MMWR News Synopsis

Uterine Cancer Incidence (1999–2015) and Mortality (1999–2016) — United States

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Uterine cancer rates and deaths are increasing. Catching and treating uterine cancer early can save women’s lives. Uterine cancer is one of the few cancers with increasing incidence and mortality in the United States. Recent data show continued increases; uterine cancer incidence rates increased 0.7 percent per year during 1999–2015, and mortality rates increased 1.1 percent per year during 1999–2016. Black women were disproportionately affected. Black women were two times more likely than other women to be diagnosed with uterine cancer that is harder to treat and to die from uterine cancer. Promoting awareness of the need for timely evaluation of abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sex, or after menopause), an important symptom of uterine cancer, increases the chance for early detection and treatment.

Public Health Response to an Avian Influenza H7N8 Outbreak in Commercial Turkey Flocks— Indiana, 2016

Jeni O’Malley, Director, Office of Public Affairs
317-233-7315 (work)
317-431-3792 (cell)
jomalley@isdh.in.gov

Surveillance for influenza among responders to an outbreak of avian influenza in turkeys in Indiana in 2016 did not detect any human illnesses. Highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks are animal health emergencies that require aggressive control measures. If the virus causing an outbreak is capable of causing human illness, then there could be health risks for the responders. The Indiana State Department of Health and the Dubois County Health Department worked together to monitor the health of people who responded to an outbreak of avian influenza in commercial turkey flocks in 2016. No human cases of avian influenza were detected.

Exposure to Secondhand Smoke Among Nonsmokers, United States, 1988–2014

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Progress in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) among U.S. nonsmokers has stalled in recent years, despite declines over the past three decades. CDC analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to assess trends in secondhand smoke exposure among U.S. nonsmokers age 3 years and older. Exposure to secondhand smoke among U.S. nonsmokers declined substantially during 1988–2014, from 87.5 percent to 25.2 percent. However, no change occurred between 2011-2012 and 2013-2014, and an estimated 1 in 4 nonsmokers, or 58.0 million people, were still exposed to secondhand smoke during 2013–2014. Moreover, marked disparities persisted across population groups. Exposure to secondhand smoke remained highest among children ages 3–11 years, non-Hispanic blacks, people living in poverty, people living in rental housing, and people living with someone who smoked inside the home. These findings reinforce that continued efforts to implement comprehensive smoke-free laws in workplaces and public places, adoption of smoke-free home and vehicle rules, and educational interventions warning about the risks of secondhand smoke are critical to reduce secondhand smoke, particularly among those with the greatest burden of exposure.

Public Health Response to an Avian Influenza H7N8 Outbreak in Commercial Turkey Flocks— Indiana, 2016

Outbreak of Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis Caused by Human Adenovirus Type D53 in an Eye Care Clinic — Los Angeles County, 2017

Office of Communications & Public Affairs
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
(213) 240-8144
media@ph.lacounty.gov

Healthcare-associated infections, such as adenovirus type D53, can result in large outbreaks when infection prevention is not practiced. A 2017 outbreak of eye infections in a Los Angeles County eye clinic highlights the need for consistent infection prevention practices in optometry and ophthalmology settings. The first known outbreak of adenovirus type D53 in the United States occurred in a Los Angeles eye care clinic. Seventeen patients became ill with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, an extremely contagious eye infection, following care at the clinic or contact with an infected family member. Cases seen at the clinic were all treated in the same exam room and used the same medical equipment within a short time of each other. Healthcare personnel should take standard infection prevention precautions when treating patients, including proper disinfection of equipment, hand hygiene, and use of single-dose medications.

• Notes from the Field: An Outbreak of Salmonella Agbeni Infections Linked to Turtle Exposure — United States, 2017

• QuickStats: Percentage of Adults Aged 20–64 Years with a Blood Cholesterol Check by a Health Professional During the Past 12 Months, by Poverty Status — National Health Interview Survey, 2012 and 2017

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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.