MMWR

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

(Box) National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – February 7, 2009

PRESS CONTACT: CDC
Division of Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

No summary available.

HIV Transmission Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men – Jackson, Mississippi, 2006-2008

PRESS CONTACT: CDC
National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention
(404) 639-8895

A CDC investigation conducted in the Jackson, MS area shows that many young black men who have sex with men (MSM) have common risk behaviors. Black MSM aged 17-25 in the Jackson area who were recently diagnosed with HIV completed surveys about their risk and HIV testing habits, and many had three risk behaviors in common, including having unprotected anal intercourse; having sex with men age 26 or older; and not getting an annual HIV test. CDC and the Mississippi State Department of Health conducted the investigation after noting an increase in HIV cases among young black MSM at a Jackson clinic. The report also highlights challenges of addressing HIV among young black MSM, including homophobia, HIV-related stigma, discrimination, and socioeconomic issues. To address these challenges, authors recommend a combination of strategies including, socioculturally specific behavioral interventions, expanded testing programs, and comprehensive campaigns to combat stigma. Researchers suggest although the report is based on a small group in Jackson, the findings might inform prevention and educational activities for other communities facing increasing HIV rates among young black MSM – a population which represents a disproportionate number of new HIV/AIDS infections in the U.S. each year.

Respiratory and Ocular Symptoms Among Employees of a Hotel Indoor Waterpark Resort – Ohio, 2007

PRESS CONTACT: Fred Blosser
CDC/ NIOSH Public Affairs
(202) 245-0645

Indoor water parks are complex environments that require attention to several factors to reduce and prevent work-related risk of eye and respiratory irritation from trichloramine including appropriate design and monitoring of ventilation and water systems to reduce and prevent illnesses. Trichloramine is a strong mucous membrane irritant and has been associated with eye and respiratory tract irritation and asthma in swimmers and pool attendants. In this report NIOSH investigated reports of employee symptoms of eye and respiratory irritation among lifeguards at a hotel indoor water park. Investigators used a multi-pronged approach which included environmental sampling, questionnaires, review of ventilation system design, and review of water chemistry and water system design. Concentrations of trichloramine, a byproduct of chlorine and compounds that are naturally produced by the body, such as perspiration and urine, was found at levels associated with eye and respiratory irritation at the indoor water park where lifeguards had reported such symptoms. The lifeguards reported significantly more eye and respiratory symptoms than hotel employees working outside the pool area. When it was tested, the water chemistry met state standards, however, insufficient air movement and distribution at pool deck level likely led to accumulation of trichloramine and exacerbation of symptoms. To reduce the formation or accumulation of trichloramine, NIOSH recommended increasing air movement and distribution at the deck level of the pool, increasing dilution with fresh water, and continuing to maintain water disinfectant chemistry within recommended limits and guidelines.

Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Associated with Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter-Containing Products – United States, 2008-2008

Please note that this is a reprint of the Early Release that went out last Thursday, January 29^th

PRESS CONTACT: CDC
Division of Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

No summary available.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES