MMWR News Synopsis for May 4, 2017

Mercury Poisoning at a Home Day Care Center — Hillsborough County, Florida, 2015

Steve Huard
Public Information Officer
Florida Department of Health – Hillsborough County
Office: (813) 307-8044
Cell: (813) 298-2024
Gerald.huard@flhealth.gov

Mercury containing items may put individuals, especially children, at risk for adverse health outcomes. Daycare centers operating out of private homes may be more likely to have mercury-containing items related to hobbies, collections and cultural practices, making education and regulation of home day centers critical to avoiding exposures. Thirteen cases of mercury toxicity were identified in a home daycare center in Tampa, FL, in November 2015. The children and adults were exposed by a broken antique blood pressure monitor that was placed in the home for children’s play. After discovering the source, the home was remediated by the Environmental Protection Agency and reopened after levels were deemed safe for children. A total of 23 exposed individuals were screened for elevated mercury levels. Ten children and three adults demonstrated elevated urine mercury levels. Seven individuals were treated with chelation, and all have recovered. The daycare has since resumed operation.

Progress Toward Measles Elimination — African Region, 2013–2016

CDC Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

To eliminate measles by 2020, countries in the region and partners need to 1) achieve ≥95% two-dose measles vaccine coverage through improved immunization services, including introducing a second vaccine dose of measles into routine immunization schedules; 2) improve vaccine campaign quality by preparing 12–15 months in advance, and using related preparation and assessment tools; 3) fully perform necessary disease surveillance for elimination purposes; 4) conduct annual district-level risk assessments; and 5) establish commissions to verify measles elimination. Countries in the World Health Organization African Region show progress and setbacks toward a regional goal of measles elimination by 2020. The number of new cases annually in the region has decreased by 63% from 2013 to 2016. However, not enough children are receiving the recommended two doses of vaccine to provide full protection against measles. The majority of children in the region not being fully protected against measles reside in four countries: Nigeria, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Angola; these countries also account for the majority of the region’s measles cases each year. Only half of all African Region countries have introduced a second vaccine dose against measles. For the region to eliminate measles by 2020, efforts are needed for countries to achieve ≥95% two-dose coverage.

Notes from the Field:

• None

Quick Stats:

• Brain Cancer Death Rates, by Sex and Age Group, Among Persons Aged 1–19 Years — United States, 2013–2015

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety, and security. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, stem from human error or deliberate attack, CDC is committed to respond to America’s most pressing health challenges.