Synopsis for August 17, 2006

The MMWR is embargoed until Thursday, 12 PM EST.

1. Imported Melioidosis – South Florida, 2005
2. Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance – United States, 2003-2004

Imported Melioidosis – South Florida, 2005 

Timely laboratory and clinical recognition of melioidosis can improve patients’ outcomes and public health surveillance activities.  Due to an increased risk of relapse, antibiotic treatment should closely follow the recommended guidelines.  

Melioidosis is a potentially serious illness caused by infection with the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is commonly found in the environment in endemic areas of Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and in tropical areas between latitudes 200 north and south.  Persons with type 2 diabetes are especially susceptible to symptomatic infection; additional risk factors include thalassemia, renal disease, chronic alcoholism, and liver disease.  It is a rare disease in the United States, and these are the first cases in Florida since the reporting of the disease became mandatory in 2003.  Timely laboratory and clinical recognition of the illness can improve patients’ outcomes and public health surveillance activities.  Due to an increased risk of relapse, antibiotic treatment should closely follow the recommended guidelines.          

Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance – United States, 2003-2004

Although a steady decrease in the national prevalence rate of adults with blood lead levels of 25 mcg/dL or greater has been observed, the goal of reducing the rate to zero by 2010 will not be reached unless even more effective interventions to prevent lead exposures are practiced. 

Since 1994 CDC’s Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance (ABLES) Program has tracked blood lead levels in adults. During that time the number of states reporting to ABLES has increased from 17 to 37.  Although a steady decrease in the national prevalence rate of adults with blood lead levels of 25 mcg/dL or greater has been observed, the goal of reducing the rate to zero by 2010 will likely not be reached.  To increase the chances to attain the goal: the ABLES states must become more effective in their lead intervention activities, the OSHA lead prevention program must continue vigorously, lead industry employers must do all that is feasible to reduce workplace exposures, and Union organizations such as the Center to Protect Workers’ Rights must research and report lead-reducing work practices. 

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This page last reviewed November 9, 2006

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