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| PRESS CONTACT: Division of Media Relations CDC, Office of Communication (404) 639鈥?286 Telebriefing number: 1-888-456-0278 |
During the last two summers, West Nile virus was isolated from birds, mosquitoes, horses and humans. Given our incomplete and evolving knowledge
of the impact of WN virus in the Americas, as well as the efficacy of control efforts, the virus will remain an important public health challenge
in the next decade. Federal agencies continue to work with state and local public health, animal health and environmental professionals as West
Nile Virus continues to appear in new locations. A telebriefing on West Nile Virus will be held on July 26, 2001 beginning at 11 AM EST. To attend
the briefing via toll-free audio conference with the ability to ask questions call 1-888-456-0278. The conference name is "West Nile." The
panel of scientific experts invited to present include: CDC, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the United States Geological Survey.
Substantial progress has been made towards achieving the 1988 World Health Assembly resolution for eradication of poliomyelitis.
| PRESS CONTACT: Roland Sutter, M.D., M.P.H. & T.M. CDC, National Immunization Program (404) 639鈥?252 |
As global eradication approaching, there is increasing focus on minimizing the risk of reintroduction of wild polioviruses from laboratory
sources. In 1998, WHO prepared a draft Global Plan of Action (endorsed by the World Health Assembly) to address laboratory containment of wild
polioviruses. Substantial progress in implementing the first phase, consisting in creating a global inventory of laboratories with wild poliovirus
or potentially infectious materials. Though much work remains, almost 400 laboratories with wild poliovirus materials have been identified. This
inventory will serve as the foundation for all further containment activities, involving increasingly stringent biosafety requirements for
laboratories handling wild poliovirus materials. All countries will need to demonstrate that the risk of reintroducing wild poliovirus from their
laboratories has been effectively minimized in order for global certification to occur.
Heat-related illness and death are preventable.
| PRESS CONTACT: Reinhard Kaiser, M.D., M.P.H. CDC, National Center for Environmental Health (404) 498鈥?357 |
Hundreds die each year from heat-related deaths, and yet death from heat exposure is one of the most preventable public health problems. This year
extreme heat may be of particular concern because of the energy problems facing many areas of the country. Air conditioning provides the most
protection from heat exposure and heat-related deaths. However, some people may be fearful of high utility bills and limit their use of air
conditioning. Such action can place people who are already at risk for heat illness at increased risk. Groups who are at particular risk for
heat-related illness include the elderly, young children, those chronically ill, and others. Relatives, neighbors, and caretakers of persons at
risk for heat-related death should be educated to frequently evaluate heat-related hazards, recognize symptoms of heat-related morbidity, and take
preventive action if necessary.
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CDC Home | Search | Health Topics A-Z This page last reviewed Friday, July 27, 2001 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
