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| PRESS CONTACT: Division of Media Relations CDC, Office of Communication (404) 639鈥?286 |
In 2000, 21 persons were reported with acute illness due to West Nile virus infection. Most lived in Staten Island but
illnesses were also reported from three other NYC boroughs and counties in New Jersey and Connecticut. Because ill persons represent a fraction of
those who are infected, surveys were conducted in Staten Island (NY), Suffolk Co. (NY), and Fairfield Co. (CT). 鈥?areas that reported many
infected birds. Of 2400 persons in the surveys, 5 had lab tests that showed recent infection but did not develop encephalitis. The highest rate of
infected persons was in Staten. A lower rate of infection was reported from Suffolk County and none were found in Fairfield County. This survey
shows that, in areas with intense WNV activity in animals, asymptomatic human infection occurs at low levels and suggests that, in areas where
there are many human infections, the rate of human infection may be higher.
Influenza vaccination should continue since it may still afford protection, despite the United States being well into the flu season.
| PRESS CONTACT: Division of Media Relations CDC, Office of Communication (404) 639鈥?286 |
As of January 13, 2001, influenza activity was low to moderate, but increasing in the United States. The strains of virus
which are circulating in this country appear to be well-matched by the strains used in this year鈥檚 vaccine. Influenza vaccine is still available.
The relatively low, but increasing level of influenza activity indicates that vaccination of persons susceptible to complications from influenza
should continue. Likewise, close contacts of such persons, including healthcare providers and household members who care for high-risk persons,
should continue to be vaccinated.
A retrospective study of virus isolates from polio cases in Egypt found evidence of widespread circulation of type 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus.
| PRESS CONTACT: Olen Kew, Ph.D. CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases (404) 639鈥?940 |
This outbreak is similar to the 2000 outbreak in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, which was associated with circulating
type 1 vaccine-derived poliovirus. The key risk factor in both outbreaks was low rates of vaccine coverage. A secondary risk factor was the prior
elimination of endemic circulation of wild poliovirus of the same serotype. The remaining polio-endemic countries should intensify immunization
activities to stop wild poliovirus circulation. All non-endemic countries should maintain high vaccine coverages to prevent transmission of
imported wild polioviruses and possible circulation of vaccine-derived strains. Implementation of current recommendations for polio immunization
in the United States will prevent circulation of vaccine-derived polioviruses, as will implementation of WHO recommendations elsewhere.
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CDC Home | Search | Health Topics A-Z This page last reviewed Friday, January 26, 2001 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
