MMWR – Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

1. Heat-Related Deaths After an Extreme Heat Event — Four States, 2012, and United States, 1999–2009

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Each year heat causes about 650 preventable deaths in the United States, with 7,233 heat-related deaths reported from 1999–2009. The elderly, children, the poor, or those with pre-existing medical conditions are at increased risk.  In 2012, an extreme heat event in Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia resulted in 32 deaths.  Most of these deaths occurred among older people who were unmarried or lived alone.  Almost 70 percent died at home, most without air conditioning.  Fewer deaths were reported than in previous extreme heat events, likely because of actions taken by local and state agencies.  It is important to remember that heat can kill.  Individuals can prevent excessive heat exposure by staying cool, hydrated, and informed about extreme heat events and warning signs for heat-related illness. Exposure to heat can kill.  To prevent deaths from heat, stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.

2. Workers’ Compensation Claims for Musculoskeletal Disorder Among Wholesale and Retail Trade Industry Workers — Ohio, 2005–2009

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During 2005–2009, despite an overall 33 percent decline in the rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorder workers’ compensation claims, relatively higher rates occurred among certain subgroups of small wholesale and retail trade employers in Ohio.  A recent analysis of workers’ compensation claims filed with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation identified and assessed trends for work-related musculoskeletal disorder claims among single-location wholesale and retail trade employers. Relatively higher rates of musculoskeletal disorder claims were noted in five subgroups: wholesalers of alcoholic beverages, groceries and related products, metal and minerals, and motor vehicle parts; and furniture stores. Interventions that are targeted specifically to these groups, with the goal of reducing exposure to ergonomic hazards in these subgroups, should continue to be developed and implemented to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Although the rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorder workers’ compensation claims declined from 2005 to 2009 for most small wholesale and retail trade employers, workers in some subsectors experienced relatively higher rates of musculoskeletal disorder claims compared with other wholesale and retail trade subsectors. Focused prevention efforts to address tasks where workers may face the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, such as overexertion or repetitive motion, are most needed in these subsectors.

3. Progress Toward Measles Elimination — Western Pacific Region, 2009–2012

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In 2005, the Regional Committee for the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region (WPR) resolved that the Region should aim to eliminate measles by 2012. The recommended measles elimination strategies in WPR include: (i) achieving and maintaining high (≥95 percent) coverage with two doses of measles-containing vaccine (MCV) through routine immunization services and by implementing supplementary immunization activities (SIAs), when required; (ii) conducting high quality case-based measles surveillance; (iii) ensuring high quality laboratory surveillance with timely and accurate testing of specimens to confirm or discard suspected cases and detect measles virus for genotyping and molecular analysis; and (iv) establishing and maintaining measles outbreak preparedness for rapid response and ensuring appropriate case management. This report describes progress toward eliminating measles in WPR during 2009-2012.

4. Notes from the Field

Investigation of High Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevalence in Western Equatoria State — South Sudan, 2012

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES