MMWR News Synopsis for February 25, 2016

 

Prevalence of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake — 23 States and the District of Columbia, 2013

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

The frequency of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) adults drink daily varies widely across the U.S. Overall, almost 1 in 3 adults reported drinking SSBs at least once per day.  Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) are a major source of added sugars among Americans. The latest self-reported data from states shows that 1 in 3 adults consumed SSBs at least once per day. This SSB intake varied by geographical region and sociodemographic characteristics. Among the 23 states and the District of Columbia that asked participants about SSBs, estimates of intake ranged from 47.5 percent in Mississippi to 18 percent in Vermont. Because of the potential adverse health outcomes associated with frequent SSB intake including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, continued efforts aimed at decreasing daily SSB intake are needed especially in southern states and among demographic groups with the highest reported consumption.

Outbreak of Foodborne Botulism Associated with Improperly Jarred Pesto — Ohio and California, 2014

Ashley Auciello, Public Information Officer
Cincinnati Health Department
513.357.7211
ashley.auciello@cincinnati-oh.gov

Consumers and public health officials should be aware of the risk of botulism from improperly canned foods, such as pesto sold in jars. This report describes the first U.S. outbreak of botulism linked to pesto. In 2014, two patients were diagnosed with botulism nearly two weeks after their symptoms began. The pesto was produced in a home kitchen without proper registration and sold in jars at a farm stand and online. Diagnosis of botulism can be difficult. Clinicians should be on high alert for botulism when evaluating patients with clinically compatible symptoms and should immediately call their state health department if botulism is suspected. It is important that producers of canned foods for commercial use follow safety regulations to avoid foodborne illness.

Evaluation of Routine HIV Opt-Out Screening and Continuum of Care Services Following Entry into Eight Prison Reception Centers — California, 2012

California Correctional Health Care Services
Communications Office
(916) 691-6714

Effective linkage to HIV care systems between correctional facilities and community services are needed to maintain the health benefits gained by HIV-infected persons while incarcerated. Early diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and initiation of antiretroviral treatment improves health outcomes and prevents further transmission. In 2010, the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) integrated HIV opt-out screening into the health assessment for inmates entering California state prisons. This program linked 99 percent of 135 HIV-infected patient-inmates (identified April–September 2012) into care, and achieved high rates of treatment initiation (91 percent), retention on treatment (98 percent), and viral suppression (88 percent) during patient-inmates’ incarceration. However, 64 percent of 39 patient-inmates released from prison had interrupted care, and four were lost to care. Supporting continuity of care by actively engaging community partners in communication and coordination of medical and social services after release to the community is needed to help ensure sustained HIV disease control.

Notes from the Field:

• Ebola Virus Disease Response Activities During a Mass Displacement Event Following Flooding — Freetown, Sierra Leone, September–November, 2015
• Verona Integron-Encoded Metallo-Beta-Lactamase–Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a Neonatal and Adult Intensive Care Unit — Kentucky, 201

QuickStats:

• Percentage of Adults Aged 18–64 with Two or More Visits to the Emergency Department in the Past 12 Months, by Health Insurance Coverage Status, and Race/Ethnicity — National Health Interview Survey, 2014

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES