MMWR News Synopsis for June 2, 2016

Human Rabies — Wyoming and Utah, 2015

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Any person who has direct contact with a bat should be evaluated for potential rabies exposure and receive post-exposure prophylaxis if indicated. Rabies is preventable if exposed people receive post-exposure prophylaxis. Most domestically acquired human rabies cases are associated with bat exposures; however, no bite is reported in most of these cases. In 2015, a Wyoming woman died from infection with a bat-associated rabies virus variant. She had contact with a bat while sleeping, but was unaware of the risk of rabies in the absence of a visible bite wound. The patient’s family is reported to have had contacted several local authorities about bats near their home over multiple years, but had not been informed about rabies risk. The public needs a better understanding of rabies risk from bat contact. Cooperation among public health and other agencies can help ensure people with exposure to bats are assessed for rabies risk.

Cigarette Smoking Among Urban American Indian Adults — Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, Minnesota, 2011

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

In urban Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, Minnesota, the prevalence of cigarette smoking among American Indians age18 years and older is 59 percent – four times the estimated prevalence for the overall Minnesota population. Culturally specific, American-Indian-led strategies are needed to address this urgent problem. American Indians have the highest rates of commercial tobacco use of any racial/ethnic group in the U.S. Commercial tobacco use among Northern Plains Indians, including those in Minnesota and other Upper Midwest states, is estimated at 42 percent in counties in or adjacent to reservations. Little information is available about non-ceremonial tobacco use among American Indians in urban areas, where approximately 30 percent of Minnesota’s 64,000 American Indian adults live. A 2011 survey of 964 American Indian adults living in Hennepin and Ramsey counties, Minnesota, conducted by the University of Minnesota in collaboration with American Indian organizations, showed a 59 percent rate of non-ceremonial cigarette smoking. This very high rate compares to a 14 percent rate of cigarette smoking among the general Minnesota population.

Public Confidence in the Health Care System 1 Year after the Start of the Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak — Sierra Leone, July 2015

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

In the aftermath of Ebola, the Sierra Leonean public is regaining confidence in the nation’s health care system. Ninety percent of those surveyed in Sierra Leone show some confidence in the post-Ebola health care system. In July 2015, after the 2014-2015 Ebola epidemic overwhelmed Sierra Leone’s already fragile health care system, a national survey was conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to health care. A majority of participants expressed at least some confidence in the health care system’s ability to treat patients suspected to have Ebola. More than 90 percent reported confidence in the health care system’s ability to provide non-Ebola care, immunization services, and antenatal and maternity services. Understanding factors contributing to public confidence can help inform education and health promotion campaigns to prevent future outbreaks and improve health in the region.

Notes from the Field:

• Investigation of Hepatitis C Virus Transmission Associated with Regenerative Injection Therapy for Chronic Pain — California, 2015
• Increase in Neisseria meningitidis–AssociatedUrethritis Among Men at Two Sentinel Clinics — Columbus, Ohio and Oakland County, Michigan, 2015

QuickStats:

• Age-Adjusted Prevalence of Hypertension Treatment Among Adults with Hypertension, by Sex and Race/Ethnicity — National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, United States, 2011–2014

###

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES