MMWR Clinical Pearls

March 2024

Think Horses First

Teen Substance Use

Excessive Alcohol Use

The average number of deaths per year from excessive alcohol use increased approximately 29% from 137,927 during 2016–2017 to 178,307 during 2020–2021. These include deaths from conditions that are partially (e.g., select cancers) and fully (e.g., alcoholic liver disease) attributable to alcohol. More men died, but the rate increased faster among women. Clinicians can support effective alcohol policies to create environments that help people drink less alcohol (e.g., increase alcohol taxes and regulate the number of places selling alcohol) and help adults be aware of their alcohol use and create a plan to reduce their drinking.

Don’t Forget Zebras

Meningococcal Disease

Ciprofloxacin-resistant strains of Neisseria meningitidis have increased in the United States. CDC provides guidance to health departments for the preferential use of other prophylaxis options for close contacts. Rifampin, ceftriaxone, or azithromycin are recommended prophylaxis when two or more ciprofloxacin-resistant meningococcal disease cases are reported, and account for at least 20% of all cases reported in a local catchment area during a 12-month period.

Opportunities to Improve Clinical Outcomes

COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness

See current CDC recommendations about how your patients can stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.

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