001 and 2006-2008. Increases in syphilis infections are often considered an early warning for increases in HIV transmission. Investigators suggest that although the report is based on trends within one U.S. city, the findings mirror increases in HIV diagnoses among young black MSM in other areas around the nation and highlight the need for new or improved interventions for young at-risk black MSM.

4. Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule — United States, 2011

CDC Division of News and Electronic Media
(404) 639-3286

This report presents the most current recommended immunizations for adults beginning at age 19 years and is a resource for healthcare personnel and others who provide health care to adults. The Adult Immunization Schedule is a collaborative effort of the ACIP, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American College of Physicians and is officially endorsed by each organization.

 

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES