Synopsis for February 7, 2003

The MMWR is embargoed until 12 Noon ET, Thursdays.

1. HIV/STD Risks in Young Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Do Not Disclose their Sexual Orientation -- Six U.S. Cities, 1994-2000
2. Hypothermia-Related Deaths -- Philadelphia, 2001, and United States, 1999
3. Outbreaks of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Skin Infections -- Los Angeles, California, 2002–2003

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MMWR Reports & Recommendations
February 7, 2003/Vol 52/No. RR-3

Guidelines for Laboratory Testing and Result Reporting of Antibody to Hepatitis C Virus

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Synopsis for February 7, 2003

HIV/STD Risks in Young Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Do Not Disclose their Sexual Orientation -- Six U.S. Cities, 1994-2000

CDC study finds high prevalence of HIV among African American men who have sex with men, but do not disclose their sexual orientation.

African American men who have sex with men (MSM), but who do not disclose their sexual orientation (nondisclosers), have a high prevalence of HIV infection (14%); nearly three times higher than nondisclosing MSMs of all other races/ethnicities combined (5%). Confirming previous research, the study of 5,589 MSM, aged 15-29 years, in six U.S. cities found that African American MSM were more likely not to disclose their sexual orientation compared with white MSM (18% vs. 8%). HIV-infected nondisclosers were less likely to know their HIV status (98% were unaware of their infection compared with 75% of HIV-positive disclosers), and more likely to have had recent female sex partners. These findings underscore the need for expanded HIV/STD testing and prevention services for nondisclosing MSM, particularly African Americans, and their male and female sex partners.

Hypothermia-Related Deaths -- Philadelphia, 2001, and United States, 1999

Hypothermia-related deaths are preventable.

Hypothermia is defined as the unintentional lowering of the deep body (core) temperature below 95.0º F (35.0º C) and can be mild (below 95.0ºF[35.0ºC]), moderate (below 90.0ºF[32.2ºC]) or severe (below 82.4ºF[28ºC]). Common risk factors for hypothermia include exposure to cold while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, altered mental status, and immersion in cold water. Warning symptoms for hypothermia in adults include shivering, confusion, drowsiness, exhaustion, fumbling hands, and slurred speech. Unattended children and persons aged >65 years also are at greater risk for hypothermia. Persons from regions with warmer winters may be at greater risk from the indirect effects of cold weather than persons from regions with colder and longer winters. Avoiding hypothermia prevents other health issues related to exposure to cold weather.

Outbreaks of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Skin Infections -- Los Angeles, California, 2002–2003

No summary available.

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