Synopsis for February 21, 2003

The MMWR is embargoed until Noon ET, Thursdays.

1. Fatal Degenerative Neurologic Illnesses in Men Who Participated in Wild Game Feasts -- Wisconsin, 2002
2. Atrial Fibrillation as a Contributing Cause of Mortality and Medicare Hospitalization -- United States, 1999
3. Potential Exposures to Airborne and Settled Surface Dust in Residential Areas of Lower Manhattan Following the Collapse of the World Trade Center -- New York City, November 4-December 11, 2001
4. Smallpox Vaccine Adverse Events among Civilian Health Workers -- United States, January 24-February 17, 2003

MMWR Surveillance Summary
February 21, 2002/Vol. 52/SS-2

Pregnancy-Related Mortality Surveillance -- United States, 1991-1999

Contact: Jeani Chang, MPH
CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion
(770)488–6355

Synopsis for February 21, 2003

Fatal Degenerative Neurologic Illnesses in Men Who Participated in Wild Game Feasts -- Wisconsin, 2002

No link has been found between consumption of venison affected with chronic wasting disease (CWD) and development of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).

In response to concerns that CWD in affected deer and elk may be associated with development of CJD in humans, the State of Wisconsin and CDC initiated an investigation to confirm the diagnoses of three men who possibly died from CJD and who shared wild game feasts. The investigators interviewed individuals who took part in these feasts and reexamined brain autopsy samples from the cases. They concluded that only one of the three men had CJD; it was also unlikely that CWD-affected venison was served at these feasts. Although the investigation found no link between CWD and CJD, it was not ruled out; surveillance for both diseases and precautions to avoid CWD-affected venison from entering the food chain are recommended.

Atrial Fibrillation as a Contributing Cause of Mortality and Medicare Hospitalization -- United States, 1999

Atrial fibrillation can be treated with medication and lifestyle modifications.

The 1999 national and state-specific atrial fibrillation death rates and prevalences of hospitalization for persons with atrial fibrillation show that both are higher among men than women, whites than blacks, non-Hispanics than Hispanics, and increases with age. In 1999, there were almost 66,000 deaths and 1.8 million Medicare hospitalizations among persons with atrial fibrillation. These estimates vary by state. Increasing awareness, identification, diagnosis and treatment can help reduce serious complications from atrial fibrillation. Pulse check and/or screening is an important first step in identifying and controlling atrial fibrillation.

Potential Exposures to Airborne and Settled Surface Dust in Residential Areas of Lower Manhattan Following the Collapse of the World Trade Center -- New York City, November 4-December 11, 2001

The air and dust samples do not pose potential health hazards provided that residents do frequent cleanings with HEPA vacuums, damp clothes or mops, or have their units professionally cleaned.

From November 4 through December 11, 2001, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry collected air and dust samples in and around 30 residential buildings in lower Manhattan. Four buildings in upper Manhattan above 59th St. also were sampled as a comparison. The results of the investigation found 1) similar levels of airborne total fibers in lower and in upper Manhattan, 2) greater percentage levels of synthetic vitreous fibers (SVF) and mineral components of concrete and building wallboard in settled dust of residential areas in lower Manhattan than in upper Manhattan (1), and 3) low levels of asbestos in some settled surface dust in lower Manhattan residential areas.

Note: The Final Report for this investigation was released and announced via press release to the public on October 4, 2002. The report is available on ATSDR’s web site (www.atsdr.cdc.gov).

Smallpox Vaccine Adverse Events among Civilian Health Workers -- United States, January 24-February 17, 2003

Summary Not Available.

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