Synopsis for September 19, 2003

The MMWR is embargoed until NOON ET, Thursdays.

1. Progress Toward Global Dracunculiasis Eradication, January – June 2003
2. Decline in Annual Incidence of Varicella — Selected States, 1990–2001
3. Wound Botulism Among Black Tar Heroin Users— Washington, 2003
4. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Regarding West Nile Virus — Connecticut, 2002
5. West Nile Virus Activity — United States, September 11–17, 2003

Synopsis for September 19, 2003

Progress Toward Global Dracunculiasis Eradication, January – June 2003

In 1986, the World Health Assembly called for the eradication of Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease), by the end of 2002, cases had been reduced by 98 percent.

Dracunculiasis is caused by a parasite that infects persons who drink from ponds contaminated by copepods (water fleas) that contain the parasite. No effective treatment or vaccine is available for dracunculiasis, but it can be prevented by filtering drinking water and treating contaminated water with larvicide. By the end of 2002, a global coalition of public health partners in this campaign had reduced the annual incidence of Guinea worm disease (GWD) from 3.5 million cases annually in 1986 to 54,638 cases. In 2002, 76% of the cases were reported from Sudan. Outside of Sudan only 13,145 cases remain. Seven of 20 countries have stopped transmission of GWD, and Asia is now free of the disease.

Decline in Annual Incidence of Varicella — Selected States, 1990–2001

Varicella disease (chickenpox) is declining as a result of increased use of the varicella vaccine.

The availability of a safe and effective varicella vaccine has reduced the impact of varicella disease substantially. This study reports a decline in varicella incidence in Illinois, Michigan, Texas, and West Virginia during 1999–2001 that is associated with increased vaccination coverage, and underscores the continued need to improve surveillance to better monitor the impact of the varicella vaccination program and assess any changes in varicella transmission and disease. In 2001, disease incidence was reported by 22 states and the District of Columbia; however, only four states had adequate and consistent reporting for the study period, 1990-2001. The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists has recommended that by 2005, states establish or enhance varicella surveillance programs that provide individual case reporting.

Wound Botulism Among Black Tar Heroin Users— Washington, 2003

No summary available.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Regarding West Nile Virus — Connecticut, 2002

WNV infection can be very serious, particularly for people who are 50 years and older.

PRESS CONTACT: Office of Communications Connecticut Department of Public Health (860) 509–7270

An assessment of knowledge and behaviors related to West Nile virus was conducted of Connecticut residents during the 2002 season. General awareness of WNV and knowledge of the elderly being at risk for more severe illness was high. However, awareness of local surveillance findings was poor and did not predict the use of behaviors to protect against mosquito bites. The national West Nile virus epidemics of 2002 and 2003 highlight the need for continuing public education on the use of personal protective behaviors, which include avoiding outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, using mosquito repellent, and/or wearing long sleeved clothing. Periodic assessment of the effectiveness of public education should be made to guide prevention efforts and refine public health messages and the effectiveness with which they are delivered.

West Nile Virus Activity — United States, September 11–17, 2003

No summary available.

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