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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 June 16, 2000
MMWR articles are embargoed until 4 PM EST.
- Suspected Brucellosis Case Prompts Investigation of Possible Bioterrorism-Related Activity — New Hampshire and
Massachusetts, 1999
- Adoption of Protective Behaviors Among Persons With Recent HIV Infection and Diagnosis — Alabama, New Jersey, and
Tennessee, 1997–1999
- Occupational Fatalities Associated With 2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) Exposure, 1980–1998
Synopsis for June 16, 2000
Suspected Brucellosis Case Prompts Investigation of Possible Bioterrorism-Related Activity — New Hampshire and
Massachusetts, 1999
CDC is working with other public health partners to improve surveillance, diagnosis, communication, and
response to potential bioterrorist threats..
PRESS CONTACT:
Division of Media Relations
CDC, Office of Communication
(404) 639–3286 |
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In March 1999, a New Hampshire woman was diagnosed with brucellosis, a naturally occurring
infection that could also potentially be used for biological terrorism. Reports that laboratory and biological materials were being stored in
the patient’s home raised concerns that the woman might have been exposed to brucellosis, and that the agent was being developed for use as a
bioterrorist weapon. A joint investigation by federal and state authorities ruled out a bioterrorism threat and confirmatory testing determined
that brucellosis was unlikely to have caused the woman’s illness. After the woman’s death, additional testing of her tissue samples were
conduced through the CDC Unexplained Deaths and Critical Illness Surveillance Project, but no diagnosis has been confirmed.
Adoption of Protective Behaviors Among Persons With Recent HIV Infection and Diagnosis — Alabama, New Jersey, and
Tennessee, 1997–1999
Study shows increased adoption of protective behaviors after learning of HIV infection.
PRESS CONTACT:
Office of Communications
CDC, National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention
(404) 639–8895 |
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A CDC study conducted in three states analyzed self-reported behavior change following HIV diagnosis among young people
recently diagnosed with HIV infection. Study participants reported a higher prevalence of protective sexual behaviors soon after diagnosis.
Ninety percent of the 180 individuals interviewed had changed their sexual risk behavior after learning of their infection, including 60%
increasing condom use, 49% reducing frequency of sex, and 36% reporting not having sex. Among a subset of sexually active men and women, the
percentage of individuals reporting “always” using condoms increased from 6% prior to diagnosis to 47% after learning of their infection.
Additionally, most participants (84%) report receiving some medical care following their HIV diagnosis -- highlighting the potential role
healthcare providers could play in providing sustained HIV prevention counseling.
Occupational Fatalities Associated With 2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) Exposure, 1980–1998
Between 1980-1998, five deaths associated with occupational exposure to 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP)
were identified.
PRESS CONTACT:
Geoffrey Calvert, M.D., M.P.H.
CDC, National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health
(513) 841–4448 |
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All deaths occurred rapidly (within 2 hours) after skin contact to the heated form of the chemical. The chemical is very
rapidly absorbed through the skin. Any skin contact with 2,4-DCP should be considered a life threatening medical emergency. Treatment is
supportive; there is no known antidote. The chemical is thought not to be used outside the chemical industry, and the number of US workers
exposed to it is thought not to exceed 200. This chemical does not have an OSHA, or NIOSH exposure limit. It is imperative that exposed workers
be informed of the hazards associated with 2,4-DCP. Engineering controls and source reduction should be adopted to eliminate the potential for
exposure.
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