MMWR

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

(Box) American Diabetes Month – November 2008

PRESS CONTACT: CDC
Division of Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

No summary available.

State-Specific Incidence of Diabetes Among Adults – United States, 1995-1997 and 2005-2007

PRESS CONTACT: CDC
Division of Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

• Press Release

Effective diabetes prevention efforts that include lifestyle interventions for people with diabetes are essential to reduce the incidence of diabetes. Research has shown that people at risk for developing type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay the disease by losing 5 percent to 7 percent of their total body weight (if they are overweight), maintaining weight loss through healthy food choices, and getting at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days a week. For additional resources and information on ways to prevent diabetes, contact the National Diabetes Education Program (http://www.ndep.nih.gov/) at 1-888-693-NDEP (6337). The rate of newly diagnosed diabetes among adults has increased rapidly in the United States. The rate of newly diagnosed diabetes for 33 states increased by 90 percent from 1995-1997 (4.8 per 1000) to 2005-2007 (9.1 per 1000). The study, which analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for the periods of 1995-1997 and 2005–2007, found that the highest incidence rates are in the South, which is consistent with higher prevalence of diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity for this region. For the 43 states and territories with data available in 2005-2007, the incidence of diagnosed diabetes was 10.5 per 1000 in the South followed by 8.6 per 1000 in the Northeast, 8.5 per 1000 in the West, and 7.4 per 1000 in the Midwest. State-specific estimates of age-adjusted incidence of diagnosed diabetes ranged from 5.0 per 1000 in Minnesota to 12.7 per 1000 in West Virginia and were highest in Puerto Rico at 12.8 per 1000. Still, little is known about how incidence and its change over time may vary among states. The development and delivery of diabetes prevention strategies that focus on lifestyle interventions for people at risk for diabetes are needed to reduce the incidence of diabetes.

Progress Toward Global Eradication of Dracunculiasis – January 2007-June 2008

PRESS CONTACT: Dr. Carlos Castillio-Soloranzo, Regional Advisor
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
(202) 974-3269

Strong progress continues to be made towards the eradication of dracunculiasis. All remaining endemic countries are poised to make a final push to stop transmission by the 2009 target date established by the World Health Assembly in 2004. Insecurity in endemic areas of the remaining endemic countries is a great concern and poses the greatest challenge to the success of the global dracunculiasis eradication program. The global dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease) eradication program reduced cases from an estimated 3.5 million cases in 1986 in 20 countries (17 in Africa and 3 in Asia) to 9,585 cases in 2007 in nine countries (all in Africa). Four countries (Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, and Togo) stopped transmissions during 2006 and reported zero cases in 2007. Dracunculiasis is currently endemic in only five countries (Sudan, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, and Niger). From January-June 2007 to the same period in 2008 the number of cases decreased by 64 percent (from 6,374 to 2,308). An unexpected outbreak of dracunculiasis in Ethiopia (first reported during March-June 2008) raises concerns about that country’s claim of having stopped transmission of the disease in 2006.

Progress Toward Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome Elimination – Western Hemisphere, 2003-2008

PRESS CONTACT: CDC
Division of Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

Countries in the Americas have demonstrated progress toward the rubella and CRS elimination goal with the expectation of reaching the 2010 rubella and CRS elimination goals. In 2003, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) established a goal of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) elimination in the Americas by the year 2010. To accomplish this goal, PAHO developed a comprehensive rubella and CRS elimination strategy. During 1998–2006, confirmed rubella cases decreased 97.8 percent (from 135,947 to 2,998) in the Americas. However, during 2007, rubella outbreaks occurred in three countries (i.e., Argentina, Brazil, and Chile). This report summarizes overall progress toward reaching 2010 goals of eliminating rubella and CRS. With the completion of the campaigns in Argentina, Brazil, and Haiti, all countries will have implemented the recommended PAHO strategy by the end of 2008, with the expectation of reaching the 2010 rubella and CRS elimination goals.

Revised Product Labels for Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Medicine

PRESS CONTACT: CDC
Division of Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

Cough and cold medications should not be used in children less than 4 years old. Manufacturers of over-the-counter pediatric cough and cold medicines have modified labels on these products to state “do not use” in children aged <4 years. Healthcare providers should be aware of the new labels and alert parents and caregivers to this change.

####

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES