Synopsis for December 1, 2000

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

1. HIV-Related Knowledge and Stigma — United States, 2000
2. Declines in Lung Cancer Rates — Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program and California Cancer Registry, California, 1988–1997
3. Outbreak of Rift Valley Fever — Yemen, August–October, 2000

Synopsis for December 1, 2000

HIV-Related Knowledge and Stigma — United States, 2000

One in five surveyed express stigmatizing belief about HIV infection.

 

PRESS CONTACT: Office of Communications CDC, National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention (404) 639–8895

In a nationally representative public opinion survey, nearly one in five people (18.7 percent) agreed with the statement “People who got AIDS through sex or drug use have gotten what they deserve.” While the Internet survey of more than 5,600 people included only one question on stigma, the finding suggests that stigma related to HIV infection remains a major concern. The stigmatizing response was found more often among men, whites, people aged 44 years and older, individuals without a high school diploma, and individuals who earn less than $40,000 a year. Additionally, respondents who were less knowledgeable about HIV transmission were nearly twice as likely to agree with the stigmatizing statement than those who were correctly informed about HIV transmission. Researchers conclude that increasing knowledge about HIV transmission may decrease stigma surrounding HIV infection.

Declines in Lung Cancer Rates — Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program and California Cancer Registry, California, 1988–1997

Since 1988, per capita cigarette smoking rates in California have been declining more rapidly than the rest of the nation, the state is now seeing a more rapid decline in lung cancer.

 

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

A new CDC study shows that public health efforts, including a comprehensive tobacco control program, have resulted in a decline in lung and bronchus cancer rates in California. The study found that lung and bronchus cancer rates in California decreased by 14 percent, while other selected and combined U.S. regions declined by only 2.7 percent. The rates among California women declined by 4.8 percent, whereas the incidence rates among women in other selected and combined U.S. regions increased by 13.2 percent between 1988 and 1997. In 1988, California became the first state to pass a voter’s approved initiative to raise tobacco taxes and dedicate a portion of the revenue for a comprehensive tobacco use prevention program. Funding for this comprehensive program began in 1990, which further accelerated the decline that began in the late 1980s.

Outbreak of Rift Valley Fever — Yemen, August–October, 2000

An outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the first documented evidence of RVF transmission outside of Africa.

 

PRESS CONTACT: Rima Khabbaz, M.D. CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases (404) 639–3574

During August 7-November 7, 2000, in the area of Wadi Mawr (coastal plain located in the southern tip of Yemen), 1087 case-patients were identified including 121 persons who died. Clinical features of human disease of RVF included fever with headaches, hemorrhagic disease, jaundice, retinitis and unexplained neurologic disease. Reports of RVF disease in animals included abortions and deaths in young animals. Most case-patients reported exposure to sick animals. RVF was first recognized and isolated in Kenya in 1930. It is unclear whether there has been a recent introduction of RVF into the Arabian Peninsula or the emergence of an epidemic resulting from unique ecologic conditions. RVF is a mosquito-borne disease that may have been introduced into Yemen in 1998. For more information on RVF see http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/rvf.htm.

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