Synopsis for May 3, 2002

The MMWR is embargoed until 12 NOON, ET, Thursdays.

1. Tropical Storm Allison Rapid Needs Assessment — Houston, Texas, June 2001
2. Expanding Role of the Global Laboratory Network for Poliomyelitis Eradication, 2000–2001
3. Trends in Deaths from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, United States, 1979–1998

MMWR Recommendations and Reports
Vol. 51/No. RR-5/May 3, 2002

Progressing Toward Tuberculosis Elimination in Low-Incidence Areas of the Unites States. Recommendations of the Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis
In 2000, 22 states had tuberculosis (TB) incidence rates less than or equal to the Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis (ACET) year-2000 interim objective of 3.5 cases/100,000 population, which is defined as low incidence. These states reported 1,949 TB cases, 11.9% of the national total of 16,377 cases in 2000. Health departments in low-incidence states, and in low-incidence regions within states with higher rates, need distinctive strategies, based on their specific epidemiological characteristics, for maintaining skills and resources for finding increasingly rare TB cases, containing outbreaks, and ending transmissions.

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

Synopsis for May 3, 2002

Tropical Storm Allison Rapid Needs Assessment — Houston, Texas, June 2001

In addition to being the leading cause of weather-related death in the United States, flooding can also be associated with illness among those residing in flooded homes. One week after the Houston, Texas metro area flooding caused by Tropical Storm Allison, persons residing in flooded homes were more likely to have experienced an illness than those in non-flooded homes. In addition, after a flood (or other natural disaster), actual and rumored health effects combine to underscore the need for rapid information gathering to facilitate decision-making and address public concerns. Following Tropical Storm Allison, rapid needs assessment provided accurate information quickly and at low cost to help minimize misinformation, identify actual health threats, and ensure delivery of resources to those with the greatest and most immediate need.

Expanding Role of the Global Laboratory Network for Poliomyelitis Eradication, 2000–2001

In the ten remaining polio endemic countries, the network has provided timely virologic evidence of where poliovirus is circulating which is critical for guiding activities aimed at interrupting transmission. In addition, molecular sequencing of polioviruses has allowed tracking of imported wild poliovirus and identification of vaccine-derived poliovirus in Hispaniola and the Philippines. The recent polio outbreaks from vaccine-derived poliovirus prompted screening of stored vaccine-like viruses in several network laboratories providing preliminary results suggesting that vaccine-derived polioviruses are very rare events. Finally, to prepare for documenting global polio eradication, the network has begun implementing supplemental surveillance in selected areas to provide further evidence of the absence of poliovirus circulation.

Trends in Deaths from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, United States, 1979–1998

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the 100+ forms of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. A chronic and potentially life-threatening disease, SLE can affect many parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood and kidneys. There were 22,861 deaths from SLE from 1979 - 1998; approximately one third of the deaths occurred among persons under 45 years-old. SLE death rates were >5 times higher for women, >3 times higher for blacks, and increased with age. Black women aged 45 - 64 years had the highest death rate and biggest increase in death rates (nearly 70%) over the 20 years studied. Prevention of deaths involves early recognition and diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Further research into the causes of the marked age, sex and race differences in death rates is needed.

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This page last reviewed May 2, 2002
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