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Div. of Media Relations
1600 Clifton Road
MS D-14
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3286
Fax (404) 639-7394 |
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Synopsis for April 21, 2000
MMWR articles are embargoed until 4 p.m. E.S.T. Thursdays.
- HIV-Related Tuberculosis Among Transgender Persons — Baltimore, Maryland, and New York City Area, 1998–2000
- Prevalence of Leisure-Time Physical Activity Among Overweight Persons — United States, 1998
- Escherichia coli O111:H8 Outbreak Among Teenage Campers — Texas, 1999
- Surveillance at the Rainbow Family of Living Light Annual Gathering — Pennsylvania, 1999
Synopsis for April 21, 2000
HIV-Related Tuberculosis Among Transgender Persons — Baltimore, Maryland, and New York City
Area, 1998–2000
Tuberculosis outbreak uncovers need for outreach to transgender community.
PRESS CONTACT:
Office of Communications
CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases
(404) 639–8895 |
Public health officials from Baltimore and New York City, working with CDC, have identified an
outbreak of HIV-related tuberculosis (TB) that has spread through transgender communities in both metropolitan areas. To date, investigators
have identified 26 cases of active disease and 37 dormant or latent infections among men and women who either had contact with or were members
of a social network, which revolves primarily around a system of virtual "houses." Each "house" represents a local social
club of gay and bisexual individuals, some of whom are transgender. House members interact when traveling to or participating in fashion and
dance competitions. Because house members travel frequently, public health officials are concerned that TB may be circulating in this social
network in other cities. CDC is working with TB control staff in Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.,
to determine if there are additional TB cases linked to this outbreak.
Prevalence of Leisure-Time Physical Activity Among Overweight Persons — United States, 1998
Two-thirds of overweight people use physical activity as a strategy for weight loss; however, only one-fifth
report being active at nationally recommended levels.
PRESS CONTACT:
Mary Ellen Simpson, Ph.D., R.N., M.S.
CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion
(770) 488–6035 |
Overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions in the United States among all segments of
the population and regions of the country. Because obesity is a risk factor for numerous chronic health conditions and because weight loss can
reduce risk factors for these conditions, weight loss is important for obese persons. National guidelines recommend that weight reduction should
be centered around a combination of strategies which include reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity. CDC conducted a study
among overweight U.S. adults trying to lose weight to estimate the proportion who engage in some form of physical activity. The results indicate
that about two-thirds of overweight adults are using physical activity to achieve weight reduction. However, only one-fifth of them met the
national recommendations for physical activity.
Escherichia coli O111:H8 Outbreak Among Teenage Campers — Texas, 1999
There are several strains of E. coli bacteria that can infect people and cause illness, and sometimes
death.
PRESS CONTACT:
John Brooks, M.D.
CDC, National Center for for Infectious Diseases
(404) 639-2206 |
When people think of dangerous E. coli, most think of E. coli O157. However, E. coli O157 is
just one among numerous members of the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). In 1999, a group of Texas teenagers attending a cheerleading
camp became ill with E. coli O111 (called STEC) . Infections with STEC can cause bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and in a limited
number of cases hemolytic uremic syndrome. Although outbreaks from STEC in this country have been usually associated with E. coli O157,
this outbreak illustrates that non-O157 STEC also cause outbreaks. Limited data indicate that up to 50% of STEC infections in the United States
may be due to non-O157 serotypes. Recent technological developments now enable any clinical laboratory to detect, culture and isolate STEC.
Previously, only a small number of specialized laboratories could test for STEC.
Surveillance at the Rainbow Family of Living Light Annual Gathering — Pennsylvania, 1999
Mass outdoor gatherings pose unique public health challenges, and require collaboration between event
organizers and public health officials.
PRESS CONTACT:
Elizabeth A. Talbot, M.D.
CDC, National Center for for HIV, STD, & TB Prevention
(404) 639-8120 |
Ensuring the health of persons attending mass outdoor gatherings can be challenging when sanitary facilities and potable
water are not readily available. This report describes the Rainbow Family of Living Light’s 1999 Annual Gathering which was held in the
Allegheny National Forest (PA), and attended by approximately 20,000 persons over 2 weeks. Public health officials collaborated with Rainbow
Family members to prevent infectious disease outbreaks — especially infectious diarrhea — by providing information about appropriate latrine
use, handwashing, and water treatment to the Gathering’s health volunteers and attendees. One hundred and fifteen medical visits were
reported; injuries were the leading cause for seeking health care (32%), followed by infections (24%). This report provides a model and
recommendations for addressing the public health challenges of similar mass outdoor gatherings.
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