Synopsis for July 23, 2004

The MMWR is embargoed until Thursday, 12 PM EDT.

1. Changing Patterns of Pneumoconiosis Mortality ― United States, 1968-2000
2. Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis Outbreak Caused by Coxsackievirus A24 ― Puerto Rico, 2003
3. Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication ― Afghanistan and Pakistan, January 2003-May 2004
4. West Nile Virus Activity ― United States, July 14-20, 2004

Synopsis for July 23, 2004

Changing Patterns of Pneumoconiosis Mortality ― United States, 1968-2000

The legacy of past exposures to occupational hazards is still leading to deaths from asbestosis. Continued vigilance and prevention efforts are necessary to assure that the progress made in eliminating this disease and other pneumoconioses is maintained.

Deaths from certain occupational diseases caused by inhalation of mineral dusts have shown a significant decline over the last 30 years. However, the death rate from asbestosis (caused by breathing in asbestos fibers) has been rising, and now surpasses the death rates from other disabling diseases of the workplace, such as silicosis and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis. Even though the use of asbestos has declined substantially, leading to fewer workers significantly exposed, and despite regulation, new cases of asbestosis continue to appear as a result of exposures that occurred many years or decades ago.

Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis Outbreak Caused by Coxsackievirus A24 ― Puerto Rico, 2003

No summary available.

Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication ― Afghanistan and Pakistan, January 2003-May 2004

While substantial progress toward polio eradication has been made in Pakistan and Afghanistan, significant challenges remain. The two countries must work together closely to interrupt poliovirus transmission, which can only occur if both countries maintain sensitive surveillance systems and further improve the quality of their supplemental immunization activities (SIAs), especially in areas where cultural practices limit access and in areas that are not secure.

Since the 1988 World Health Assembly resolution to eradicate poliomyelitis, the number of countries where polio is endemic decreased from approximately 125 to six by the end of 2003. Global polio cases decreased from 1,918 in 2002 to 784 in 2003, and approximately 340 through June 2004. In 2003, poliovirus importations were reported in 10 countries. Pakistan and Afghanistan are two countries where polio remains endemic. Pakistan experienced an overall increase in the number of polio cases in 2003 compared with 2002; however, the increased number, intensity and quality of SIAs in 2003 and 2004 have resulted in a decrease in polio incidence that began in mid-2003. Afghanistan reported eight cases of polio in 2003 and three to date in 2004. Intense cross-border migration continues in both directions, favoring continuous virus movement between both countries.

West Nile Virus Activity ― United States, July 14-20, 2004

No summary available.

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