CDC - Media Relations - MMWR

Synopsis for August 26, 2005

The MMWR is embargoed until Thursday, 12 PM EDT.

There is no MMWR telebriefing scheduled for August 25, 2005

Preventable Measles Among U.S. Residents, 2001-2004

Measles is serious disease that can be prevented by vaccination; the majority of measles cases among US residents can be prevented by following current recommendations for vaccination.

PRESS CONTACT:
Alison Rue, BSN, MPH

EIS Officer
CDC, National Immunization Program
(404) 639-8230

Measles has been eliminated in the US, but cases continue to be reported among US residents. During 2001-2004, 177 US residents were reported with measles; 100 of these could have been prevented if current recommendations had been followed. Cases that occurred among unvaccinated non-travelers are associated with measles cases entering the US. During the study period 46 cases of measles were reported among unvaccinated infants, of which 17 traveled internationally and should have been vaccinated. Infants aged less than one year who travel abroad are particularly vulnerable to measles and should be vaccinated as early as 6 months of age as recommended. Adults and children without confirmed immunity should be vaccinated with 2 doses of measles vaccine, especially prior to international travel.

Shigella Flexneri Serotype 3 Infections Among Men Who Have Sex with Men ― Chicago, Illinois, 2003-2004

To reduce the risk of sexual transmission of Shigella, sex partners should thoroughly wash their hands and body before and after sex and use barrier methods such as condoms and dental dams. Persons with diarrhea should refrain from sexually activity until they are healthy.

PRESS CONTACT:
Anna Bowen, MD, MPH

Medical Officer
CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases
(404) 639-3286

Shigella is a common bacterial cause of diarrhea in the United States; typical symptoms include bloody or watery diarrhea, fever, and cramping. Because only a few bacteria are needed to cause an infection, Shigella can be transmitted easily from person to person. In the United States, most Shigella infections occur in young children and their care-takers and are due to a species called S. sonnei. An unusual cluster of 39 Shigella infections caused by another species, S. flexneri, occurred in Chicago in 2003 and 2004. 33 of these cases were in adult men, of whom 88 percent reported being sexually active with men (men who have sex with men, MSM). Although these findings suggest the infection may have been transmitted sexually, the risk factors for Shigella transmission among MSM are not well understood. Simple precautions like washing before and after sex and using barrier methods can reduce the risk for MSM and others of contracting a Shigella infection.

Progress in Improving State and Local Disease Surveillance ― United States, 2000-2005

PRESS CONTACT:
Claire Broom

CDC, Coordinating Center for Health Information and Service
(404) 639-3286

By implementing secure, internet-based data entry and electronic laboratory results reporting (ELR), the ability of state and local public health officials to monitor disease has improved substantially over the past five years. In September 2000, states began receiving federal funds to create and implement integrated electronic systems for disease surveillance. Twenty-seven states now have systems that use the internet to report disease, which can mean that information about a reported case of disease may be available immediately at the state or local health department. Another 26 states now receive automatic electronic information on laboratory test results for notifiable conditions, providing faster and more complete disease reporting. The goal of national proficiency at standards-based, secure information exchange requires considerable continuing effort and challenges remain, but progress to date has already improved ability to detect and respond to disease.