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Div. of Media Relations
1600 Clifton Road
MS D-14
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3286
Fax (404) 639-7394 |
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Synopsis for September 15, 2000
MMWR articles are embargoed until 4 p.m. E.S.T. Thursdays.
- Human Ingestion of Bacillus anthracis-Contaminated Meat, Minnesota, August 2000
- Outbreak of Acute Febrile Illness Among Participants in EcoChallenge Sabah 2000 — Malaysia, 2000
- Screening With the Prostate Specific Antigen Test — Texas, 1997
- Update: West Nile Virus Activity — Northeastern United States, 2000
Synopsis for September 15, 2000
Human Ingestion of Bacillus anthracis-Contaminated Meat, Minnesota, August 2000
Anthrax is present in the environment and can cause disease in livestock and wild animals.
PRESS CONTACT:
Peter Dull
CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases
(404) 639–3158 |
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This report summarizes an investigation of a farm family that consumed meat from a steer that had been infected with
Bacillus anthracis, the bacteria that causes anthrax. The animal was slaughtered on the farm and did not enter the public meat supply. Public
health authorities have recommended that the exposed family members take preventative antibiotics and begin anthrax vaccination. This case
re-emphasizes that anthrax is present in the environment and can cause disease in livestock and wild animals. Veterinarians and public health
officials should actively consider the possibility of anthrax when dealing with sick livestock. Vaccination of livestock against anthrax remains
the safest and most effective way to prevent both animal and human disease.
Outbreak of Acute Febrile Illness Among Participants in EcoChallenge Sabah 2000 — Malaysia, 2000
CDC is working with state and local health departments to investigate cases of leptospirosis among people who
recently participated in the Eco-Challenge.
PRESS CONTACT:
Division of Media Relations
CDC, Office of Communication
(404) 639–3286 |
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Several athletes from Idaho and California have reported being ill with fever and muscle aches. Preliminary laboratory
tests at CDC suggests a diagnosis of Leptospirosis. Approximately 155 persons (not including media and family members of participants) from the
United States participated in the event. CDC is encouraging athletes who participated in the event and are ill to contact their physician about
treatment with appropriate antibiotics. Athletes who participated in the event and are not ill should also contact their physician to decide if
they should take antibiotics to prevent getting sick. Note: This article ONLY is not embargoed.
Screening With the Prostate Specific Antigen Test — Texas, 1997
Men residing in Texas, who are 40 years of age and older, are following their doctor’s advice to
have a PSA test for prostate cancer screening.
PRESS CONTACT:
Phil Huang, M.D., M.P.H.
Texas Department of Health
(512) 458–7234 |
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In Texas, 90% of the men whose doctor recommended the PSA test followed their advice. In addition, 24% of men, who were
not told of the test, also reported having had a PSA test. The study identified a strong association between a doctor’s recommendation and
receipt of a PSA test. This indicates that physician advice is a key determinant in a man’s decision of whether to be tested or not for
prostate cancer. Physicians should counsel patients about the definite risks and potential benefits of treatment for early prostate cancer, so
that patients can participate in the decision-making about being screened. Further, physicians need access to the most current information about
PSA testing and prostate cancer, and incorporate such information into their clinical practices.
(Alternate: Mathew McKenna, M.D., M.P.H., CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health
Promotion, (770) 488–4227)
Update: West Nile Virus Activity — Northeastern United States, 2000
West Nile Virus (WNV) circulates between mosquitoes and birds and only incidentally infects people,
horses, and other mammals.
PRESS CONTACT:
Division of Media Relations
CDC, Office of Communication
(404) 639–3286 |
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Since July 20, nine persons have been hospitalized with central nervous system infections associated with WNV. Eight of
these patients resided in New York (Staten Island and Brooklyn), and one resided in New Jersey (Hudson County). All patients have been
discharged from the hospital, except one 87-year-old man who remains in critical condition. Many counties with intense WNV activity in mosquito
and bird populations during Summer 2000 have not reported WNV infections in people or other mammals. This is probably the result of a
combination of factors including intensive mosquito control activities, and human outdoor activities and use of protective measures. Most
persons with WNV infection do not have symptoms. A study conducted in New York City (Queens) after the 1999 outbreak showed that <1 percent
of infected persons developed severe disease.
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