Synopsis for July 4, 2003

The MMWR is embargoed until 12 Noon ET, Thursdays.

1. Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Associated with Drinking Unpasteurized Milk — Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee, 2002
2. Nonfatal Dog Bite-Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments — United States, 2001
3. Heat-Related Deaths — Chicago, Illinois 1996-2001, and United States, 1979-1999

Synopsis for July 4, 2003

Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Associated with Drinking Unpasteurized Milk — Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee, 2002

This outbreak of Salmonellosis demonstrated that raw milk continues to be a threat to consumers’ health.

In December 2002, an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium transmitted through consumption of raw milk purchased at a local dairy occurred in Ohio and several other states. The source for contamination of milk was not determined, though the findings suggested that it may have occurred during the milking, bottling, or capping process. The dairy was the only place in Ohio licensed to sell unpasteurized milk. Following recommendations, the dairy voluntarily relinquished its license for selling raw milk and thus in Ohio, there are now no businesses legally selling raw milk directly to the consumer. Because of continuing efforts to allow the marketing and sale of raw milk to the public directly from the farm, consumer education about the hazards of raw milk, and a careful review of existing policies are needed.

Nonfatal Dog Bite-Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments — United States, 2001

People who come in close contact with dogs should learn about ways to lower their risk of injury from a dog bite.

Dogs can be our best friends, help those with disabilities, and are loving companions to many people. In the United States, there are about 68 million dogs that are family pets. Unfortunately, any dog can bite someone. In 2001, more than 368,000 people of all ages were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments for dog bite-related injuries. About 40% of these injuries were among children 14 years and younger, with the highest rates in children ages five to nine years old. Young children were more likely to be injured from a bite to the head or neck, while older teens and adults were more often injured from a bite to the arms or legs. Other studies suggest that half of these bites come from the family pets and 75% of fatal bites happen where the dog lives and involve family members and guests. Owners should provide appropriate training and socialization for their dogs, and people who come into contact with dogs should be educated about ways to lower their risk of dog bites.

Heat-Related Deaths — Chicago, Illinois 1996-2001, and United States, 1979-1999

Exposure to excessive heat can cause illness, injury and death.

This report describes four cases of heat-related deaths that occurred in the City of Chicago, during 1996-2001. This article also summarizes trends in the United States during 1979-1999 and summarizes total heat-related mortality during this period. During 1979-1999 (the most recent years for which national data are available), 8,015 deaths in the United States were heat-related. Most heat-related deaths occur during the summer months, and the elderly, the very young and people with chronic health problems are most at risk. All heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable. If exposure to heat cannot be avoided, prevention measures should include reducing strenuous activities; frequently drinking wateror nonalcoholic fluids; and avoiding direct sunshine.

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This page last reviewed July 3, 2003
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