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MMWR
Synopsis for November 1, 2002

The MMWR is embargoed until NOON ET, Thursdays.

  1. National Diabetes Awareness Month -- November 2002
  2. Preventive-Care Practices Among Persons with Diabetes -- United States, 1995 and 2001
  3. Tropical Diabetic Hand Syndrome -- Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, 1998-2002
  4. Primary and Secondary Syphilis -- United States, 2000-2001
  5. Investigations of West Nile Virus Infections in Recipients of Blood Transfusions
  6. West Nile Virus Activity -- United States, October 24-30, 2002
Telebriefing for October 31, 2002
WHO: Dr. Ronald Valdiserri, CDC HIV/AIDS expert
WHAT: To discuss primary and secondary syphilis rates in the United States. Brief remarks followed by Q/A.
WHEN: Thursday, October 31, 2002; NOON ET
WHERE: At your desk, by toll-free conference line: Dial 866-254-5942
Teleconference name: CDC
A full transcript will be available today following the teleconference and this teleconference will also be audio webcast. Access both at http://www.cdc.gov/media/.

Synopsis for November 1, 2002

National Diabetes Awareness Month -- November 2002

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.

PRESS CONTACT:
Nilka Ríos Burrows, MPH

CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion
(770) 488–1057
 
An estimated 17 million persons in the United States have diabetes; 5.9 million of these cases are undiagnosed. During November, 59 state and territorial diabetes-control programs, other partners, and CDC will highlight activities that increase awareness about diabetes.

 

 

Preventive-Care Practices Among Persons with Diabetes -- United States, 1995 and 2001

Persons with diabetes need to work with their health care providers as partners in health to improve their preventive care.

PRESS CONTACT:
Nilka Ríos Burrows, MPH

CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion
(770) 488–1057
 
The number of persons with diabetes who receive preventive care increased between 1995 and 2001. Preventive care, such as foot exams, eye exams, influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, and self-monitoring of blood glucose, can prevent or delay serious health complications among persons with diabetes, such as lower limb amputation, blindness, kidney failure, and premature mortality. Despite the increase, however, the use of preventive care practices is lower than recommended according to the 2010 national health objectives. A number of public and private efforts, including collaboration with community-based organizations, health care providers, public health officials, and persons with diabetes, and continued surveillance of diabetes-related preventive care practices are ongoing to improve care among persons with diabetes.

 

Tropical Diabetic Hand Syndrome -- Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, 1998-2002

Diabetic patients in tropical countries should seek prompt medical attention for redness, swelling, or ulcers on their hands.

PRESS CONTACT:
Lennox Archibald, MD

CDC, Epidemiology Program Office
(404) 639–2225
 
Slowly progressive foot infections are a common complication among diabetes patients; however, some diabetic patients in tropical countries develop a very different type of hand infection that can lead rapidly to life-threatening complications. Tropical diabetic hand syndrome (TDHS) might start with a minor injury, such as an insect bite, but can progress rapidly to gangrene. Patients who delay seeking medical attention are more likely to require surgery, including amputation, and to suffer permanent disability. TDHS might become more common as the incidence rates of diabetes in tropical countries continue to rise. To reduce the risk of disability or death, physicians must learn to recognize and treat TDHS aggressively. Diabetic patients living in tropical countries should seek medical attention immediately during the early stages of hand trauma, redness, pain, or swelling.

 

Primary and Secondary Syphilis -- United States, 2000-2001

Syphilis rates increase slightly despite continued declines among African Americans and women.

PRESS CONTACT:
Office of Communications

CDC, National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention
(404) 639−8895
 
Despite continued declines among African Americans and women of all races, rates of primary and secondary syphilis in the United States increased by two percent from 2000 to 2001, the first increase since 1990, according to a new CDC report. Findings indicate sustained progress among African Americans and individuals living in the South – both priority populations of syphilis elimination efforts begun in 1998 by CDC. Between 2000 and 2001, syphilis rates declined 9.9 percent among African Americans and 8.1 percent in the South. The syphilis rate also continued to decline among women, decreasing 19.5 percent during 2000-2001. The overall rise in syphilis in 2001 is attributed to a 15.4 percent increase in syphilis rates among men, an increase that coincided with outbreaks among gay and bisexual men in several U.S. cities.

 

Investigations of West Nile Virus Infections in Recipients of Blood Transfusions

PRESS CONTACT:
Division of Media Relations

CDC, Office of Communication
(404) 639-3286
 
Summary not available.

 

 

 

 

West Nile Virus Activity -- United States, October 24-30, 2002

PRESS CONTACT:
Division of Media Relations

CDC, Office of Communication
(404) 639-3286
 
Summary not available.

 

 

 

 


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