MMWR News Synopsis for August 20, 2015

 

Contact Lens Wearer Demographics and Risk Behaviors for Contact Lens-Related Eye Infections — United States, 2014

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Almost all of the 41 million estimated contact lens wearers in the United States may be engaging in at least one behavior known to increase their risk of eye infections. Prevention efforts should focus on encouraging contact lens wearers to improve their hygiene behaviors.More than 99 percent of contact lens wearers who participated in a national survey reported engaging in at least one behavior known to increase their risk of eye infections, and nearly one-third reported ever going to the doctor for red or painful eyes while wearing contact lenses. A separate survey was used to estimate the number of contact lens wearers in the United States — about 41 million adults. Taken together, the survey results indicate the potential for millions of Americans to be at risk for serious eye infections because of poor contact lens hygiene behaviors, such as failing to wear, clean, disinfect, and store their contact lenses as directed. These results demonstrate the need for contact lens health campaigns and patient education to improve contact lens behavior.

CDC Grand Rounds — Getting Smart About Antibiotics

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is common; improving antibiotic use in all health care settings is an essential component of safe and high quality health care. Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is an important and modifiable contributor to antibiotic resistance and adverse drug events. A first step is to characterize antibiotic prescribing practices to identify where improvement is most needed. An estimated half of antibiotic prescriptions given during pediatric office visits are inappropriate, and antibiotics are frequently misused in acute care settings. Opportunities to improve antibiotic use include focusing on diagnoses for which inappropriate prescribing is common (e.g., acute bronchitis) and U.S. regions with higher antibiotic prescription rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs in all U.S. hospitals to promote appropriate inpatient prescribing. Reducing inappropriate antibiotic use is critical to improve the quality and safety of patient care across all health care settings.

Occupational Hydrofluoric Acid Injury from Car and Truck Washing — Washington, 2001–2013

Tim Church; Public Affairs Manager
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
360 902-5673
chuu235@lni.wa.gov     

Exposure to hydrofluoric-acid-based car and truck wash products can lead to potentially severe chemical burns and systemic toxicity. Safer alternatives to hydrofluoric-acid-based solutions are needed. Exposure to a chemical found in car- and truck-wash products can be dangerous to workers. In Washington State, one worker died and 48 others have sustained chemical burns from contact with hydrofluoric-acid-based products used during car and truck washing and auto detailing. The products are used to remove rust, brighten aluminum, and break down roadway grime. These chemical burns to car and truck wash employees have resulted in hospitalization, disability, and time lost from work. Hydrofluoric-acid-based wash products are insidiously toxic; safer alternatives are needed.

Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication — Nigeria, January 2014–July 2015

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Pending lab confirmation, Nigeria will be removed from the WHO list of polio-endemic countries, making it possible for Africa to become certified as polio-free by 2017. Continued and improved surveillance and vaccination campaigns in Nigeria will be needed to reach this status. Pending final laboratory testing of 218 remaining specimens of 16,617 specimens collected since January 2015, Nigeria could be removed from the WHO list of polio-endemic countries in September 2015.When this occurs, it opens the door for certification of a polio-free Africa region by 2017. Lessons learned during the efforts to eradicate polio will allow Nigeria to successfully use existing infrastructure to address other public health issues.

Notes from the Field: 

Lead Poisoning and Anemia Associated with Use of Ayurvedic Medications Purchased on the Internet — Wisconsin, 2015

QuickStats

Percentage of Adults Aged 19–25 Years with a Usual Place of Care, by Race/Ethnicity — National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2010 and 2014

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES