Synopsis for January 26, 2001

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

1. Serosurveys for West Nile Virus Infection — New York and Connecticut Counties, 2000
2. Influenza Activity — United States, 2000–01 Season
3. Circulation of a Type 2 Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus — Egypt, 1982–1993

Recommendations and Reports

January 26, 2001/Vol. 50/No. RR-2
Diagnosis and Management of Foodborne Illnesses: A Primer for Physicians
This primer is directed to primary care physicians, who are more likely to see the index case of a potential food-related disease outbreak. It is a teaching tool to update primary care physicians about foodborne illness and remind them of their important role in recognizing suspicious symptoms, disease clusters, and etiologic agents, and reporting cases of foodborne illness to public health authorities.

Contact: Division of Media Relations
CDC, Office of Communication
(404) 639–3296

Serosurveys for West Nile Virus Infection — New York and Connecticut Counties, 2000

In 2000, 21 persons became ill due to infection with West Nile Virus (WNV).

In 2000, 21 persons were reported with acute illness due to West Nile virus infection. Most lived in Staten Island but illnesses were also reported from three other NYC boroughs and counties in New Jersey and Connecticut. Because ill persons represent a fraction of those who are infected, surveys were conducted in Staten Island (NY), Suffolk Co. (NY), and Fairfield Co. (CT). — areas that reported many infected birds. Of 2400 persons in the surveys, 5 had lab tests that showed recent infection but did not develop encephalitis. The highest rate of infected persons was in Staten. A lower rate of infection was reported from Suffolk County and none were found in Fairfield County. This survey shows that, in areas with intense WNV activity in animals, asymptomatic human infection occurs at low levels and suggests that, in areas where there are many human infections, the rate of human infection may be higher.

Influenza Activity — United States, 2000–01 Season

Influenza vaccination should continue since it may still afford protection, despite the United States being well into the flu season.

As of January 13, 2001, influenza activity was low to moderate, but increasing in the United States. The strains of virus which are circulating in this country appear to be well-matched by the strains used in this year’s vaccine. Influenza vaccine is still available. The relatively low, but increasing level of influenza activity indicates that vaccination of persons susceptible to complications from influenza should continue. Likewise, close contacts of such persons, including healthcare providers and household members who care for high-risk persons, should continue to be vaccinated.

Circulation of a Type 2 Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus — Egypt, 1982–1993

A retrospective study of virus isolates from polio cases in Egypt found evidence of widespread circulation of type 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus.

This outbreak is similar to the 2000 outbreak in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, which was associated with circulating type 1 vaccine-derived poliovirus. The key risk factor in both outbreaks was low rates of vaccine coverage. A secondary risk factor was the prior elimination of endemic circulation of wild poliovirus of the same serotype. The remaining polio-endemic countries should intensify immunization activities to stop wild poliovirus circulation. All non-endemic countries should maintain high vaccine coverages to prevent transmission of imported wild polioviruses and possible circulation of vaccine-derived strains. Implementation of current recommendations for polio immunization in the United States will prevent circulation of vaccine-derived polioviruses, as will implementation of WHO recommendations elsewhere.

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