MMWR News Synopsis for March 24, 2016

 

Leveling of Tuberculosis Incidence — United States, 2013-2015

National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
News Media Line – 404-639-8895
NCHHSTPMediaTeam@cdc.gov

After two decades of progress toward tuberculosis (TB) elimination in the United States, preliminary data from CDC’s National Tuberculosis Surveillance System reveals TB incidence leveled off at approximately 3.0 new cases per 100,000 people from 2013 to 2015. After years of decline, TB incidence among people born in the United States has held steady at 1.2 new cases per 100,000 people from 2013 to 2015. TB incidence declined from 2013 to 2015 among people in America who were born in other countries (from 15.6 new cases per 100,000 to 15.1 new cases per 100,000). Resuming progress toward TB elimination in the United States will require intensification of efforts both in the U.S. and globally, including increasing U.S. efforts to detect and treat latent TB infection, strengthening systems to interrupt TB transmission in the U.S. and globally, and accelerating reductions in TB globally.

Tuberculosis Among Temporary Visa Holders Working in the Tourism Industry — United States, 2012–2014

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

We recommend increased TB awareness and education for employers of temporary visa holders from countries where TB is more common, as well as for clinicians and public health professionals. Increased awareness should lead to timely diagnosis, treatment, and public health follow-up of TB. Tuberculosis (TB) is a deadly disease. Once a leading killer in the United States, national, state, and local TB program efforts have dramatically reduced cases. With fewer cases occurring each year in the United States, health care providers might not consider TB when a patient has symptoms of TB disease. Every year, temporary visa holders come to the United States to work in a variety of tourist locations including amusement parks, ski lodges, national parks, and cultural or historical sites. TB testing is not required for persons entering the United States on a temporary visa. This report documents three cases of infectious TB disease among temporary workers in the tourism industry. Increased TB awareness is needed among employers, health care providers, and public health officials.

Photokeratitis Linked to Metal Halide Bulbs in Two Gymnasiums — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2011–2013

Jeff Moran, Director of Communications
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
215-686-5244
jeff.moran@phila.gov

Metal halide bulbs pose a continuing risk for photokeratitis, particularly in high-risk settings such as schools and indoor sports facilities. Metal halide bulbs, commonly used for overhead lighting, are a continuing risk for photokeratitis, particularly in high-risk settings such as sports facilities where objects are routinely thrown. In December 2011 and December 2013, two separate clusters of photokeratitis were linked to broken metal halide bulbs in use during gymnasium events in Philadelphia. Symptoms included burning or red eyes, tearing eyes, blurry vision, foreign body sensation, and skin irritation. Type R metal halide lamps do not self-extinguish once the outer bulb is broken and should be removed from settings with a high-risk of outer bulb rupture, or should be placed within enclosed fixtures. Metal halide lamps with a broken outer bulb should be replaced immediately to limit exposure to UV radiation.

Notes from the Field:

• Injuries Associated with Bison Encounters — Yellowstone National Park, 2015

QuickStats:

• Difference in Life Expectancy Between Females and Males at Birth and at Age 65 Years — National Vital Statistics System, United States, 1990–2014

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES