Synopsis for April 8, 2005

The MMWR is embargoed until Thursday, 12 PM EDT.

1. Outbreaks of Salmonella Infections Associated with Eating Roma Tomatoes ― United States and Canada, 2004
2. Update: Influenza Activity ― United States, 2004-05 Season
3. Diabetes-Related Preventive Care Practices ― Guam, 2001-2003

Outbreaks of Salmonella Infections Associated with Eating Roma Tomatoes ― United States and Canada, 2004

Although tomatoes can be a source of Salmonella infections, eating fresh fruits and vegetables like tomatoes remains an essential part of a healthy diet. CDC is working with tomato producers, food scientists and food regulatory agencies to identify sources of Salmonella contamination and prevent future Salmonella infections from eating tomatoes.

Two outbreaks of Salmonella infections linked to eating Roma tomatoes were detected in the northeastern United States during the summer of 2004, causing at least 554 diarrheal illnesses but no deaths. Contaminated tomatoes can cause Salmonella infections because tomatoes are usually eaten raw. Investigation reveals that tomatoes were likely contaminated before or just after they were harvested. These contaminated tomatoes, however, represent a small proportion of fresh market tomatoes, and eating tomatoes, along with other fruits and vegetables, remains an essential part of a healthy diet. The only known way to eliminate Salmonella from contaminated tomatoes is through cooking. CDC, along with tomato producers, food scientists and food regulatory agencies, is monitoring for further illnesses and working to prevent future Salmonella infections from eating tomatoes.

Update: Influenza Activity ― United States,
2004-05 Season

Although influenza activity in the United States is declining, influenza should continue to be considered as a cause of outbreaks of respiratory disease since viruses are still circulating and use of antiviral drugs and other infection-control measures can substantially reduce morbidity and possible mortality in such situations.

Influenza activity was moderate in the United States overall but varied by region. Preliminary data collected through the seven components of the CDC Influenza Surveillance System indicate that national influenza activity peaked during mid-February and is now declining nationwide. Both influenza A and B viruses have been circulating this season. Although influenza A viruses have predominated, influenza B viruses have made up an increasing proportion of influenza isolates as the season progressed.

Diabetes-Related Preventive Care Practices ―
Guam, 2001-2003

Current diabetes-related care practices among people diagnosed with diabetes in Guam is below HP2010 targets. Therefore, prevention care efforts and activities of the Guam Diabetes Prevention and Control Program (DPCP), including annual dilated eye and foot examinations and an emphasis on self-monitoring blood glucose levels, are critical in reaching and maintaining HP2010 health goals for preventing poor health outcomes in persons with diabetes.

Data collected from the 2001-2003 Guam Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) found that people diagnosed with diabetes were not practicing preventive care practices, such as annual dilated-eye and foot examinations and self-monitoring of blood glucose, to effectively reduce the incidence and progression of diabetes. The study found that 65.6 percent of people diagnosed with diabetes had annual dilated eye examines, and 70.4 percent had annual foot examines. The study also found that only 32.2 percent performed daily self-monitoring of their blood glucose levels. Healthy People 2010 (HP 2010) recommends that persons with diabetes: (1) have an annual dilated eye examination (75 percent), (2) have an annual foot examination (75 percent), (3) perform self-monitoring of their blood glucose (SMBG) at least once daily (60 percent), and (4) have a HbA1c measurement at least twice per year (65 percent).

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This page last reviewed April 7, 2005
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