MMWR News Synopsis for January 28, 2016

 

Antidepressant Prescription Claims Among Reproductive-Aged Women With Private Employer-Sponsored Insurance — United States 2008–2013

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Antidepressant use among reproductive-aged women is common –highlighting how important it is for women to talk with their healthcare providers about the safety and risks of all medications they are taking, including antidepressants if they are pregnant or may become pregnant. An estimated 15 percent (about 1 in 7) of U.S. women aged 15-44 with private insurance filled at least one prescription annually for an antidepressant medication. There is conflicting evidence about the potential link between antidepressants and certain birth defects. Since birth defects usually occur early in pregnancy – before a woman may even know she is pregnant – these new findings highlight how important it is for women to talk to their healthcare provider about the safety and risks of any medications they are taking. Many women need to take antidepressants during pregnancy and they should not stop or start taking any medication without first discussing it with their healthcare provider.

Increases in Acute Hepatitis B Virus Infections — Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia, 2006–2013

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

CDC reported an increase in incident cases of acute Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia among non-Hispanic-white persons, persons aged 30-39 years, and persons residing in non-urban counties. An increasing proportion of cases reported injection drug use as a risk factor. The emerging epidemic of acute HBV infections has the potential to impede the nation’s hepatitis B elimination strategy. Evidence-based strategies to prevent HBV infection are urgently needed. As many as 2.2 million persons in the United States are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), and approximately 15 percent to 25 percent of these persons will die prematurely from cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis B vaccination is highly effective in preventing HBV infection and is recommended for adults at risk for HBV infection, including persons who inject drugs. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage is low among adults. Using data from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System during 2006–2013, CDC reported an increase in incident cases of acute HBV infection in Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia among non-Hispanic-white persons, persons aged 30-39 years, and persons residing in non-urban counties. An increasing proportion of cases reported injection drug use. Evidence-based services to prevent HBV infection are needed.

Active Monitoring of Travelers Arriving from Ebola-Affected Countries — New York City, October 2014–April 2015

David Starr
Director, Countermeasures Response
dstarr@health.nyc.gov

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene successfully implemented an active monitoring program for travelers returning from Ebola-affected countries. The Ebola virus disease (Ebola) outbreak in West Africa prompted many non-affected countries to prepare for possible importation of Ebola cases. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) developed a program to implement active monitoring of returning travelers from Ebola-affected countries. During October 25, 2014–April 30, 2015, CDC referred 2,452 travelers to DOHMH’s active monitoring program. A total of 2,407 (98.1%) of referred travelers required active monitoring; no cases of Ebola were detected. The DOHMH’s active monitoring program was successful in monitoring travelers returning from Ebola-affected countries.

Notes from the Field:

• Cholera in Kenya, 2014–2016

QuickStats:

• Nonfatal Injuries Among Males and Females, by Place of Occurrence — National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2012–2014

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES