Synopsis for November 10, 2000

MMWR articles are embargoed until 4 p.m. E.S.T. Thursdays.

1. Incidence of Pap Text Abnormalities Within 3 Years of a Normal Pap Test — National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, United States, 1991–1998
2. Coccidioidomycosis in Travelers Returning from Mexico — Pennsylvania, 2000
3. Influenza Activity — United States and Worldwide, April–October 2000

Recommendations & Reports
Vol. 49 (RR-12) November 10, 2000

Strategies for Reducing Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke, Increasing Tobacco-Use Cessation, and Reducing Initiation in Communities and Health-Care Systems: A Report on Recommendations of the Task Force on Community Preventive Services

This report outlines proven strategies for reducing exposure to second-hand smoke, increasing the number of people who quit using tobacco and reducing the number of people who start. The report is part of the Guide to Community Preventive Services by the Task Force on Community Preventive Services, a non-federal public health panel. The full-report will be available online, after 4 p.m., at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr. Or, call (770) 488–5493 to obtain a copy.

Contact: Terry Pechacek, Ph.D. (tobacco issues)
CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention
& Health Promotion
(770) 488–5493

David Hopkins, M.D., M.P.H. (Guide to Community Preventive Services)
CDC, Epidemiology Program office
(770) 488–8238

Synopsis for November 10, 2000

Incidence of Pap Test Abnormalities Within 3 Years of a Normal Pap Test — National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, United States, 1991–1998

Clinically important Pap test abnormalities are uncommon within 36 months of a normal or benign Pap test result, especially among women 30 years and older.

 

PRESS CONTACT: Leslie Harris University of California at San Francisco (415) 885–7277

Findings from analysis of 1991-1998 data from the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) indicate that clinically important Pap test abnormalities are uncommon—about 30 per 10,000 women screened—within a 3-year period after a woman has a normal Pap smear, especially among women 30 years and older. More than 50 million Pap tests are performed each year; however, guidelines about the frequency of testing in women with past normal Pap tests are inconsistent. Because low-grade abnormalities and false-positive Pap test results can result in potentially harmful treatment and stress, health care providers are encouraged to seek the true benefits of annual screening and make rational screening plans that maximize the benefits and minimize the harms.

(Alternate: Mona Saraiya, M.D., CDC, 770-488-4226)

Coccidioidomycosis in Travelers Returning from Mexico — Pennsylvania, 2000

Travelers to areas endemic for coccidioidomycosis need to learn about the disease and measures to decrease their risk

 

PRESS CONTACT: Maria Cano, M.D., M.P.H. CDC, National Center for Infectious Diseases (404) 639–1299

Coccidioidomycosis (CM) is a disease acquired by inhalation of spores of the fungus, Coccidioides immitis, present in the soil in the southwestern United States and parts of Central and South America. Exposure to these areas has increased during the last few years due to various activities, such as migration and travel. Persons who travel to CM-endemic areas may become infected and develop a mild, influenza-like illness or severe disease requiring hospitalization. Risk factors for severe disease include black or Asian race, pregnancy, AIDS, diabetes, smoking and older age. Persons who move or travel to areas endemic for CM need to be educated about the disease, and trip organizers should provide travelers with relevant health information. Those at high risk for severe disease can decrease their risk by avoiding exposures to dusty environments.

Influenza Activity — United States and Worldwide, April–October 2000

This report summarizes influenza activity in the United States and worldwide from April through October 2000.

 

PRESS CONTACT: Division of Media Relations CDC, Office of Communication (404) 639–3286

CDC conducts active national influenza surveillance from October through May, but WHO collaborating laboratories can report influenza cases during summer months. CDC reports a high match between influenza virus strains circulating worldwide during the summer months and the virus strains selected for this year’s influenza vaccine for the United States. However, CDC cannot predict the types of influenza virus that will circulate, the timing of onset and peaking, and the severity of the upcoming season for the Northern Hemisphere, including the United States. CDC’s influenza surveillance reports during October through May can be obtained at website: www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/.

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