MMWR News Synopsis for November 24, 2016

 

Early Infant HIV Diagnosis — Seven Countries, 2011–2015

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Since 2011, access to and uptake of Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) testing has expanded in sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean. EID testing has enabled countries to demonstrate significant progress towards elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT). However, to reach EMTCT targets and control the HIV epidemic, there is a need for continued improvements in service delivery through ongoing technical training in EID testing, the use of specimen referral systems and dried blood spots to improve testing efficiencies, and integration of EID services with other health programs to increase yield.

CDC Grand Rounds: Family History and Genomics as Tools for Cancer Prevention and Control

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

CDC, along with state health departments and community based organizations, is working to ease the burden of and reduce mortality from hereditary cancers. Individuals and families with histories of cancer may be at increased risk for developing hereditary cancer. Two of the most common syndromes associated with hereditary cancer are Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome and Lynch Syndrome. These syndromes, while considered rare, put many families at a significantly increased risk for cancer. CDC, along with state and community partner organizations, is conducting work in this area to help identify high risk families, work with providers to get these families referred to genetic counseling and testing, and provide greater access to health care services. Future development of genomic technologies and personalized medicine initiatives will require policies, education, and surveillance systems to further the use of genomic applications that provide broad benefits and address health disparities.

Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication — Pakistan, January 2015 — September 2016

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Interruption of wild poliovirus (WPV) circulation, and therefore eradication, in Pakistan, is within reach. Despite the progress made during 2016, the virus is still detected in the environment of high-risk areas in the country, and children continue to be missed. These factors continue to pose a challenge to achieving zero cases. To reach this goal, Pakistan must continue heightened surveillance, respond aggressively to any new cases, and vaccinate all children. Pakistan is one of three countries – including Afghanistan and Nigeria – where WPV has never stopped circulating. During 2016 Pakistan made significant improvements to its polio eradication program and as a result the number of polio cases reported decreased compared to those reported during 2015 and 2014. Despite this decrease the virus continues to circulate in certain areas and children continue to be missed by immunization campaigns. To eradicate polio, prevent outbreaks, and eliminate potential reservoirs new cases need to be quickly identified and controlled, and all children must be vaccinated.

Notes from the Field: 

Clostridium perfringens Gastroenteritis Outbreak Associated with a Catered Lunch — North Carolina, November 2015

Community-Based Prevention of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever — Sonora, Mexico, 2016

QuickStats:

Percentage of Adults Aged ≥ 20 Years Who Ever Told A Doctor That They Had Trouble Sleeping, by Age and Sex — National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013–2014

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES