MMWR News Synopsis

Reported Marijuana Use by Industry and Occupation — Colorado, 2014–2015

Shannon Barbare
Communications Manager
Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology Division
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Shannon.Barbare@state.co.us
303-692-2036

Marijuana use can be a workplace safety concern. Understanding the demographics, occupations, and industries of self-reported marijuana users can help employers develop meaningful drug-use policies and relevant safety-awareness campaigns. For the first time, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment analyzed data from a state health survey to describe self-reported current marijuana use among adults working in various industries and occupations in Colorado.

Acute Metam Sodium Poisoning Caused by Occupational Exposure at a Flower Farm — Uganda, October 2016

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Occupational exposure to low-risk chemicals used in workplace settings can cause serious health problems if safety measures are not followed. It is crucial for farm managers to periodically train workers on safety protocols and to provide personal protective gear. It is crucial for workers to always follow recommended safety measures and to wear personal protective gear. Although farm pesticides generally pose low health risks when used appropriately, occupational exposure in the absence of recommended safety measures can have serious health consequences. Following media reports of more than 80 workers suffering from vomiting, fainting, and diarrhea at a flower farm in central Uganda, fellows in a CDC-funded Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) investigated the incident and found affected individuals were exposed to metam sodium — a pesticide widely used in agriculture. Respiratory protective measures were not routinely available for workers, which likely contributed to the severity and extent of the outbreak.

Surveillance Systems to Track Progress Toward Polio Eradication — Worldwide, 2016–2017

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

While 2017 saw the fewest number of polio cases ever recorded globally, continued improvements to national surveillance systems are necessary to ensure timely detection of cases and accurate certification of polio-free status. As the world moves closer to eliminating polio, it is more important than ever to have strong surveillance systems in place. Only 22 wild poliovirus (WPV) cases were reported in 2017, the fewest ever reported globally. Despite this improvement, the number of vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVPDVs) cases increased to 96 in 2017, due to outbreaks in Syria and in Democratic Republic of the Congo. While surveillance performance is improving at the country level, gaps remain within countries largely because of conflict and inaccessibility in some regions. Rapid improvements in surveillance systems are needed. As long as polioviruses continue to circulate in any country, all countries remain at risk.

Updated CDC Recommendations for Using Artemether-Lumefantrine for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Malaria in Pregnant Women in the United States

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Pregnant women diagnosed with uncomplicated malaria in the United States now have an additional treatment option that is safe and effective. CDC now recommends artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem^TM) as a treatment option for pregnant women with uncomplicated malaria in the United States. Malaria in pregnancy can cause maternal and fetal complications, including death. Previous drug options for pregnant women with uncomplicated malaria in the United States were limited to mefloquine or quinine plus clindamycin. However, limited availability of quinine and increasing resistance to mefloquine restricts these options in some cases. The updated CDC recommendation reflects current safety and efficacy evidence and is consistent with World Health Organization treatment guidelines.

• Age-Adjusted Suicide Rates, by Race/Ethnicity — National Vital Statistics System, United States, 2015–2016

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC responds to America’s most pressing health threats. CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world.