ARTICLES SYNOPSIZED BELOW WILL APPEAR IN THE FEB. 14 EDITION OF "MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT," PUBLISHED BY THE U.S CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC). THE SYNOPSES WERE WRITTEN BY THE CDC.
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State-Specific Variation in Rates of Twin Births--United States, 1992-1994
Since the early 1980s, the number of twin births has increased by more than 40 percent. The risks for preterm birth, low birthweight, long-term disability and early death are greater among twins than among singletons. Twin birth ratios for recent years reveal substantial variation by state, likely resulting from state differences in the age of mothers and the use of fertility enhancing drugs and techniques. The U.S. twin birth ratio (the number of twin births per 1,000 live births) was 24.0 for 1992-94. By state, twin birth ratios were highest in Connecticut and Massachusetts (27.7 per 1,000) and lowest in Idaho and New Mexico (19.8 per 1,000). After adjusting for differences in maternal age, state rates varied significantly and twin birth rates in Connecticut and Massachusetts remained among the ten highest. State variation in twin birth ratios may also be influenced by differences in the proportions of mothers using fertility enhancing therapies, which have been a major factor in the recent rise in multiple births. ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ingestion of Cigarettes and Cigarette Butts by Children--Rhode Island, January 1994-July 1996
In 1995, nearly 8,000 cases of potentially toxic ingestion of tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, snuff and chewing tobacco) occurred among children ages six years and younger in the United States. This study, conducted by the State of Rhode Island and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that from January 1994 through July 1996, 146 children in Rhode Island (ages six months to two years) ingested cigarettes or cigarette butts, and one-third of them experienced illness. The most common symptom reported was vomiting. Most ingestions occurred in homes where cigarettes and ashtrays were kept within the reach of children. These findings can be used by public health agencies to develop approaches for decreasing exposures to cigarettes and cigarette butts among young children. These approaches may include public education about the potential toxicity of ingested tobacco products, the health benefits of not smoking in the presence of children, and the safe storage and disposal of tobacco products. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Nonhuman Primate Spumavirus Infections Among Persons with Occupational Exposure--United States, 1996
Nonhuman primates used in biomedical research are infected with a number of retroviruses, including simian spumaviruses. While these viruses do not normally infect humans, people who are closely exposed to nonhuman primates on the job, or in other ways, can be infected with at least some of these persistent infections. This report presents laboratory findings and case descriptions of three occupationally exposed workers with documented simian foamy virus (SFV) infections. The report concludes that humans exposed to nonhuman primates can be persistently infected with spumaviruses and that these infections may or may not be able to cause disease in the infected humans or to be transmitted from one human to another. CDC is continuing efforts to further define the prevalence and health implications of infection with SFV and other simian retroviruses among persons at occupational risk for infection.
<< End of CDC-provided synopses for MMWR of 02/14/97. >>
Note: This edition also includes Notices to Readers on--
Introduction to Public Health Surveillance Course "Introduction to Public Health Surveillance" will be held in Atlanta during June 2-6, 1997.
Epidemiology in Action Course CDC and Emory University will cosponsor an applied epidemiology course designed for practicing state and local health department professionals. This course, "Epidemiology in Action," will be held at CDC during April 28-May 9, 1997.
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