MMWR News Synopsis
Friday, October 5, 2018
- Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression Among Adults with Arthritis — United States, 2015–2017
- Factors Contributing to Congenital Syphilis Cases — New York City, 2010–2016
- Rates of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in a State Workers’ Compensation Information System, by Industry and Occupation — California, 2007–2014
- Outbreak of Salmonella Chailey Infections Linked To Precut Coconut Pieces — United States and Canada, 2017
- Notes from the Field
- QuickStats
Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression Among Adults with Arthritis — United States, 2015–2017
CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286
Adults with arthritis are more likely to have symptoms of anxiety (over 22 percent) and depression (12 percent) than those without arthritis. Screening, care, and referrals can help. Adults with arthritis who have anxiety and depression experience adverse health outcomes and poorer quality of life. The relationship across anxiety, depression, and chronic joint pain is complex, as each can aggravate the other. In 2015-2017, 9 million adults with arthritis (over 22 percent) had anxiety symptoms; depression symptoms affected 5 million adults (12 percent) with arthritis. Among adults with arthritis, anxiety and depression symptoms were much more common among younger adults, those with chronic pain or co-occurring chronic conditions, and those unable to work or with disabilities. Providers can address these conditions by offering screening, care, and referrals to mental health professionals and self-management education programs, and encouraging physical activity to improve mood and quality of life.
Factors Contributing to Congenital Syphilis Cases — New York City, 2010–2016
Danielle De Souza
Assistant Press Secretary
Office: (347) 396-4041
Mobile: (917) 890-0163
pressoffice@health.nyc.gov
Congenital syphilis can be prevented by early prenatal screening and prompt treatment with long-acting penicillin during pregnancy. Over a 7 year period (2010–2016), 68 congenital syphilis cases were reported in New York City, representing 8 cases per 100,000 live births. Missed opportunities for screening resulted in most mothers being diagnosed with syphilis too late in pregnancy to prevent transmission to the fetus. In line with national guidance, it is critical that all pregnant women are screened for syphilis at the first prenatal care visit and that those at new or ongoing risk for exposure to syphilis are re-screened early in the third trimester and at delivery. Healthcare providers should learn about their state’s screening laws. Some states, including New York, also require rescreening at delivery as a way to detect syphilis infection that happens later in pregnancy. Pregnant women diagnosed with syphilis should be treated immediately.
Rates of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in a State Workers’ Compensation Information System, by Industry and Occupation — California, 2007–2014
Matt Conens, Information Officer
Office of Public Affairs
California Department of Public Health
(916) 445-6350
Matt.conens@cdph.ca.gov
In California, the industries with the highest rates of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) were textile, fabric finishing, and coating mills; apparel accessories and other apparel manufacturing; and animal slaughtering and processing. Industries with high rates of CTS could implement intervention measures including ergonomic evaluations and development of tools and instruments that require less repetition and force and that correct awkward postures. People with CTS can experience pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness in the hand or the wrist., There are practices and risk factors at the workplace that exacerbate CTS, particularly work activities that require forceful, repetitive tasks; prolonged use of the hands or wrists in an awkward posture; or vibration.
Outbreak of Salmonella Chailey Infections Linked To Precut Coconut Pieces — United States and Canada, 2017
CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286
The response to a 2017 Salmonella outbreak is an example of international collaboration and early communication with a grocery chain to take public health action to prevent more potential illnesses. A 2017 investigation of Salmonella Chailey infections found frozen, precut coconut to be the source of the outbreak. Nineteen people were reported ill in seven U.S. states and British Columbia, Canada. Whole genome sequencing connected cases in the U.S. to cases in Canada. Epidemiologic and traceback information were important in identifying the source and leading to a voluntary removal of the precut coconut from stores. Rapid public health action once the source was identified likely limited the size and scope of this outbreak. This was the first time that coconut was associated with a Salmonella outbreak in the United States or Canada.
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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.
