Synopsis for March 10, 2000

MMWR articles are embargoed until 4 p.m. E.S.T. Thursdays.

1. Update: Influenza Activity -- United States, 1990-2000 Season
2. Update: Surveillance for West Nile Virus in Overwintering Mosquitoes -- New York, 2000
3. Update: Pulmonary Hemorrhage/Hemosiderosis Among Infants -- Cleveland, Ohio 1993-1996

Synopsis for March 10, 2000

Update: Influenza Activity -- United States, 1990-2000 Season

During the 1999-2000 influenza season, the level and timing of flu activity appears within range of the previous 5 years.

 

PRESS CONTACT: Andrea Winquist, M.D. CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases (404) 639-3747

In most areas of the country flu activity now appears to be decreasing. The 1999-2000 flu season peaked during late December and early January. The predominant viruses isolated this season were well-matched to this season's vaccine. These viruses, influenza A (H3N2), are antigenically similar to the viruses that have predominated since the 1997-98 influenza season. During the 1999-2000 season, flu activity, as detected by three of four influenza surveillance systems, have been within the range seen during the previous 5 years. The findings of pneumonia and influenza mortality surveillance from the 122 Cities Mortality Reporting System (the fourth influenza surveillance system) are difficult to compare with previous years because of significant changes in the system this year.

Update: Surveillance for West Nile Virus in Overwintering Mosquitoes -- New York, 2000

As recommended by CDC, New York City and New York State Departments of Health collected hibernating Culex mosquitoes this winter.

 

PRESS CONTACT: Division of Media Relations CDC, Office of Communication (404) 639-3286

CDC's Fort Collins, Colorado, laboratory tested the collections from New York to determine if West Nile virus might persist throughout the winter and possibly initiate a transmission cycle this spring. Not unexpectedly, 3 of the 69 pools containing adult Culex pipiens mosquitoes, collected in New York City in January and February, had low but detectable levels of West Nile viral RNA. The positive mosquito pools were collected from Fort Totten. The public health significance of the identification of West Nile viral RNA in overwintering mosquitoes is unclear, and whether West Nile virus will persist in the New York area also is uncertain. However, CDC recommends continued vigilance in surveillance to detect mosquitoes, birds, or people infected with the West Nile virus. CDC further recommends eliminating breeding areas and early application of larvicides to Culex larval habitats to reduce the potential for the West Nile virus transmission cycle to recur.

Update: Pulmonary Hemorrhage/Hemosiderosis Among Infants -- Cleveland, Ohio 1993-1996

A review by CDC and outside experts has identified shortcomings in a previous report of acute pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis in infants living in Cleveland.

 

PRESS CONTACT: Division of Media Relations CDC, Office of Communication (404) 639-3286

In December 1994 and January 1997, articles in the MMWR described infants from Cleveland with pulmonary hemosiderosis due to exposure to the molds Stachybotrys chartarum (commonly called, Stachybotrys atra). However, a review by CDC and other experts has determined that the association between the mold and illness in the infants was not proven. Serious shortcomings in the collection, analysis, and reporting of the data in the previous studies resulted in inflated measures of association, and restricted interpretation of the reports. Copies of the report of the working group are available online at http://www.cdc.gov/od/ads/

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