MMWR

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

1. Alcohol and Suicide Among Racial/Ethnic Populations – 17 States, 2005-2006

Press Contact: Injury Center Media Relations
Phone: (770) 488-4902

This study is unique because it examines the association of alcohol and suicide in several racial/ethnic groups simultaneously. The study showed that alcohol was linked to suicide across a variety of populations including sex, age, and racial/ethnic groups. The results from the 17 states show that almost one-quarter of those who died by suicide when they were tested for alcohol were above the legal limit for alcohol intoxication.  CDC analyzed data from the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) for the two year period 2005– 2006 to examine the relationship between alcohol and suicide among the different racial/ethnic groups.  Results of the analysis showed that based upon blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the overall prevalence of alcohol intoxication (BAC > 0.08 mg/dL) was 23.6 percent among those who died by suicide and were tested for alcohol (70 percent), with the highest percent among American Indian/Alaska Native (37.1 percent) followed by Hispanic/Latino (28.7 percent) and among those aged 20-49 years (28.2 percent). These results indicate that populations such as young to middle-aged adults within some racial/ethnic groups could likely benefit most from comprehensive suicide prevention strategies that include efforts to reduce alcohol consumption.

2. Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infections Among Health-Care Personnel – United States, April-May, 2009

Press Contact: Division of Media Relations
Phone: (404) 639-3286

Half of healthcare personnel infected with novel influenza A (H1N1) acquired it in a healthcare setting, but those infected by ill patients did not consistently use all recommended forms of personal protective equipment while caring for these patients.  CDC obtained detailed information on 26 healthcare personnel infected with the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus, of which 12 were deemed to be infected by ill patients.  None of the healthcare personnel infected by ill patients reported fully adhering to CDC’s recommendations on infection control for care of patients with novel H1N1 virus infection in healthcare settings.  These results highlight the need for healthcare facilities to maintain adherence to infection control recommendations, to recognize and triage potentially infectious patients, to provide adequate infection-control resources, and to train staff in infection-control practices and proper use of personal protective equipment.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES