MMWR

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

1. Congenital Syphilis — United States, 2003–2008

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

A CDC analysis of mother-to-child syphilis transmission (congenital syphilis) finds that while the number of congenital syphilis (CS) infections remains relatively small, concerning increases occurred between 2005 and 2008.  CS rate increases were primarily found among infants born in the South (9.6 per 100,000 in 2005 to 15.7 in 2008).  CS rate increases were also seen in the United States among infants born to white and African-American women.  Between 2005 and 2008, rates among infants born to white women more than doubled (1.3 to 2.8), and rates among black women increased more than 30 percent (26.6 to 34.6).  No clear increases were observed for the same time period among infants born to Hispanic, Asian Pacific Islander (API), and American Indian/Alaska Native (AIN) women.  In 2008, the CS rate for infants born to Hispanic women was 12.8, the CS rate for infants born to API women was 3.0, and the rate for infants born to AIN women was 14.0.  While the number of CS cases reported nationally remains relatively low (431 in 2008), recent CS rate increases underscore the importance of early prenatal care and syphilis testing for pregnant women.  CS can result in neurologic impairment and infant death, but it is preventable with early prenatal diagnosis and treatment. 

 

2. Preliminary FoodNet Data on the Incidence of Infection with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food — 10 States, 2009

CDC Division of News and Electronic Media
(404) 639-3286

The Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) surveillance data for 2009 show reductions in the incidence of STEC O157 and Shigella infections, but little or no recent progress for other pathogens. Of the four infections with Healthy People 2010 targets (Campylobacter, Listeria, Salmonella, and STEC O157), only the target for STEC O157 was met in 2009. FoodNet collects data from 10 U.S. states on diseases caused by enteric pathogens transmitted commonly through food. This report describes preliminary surveillance data for 2009 and trends in incidence since 1996. In comparison with the first 3 years of surveillance (1996–1998), sustained declines in the incidence of infections caused by Campylobacter, Listeria, Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157, Shigella, and Yersinia were observed. Also in 2009, the Healthy People 2010 target of 1.0 case per 100,000 population for STEC O157 infection was met. Further collaborative efforts with regulatory agencies and industry are needed to sustain and extend recent declines and to improve prevention of foodborne infections.

3. Influenza Activity — United States, 2009–10 Season

CDC Division of News and Electronic Media
(404) 639-3286

Influenza activity has declined, and vaccination is still recommended as the best way to protect against ongoing influenza infections, hospitalizations and deaths. The 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus emerged in the United States in April 2009 and caused significant worldwide disease. There have been recent declines in influenza activity, however 2009 influenza A(H1N1) viruses continue to circulate, particularly in the southeast and influenza-associated hospitalizations and deaths continue to be reported. Epidemiologic data in this report support recommendations by CDC that the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine continued to be offered to all persons 6 months of age and older with children less than 10 years of age needing to receive two doses of the vaccine approximately one month apart.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES