CDC Media Relations: MMWR News Synopsis for June 30, 2000

Synopsis for June 30, 2000

Measles ā€?United States, 1999

Measles cases, imported from other countries, continue to occur in the United States.

PRESS CONTACT:
Fabio Lievano, M.D.

CDC, National Immunization Program
(404) 639ā€?255

In 1999, state and local health departments reported 100 cases of measles to CDC; tying the record low of 1998. Two-thirds of the cases were linked to importation of the disease from other countries. The remaining cases are also thought to result from importation, although contact with imported cases was not confirmed. This success is a result of the > 90% measles vaccination coverage achieved among preschool children since 1996, combined with the requirement of two doses of measles vaccine for school entry in 48 States and the District of Columbia. However, worldwide over 800,000 children die each year from measles. In order to maintain the extremely low risk of measles in the United States, high vaccine coverage rates must be sustained.

Compliance with Physical Activity Recommendations by Walking for Exercise ā€?Michigan, 1996 and 1998

Adults who walk for exercise should be encouraged to walk more frequently, and to walk at an intensity that is at least moderate for them.

PRESS CONTACT:
Ann Rafferty, Ph.D.
Michigan Department of Community Health
(517) 335ā€?080
- or -
Mathew Reeves, Ph.D.
Michigan State University
(517) 353ā€?623

The 1996 Surgeon Generalā€™s report, Physical Activity and Health, recommended ā€a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity of moderate intensity on most, if not all, days of the week.ā€?The Michigan Department of Community Health analyzed 1996 and 1998 BRFSS data for Michigan adults who reported walking as their only leisure-time physical activity. The purpose was to determine if their exercise characteristics were sufficient to meet current recommendations. For an estimated 21% of Michigan adults walking was their only activity; 78% of these walkers usually walked for > 30 minutes per session, 34% walked > 4 times/wk, and 26% walked at a moderate intensity (> 3.5 mph). Only 6.4% of only-walkers complied with all three characteristics. Most walkers in Michigan need to increase the frequency and perhaps the speed of their walking to comply with current recommendations.

Outbreak of Gastroenteritis Associated with an Interactive Water Fountain at a Beachside Park ā€?Florida, 1999

Swimming or playing in interactive water fountains is similar to communal bathing.

PRESS CONTACT:
Valerie Garrett, M.D.

CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases
(404) 639ā€?206

This investigation documents the second recorded outbreak of gastroenteritis associated with an interactive fountain designed for water play. Interactive fountains using recirculating water are relatively new additions to traditional water park amusements. Because these fountains are attractive to younger children, the water may be at added risk for contamination by disease causing germs through fecal accidents. Children and adults should not enter a traditional pool nor play in an interactive fountain if they have diarrhea, and should not swallow pool or fountain water. Young children should be taken to the toilet frequently, and carefully cleaned before resuming play in the fountain. No diaper (including swim diapers or swim pants) completely prevents leakage of stool; diapers should be changed frequently in bathrooms where hands and bottoms can be washed with soap.

Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication ā€?South-East Asia Region, 1998ā€?999

In 1998-99, tremendous progress has been made towards polio eradication in the WHO South East Asia Region 10 members countries.

PRESS CONTACT:
Anne Golaz, M.D., M.P.H.

CDC, National Immunization Program
(404) 639ā€?765

During 1998-99, the WHO South East Asia Region (SEAR) 10 members countries have achieved tremendous progress towards polio eradication. In 1999, all countries conducted National Immunization Days (NIDs). The largest public health campaign ever conducted in one country took place in 1999 in India where one round of NIDs reached a reported 147 million children under 5. In India, the largest, which accounts for 40% of confirmed polio cases worldwide, the overall number of reported polio cases decreased from 4322 in 1998 to 2810 in 1999. Progress in the region is critical for the success of polio eradication. If the remaining polio-endemic countries of the region (Bangladesh, India and Nepal) reach a high proportion of the target population during this year supplemental immunization activities, poliovirus transmission could be interrupted in these countries by the end of 2000 or soon after.