Synopsis for January 2, 2004

This issue of the MMWR is NOT embargoed.

1. Prenatal HIV Testing and Antiretroviral Prophylaxis at an Urban Hospital — Atlanta, Georgia, 1997–2000
2. Newly Implemented Named HIV Reporting — New York City, 2001
3. Rates of Acute Hepatitis B— United States, 1990–2002
4. Update: Influenza-Associated Deaths Reported Among Children Aged <18 Years — United States, 2003–04 Influenza Season
5. Update: Influenza Activity — United States, December 14–20, 2003

Synopsis for January 2, 2004

Prenatal HIV Testing and Antiretroviral Prophylaxis at an Urban Hospital — Atlanta, Georgia, 1997–2000

Increases in voluntary HIV counseling and testing among pregnant women, coupled with improved use of antiretroviral medications have resulted in very low rates (<2 percent) of perinatal HIV transmission.

Despite such low rates, perinatal HIV transmission is occurring among some women, including women who receive little or no prenatal care. A CDC analysis of infants born to HIV-positive women in an Atlanta hospital found that of 131 infants born from 1999-2000, nine were HIV-positive. Six of the mothers who gave birth to positive children had received no prenatal care. Of the three who received some care, two had been prescribed medication to help prevent transmission, but the prescriptions were either unfilled or the medication was taken irregularly. The other woman’s prenatal care did not include HIV testing. No cases of perinatal transmission occurred among those women who received a full course of care, including HIV testing and treatment. Authors note that innovative prevention approaches must be developed for women who receive no prenatal care. For HIV-positive mothers who receive some care, prevention should promote treatment adherence.

Newly Implemented Named HIV Reporting —
New York City, 2001

This report is an analysis of the first full calendar year of name-based HIV reporting in New York City.

This analysis found that higher proportions of those diagnosed with HIV in 2001 were women, African American and young (under 45), compared to those who were living with AIDS before 2001. These new data, released today the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the CDC, reflect trends that would not be discernable by tracking only AIDS cases. Of the more than six thousand New York City residents diagnosed with HIV in 2001, 35 percent were female. Women represented a slightly lower proportion of those living with AIDS, diagnosed before 2001 – about 28 percent. Similarly, African Americans accounted for 54 percent of new diagnoses in 2001, an increase over the 44 percent living with AIDS before 2001. A higher percentage of people under 45 were also diagnosed with HIV in 2001 (72 percent) than were living with AIDS before 2001 (57 percent). Despite these shifts, New York City’s HIV epidemic continues to be centered among men, racial/ethnic minorities and those ages 25-44. Further reporting data will help focus prevention efforts on those at highest risk.

Rates of Acute Hepatitis B — United States, 1990–2002

Hepatitis B vaccination programs are needed that target men who have sex with men, injection drug users and other adults at high risk.

To describe the epidemiology of acute hepatitis B, CDC analyzed national notifiable disease surveillance data for 1990-2002. During this time, the incidence of acute hepatitis B declined 67 percent. The decline was 89 percent among children and adolescents, indicating the effect of routine childhood vaccination. The decline was lowest among adults and incidence increased among adults in some age groups. To reduce hepatitis B transmission further in the United States, hepatitis B vaccination programs are needed that target men who have sex with men, injection drug users and other adults at high risk.

Update: Influenza-Associated Deaths Reported Among Children Aged <18 Years — United States, 2003–04 Influenza Season

No summary available.

Update: Influenza Activity — United States,
December 14–20, 2003

No summary available.

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