Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations — United States, 2004–2007.
MMWR Surveill Summ. 2011 Jan 14;60(SU-1):80-83
Authors: Moy E, Barrett M, Ho K,
When patients seek prompt attention from primary care providers …

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Antiviral agents for the treatment and chemoprophylaxis of influenza — recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

MMWR Surveill Summ. 2011 Jan 21;60(1):1-24

Authors: Fiore AE, Fry A, Shay D, Gubareva L, Bresee JS, Uyeki TM,

This report updates previous recommendations by CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding the use of antiviral agents for the prevention and treatment of influenza (CDC. Prevention and control of influenza: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP]. MMWR 2008;57[No. RR-7]).This report contains information on treatment and chemoprophylaxis of influenza virus infection and provides a summary of the effectiveness and safety of antiviral treatment medications. Highlights include recommendations for use of 1) early antiviral treatment of suspected or confirmed influenza among persons with severe influenza (e.g., those who have severe, complicated, or progressive illness or who require hospitalization); 2) early antiviral treatment of suspected or confirmed influenza among persons at higher risk for influenza complications; and 3) either oseltamivir or zanamivir for persons with influenza caused by 2009 H1N1 virus, influenza A (H3N2) virus, or influenza B virus or when the influenza virus type or influenza A virus subtype is unknown; 4) antiviral medications among children aged <1 year; 5) local influenza testing and influenza surveillance data, when available, to help guide treatment decisions; and 6) consideration of antiviral treatment for outpatients with confirmed or suspected influenza who do not have known risk factors for severe illness, if treatment can be initiated within 48 hours of illness onset. Additional information is available from CDC's influenza website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu, including any updates or supplements to these recommendations that might be required during the 2010-11 influenza season. Health-care providers should be alert to announcements of recommendation updates and should check the CDC influenza website periodically for additional information. Recommendations related to the use of vaccines for the prevention of influenza during the 2010-11 influenza season have been published previously (CDC. Prevention and control of influenza with vaccines: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP], 2010. MMWR 2010;59[No. RR-8]).

PMID: 21248682 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Cryptosporidiosis surveillance — United States, 2006–2008.

MMWR Surveill Summ. 2010 Jun 11;59(6):1-14

Authors: Yoder JS, Harral C, Beach MJ,

Problem/Condition: Cryptosporidiosis is a nationally notifiable gastrointestinal illness caused by chlorine-tolerant protozoa of the genus Cryptosporidium. Reporting Period: 2006–2008. System Description: State and two metropolitan health departments voluntarily report cases of cryptosporidiosis through CDC's National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. Results: During 2006–2008, the number of reported cases of cryptosporidiosis increased dramatically (79.9%), from 6,479 for 2006 to 11,657 for 2007, and then decreased (9.9%) to 10,500 in 2008. All jurisdictions reported cryptosporidiosis cases during the reporting period, and the number of jurisdictions reporting >2.5 cases per 100,000 population increased from 20 in 2006 to 26 in 2007 and 27 in 2008. A greater number of case reports were received for children aged 1–9 years and for adults aged 25–39 years than were received for persons in other age groups. The number of cases reported among males and females was similar. Racial and ethnic comparisons were difficult because many case-reports did not report race and ethnicity. Peak onset of illness occurred annually during early summer through early fall. Interpretation: Transmission of cryptosporidiosis occurs throughout the United States, with more frequent diagnosis or reporting occurring in northern states. An increase in cases reported for 2007 and 2008 is attributable partially to multiple large recreational water-associated outbreaks. State incidence figures should be compared with caution because individual state surveillance systems have varying capabilities to detect cases, and reporting might vary. The seasonal peak in age-specific case reports coincides with the summer recreational water season and likely reflects increased use of communal swimming venues (e.g., lakes, rivers, swimming pools, and water parks) by young children. Public Health Action: Local and state health departments can use cryptosporidiosis surveillance data to better understand the epidemiologic characteristics and the disease burden of cryptosporidiosis in the United States, design efforts to prevent the spread of disease, and establish research priorities.

PMID: 20535094 [PubMed - in process]

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Giardiasis surveillance — United States, 2006–2008.

MMWR Surveill Summ. 2010 Jun 11;59(6):15-25

Authors: Yoder JS, Harral C, Beach MJ,

Problem/Condition: Giardiasis is a nationally notifiable gastrointestinal illness caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia intestinalis. Reporting Period: 2006–2008. System Description: State, commonwealth, territorial, and two metropolitan health departments voluntarily report cases of giardiasis through CDC’s National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System. Results: During 2006–2008, the total number of reported cases of giardiasis increased slightly from 19,239 for 2006 to 19,794 for 2007 and decreased slightly to 19,140 for 2008. During this period, 49 jurisdictions reported giardiasis cases; giardiasis is a reportable condition in 45 states (not reportable in Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas). A greater number of case reports were received for children aged 1–9 years and for adults aged 35–44 years compared with other age groups. Incidence of giardiasis was highest in northern states. Peak onset of illness occurred annually during early summer through early fall. Interpretation: Transmission of giardiasis occurs throughout the United States, with more frequent diagnosis or reporting occurring in northern states. However, state incidence figures should be compared with caution because individual state surveillance systems have varying capabilities to detect cases. The seasonal peak in age-specific case reports coincides with the summer recreational water season and likely reflects increased outdoor activities and exposures such as camping and use of communal swimming venues (e.g., lakes, rivers, swimming pools, and water parks) by young children. Public Health Action: Local and state health departments can use giardiasis surveillance data to better understand the epidemiologic characteristics and the disease burden of giardiasis in the United States, design efforts to prevent the spread of disease, and establish research priorities.

PMID: 20535095 [PubMed - in process]

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