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October 26, 2001/12:00 PM, ET Press ReleaseCDC Update: Current case count and flu shots and anthrax disease CDC confirmed cases of anthrax Based on a rigorous case definition, CDC is reporting 12 confirmed cases of anthrax: 2 in Florida, 3 in New York City, 2 in New Jersey, and 5 in Washington, D.C. (in collaboration with MD and VA). CDC is also reporting 5 suspect cases: 2 in New York City and 3 in New Jersey. CDC defines a confirmed case of anthrax as 1) a clinically compatible case of cutaneous, inhalational, or gastrointestinal illness that is laboratory confirmed by isolation of B. anthracis from an affected tissue or site or 2) other laboratory evidence of B. anthracis infection based on at least two supportive laboratory tests. Flu shots and anthrax disease
Many other infectious agents (including anthrax) can cause illnesses that begin with flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, and headaches). Most flu-like illnesses are not caused by influenza (or anthrax). The flu shot can prevent 70-90%, but not all, influenza infections. The vaccine does not prevent flu-like illness caused by agents other than influenza. Influenza vaccine should be targeted toward groups that are at increased risk of complications and toward health care workers. CDC recommends that these groups be prioritized for vaccine available in October and that efforts to vaccinate these groups continue throughout the influenza season. Lower influenza vaccine coverage of high risk persons could lead to an increase in influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths. Receipt of influenza vaccine in November and later is encouraged for those who live with high-risk persons, for healthy people aged 50-64 years, and for others who wish to reduce their chances of getting influenza. For the latest update on CDC activities and on-going anthrax investigations visit www.bt.cdc.gov/ or www.cdc.gov/media/. |
CDC Home | Search | Health Topics A-Z This page last reviewed October 26, 2001 |