MMWR News Synopsis

Outbreak of Salmonella Newport Infections with Decreased Susceptibility to Azithromycin Linked to Beef Obtained in the United States and Soft Cheese Obtained in Mexico — United States, 2018–2019

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CDC is concerned about an increase in human illness from a new strain of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Newport that appears to have spread from cattle in the U.S. and Mexico. A new CDC report raises concern about an emerging strain of Salmonella Newport that may not respond to antibiotics recommended for treatment of severe infections. During June 2018–March 2019, CDC identified 255 people from 32 U.S. states who were infected with this strain. Infections were linked to beef obtained in the United States and soft cheese obtained in Mexico, suggesting that this strain could be present in cattle in both countries. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that the strain had decreased susceptibility to azithromycin and nonsusceptibility to ciprofloxacin – two commonly prescribed oral antibiotics. Most patients with Salmonella infections recover without antibiotics, but those with severe infections need antibiotics. Resistant infections can be harder to treat, and patients may be at increased risk for developing serious complications.

National, Regional, State, and Selected Local Area Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years — United States, 2018

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2018 data show that adolescent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates increased slightly, but more work needs to be done to protect more people against HPV-associated cancers. A new report from the CDC shows little progress toward increasing HPV vaccination rates among teenagers 13-17 years old. HPV vaccination rates increased slightly for boys, but there was no increase in rates among girls, highlighting the need for continued efforts to ensure all boys and girls are vaccinated on time. The percentage of teen boys and girls who received all recommended doses of the HPV vaccine increased from 49% to 51%. The increase in HPV vaccination rates was due to increases in boys only. The percentage of boys who received all recommended doses increased by 4 percentage points compared to 0.6 percentage points among girls. HPV vaccination rates were higher among teens whose parents reported receiving a recommendation from their child’s healthcare professional.

Human Papillomavirus–Attributable Cancers — United States, 2012–2016

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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can lead to certain types of cancer later in life. The current HPV vaccine could prevent 92% percent of cancers attributable to HPV. A new CDC study found that there were 43,999 HPV-associated cancers (cancers in organ sites where HPV often causes cancer) from 2012 through 2016. CDC researchers estimated the annual number of cancers that can potentially be prevented by the current vaccine for the nation and for each state. The current HPV vaccine protects against 92% or 32,100 of the 34,8000 cancers thought to be caused by HPV from 2012 through 2016. In addition to HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening is routinely recommended for women ages 21-65 regardless of HPV vaccination status.

Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication — Afghanistan, January 2018–May 2019

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To achieve polio eradication in Afghanistan, the vaccination program needs to reach approximately 10 million children, the majority of whom are currently not receiving oral poliovirus vaccine through house-to-house polio campaigns. This could be achieved by regaining access to communities and building community trust. A new report describes the progress toward polio eradication in Afghanistan during January 2018-May 2019. Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries with reported cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) since 2016. The number of WPV1 cases in Afghanistan has been increasing yearly since 2017. While circulation has remained confined to the Southern and Eastern regions of the country, the geographic range of WPV1 in Southern districts increased in 2019. A nationwide ban on house-to-house campaigns by antigovernment groups that has been in effect since April 2019 has left millions of children unvaccinated. To achieve polio eradication, the program needs to regain access to house-to-house campaigns and increase community demand for polio vaccine.

• Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2019–2020 Influenza Season

This issue of MMWR Recommendations and Reports summarizes the latest data on influenza vaccination and lays out CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations related to influenza vaccination. CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year, with rare exceptions. There are many different types of flu vaccines available for different age groups and health indications. CDC does not recommend one flu vaccine over another. The most important thing is for all people 6 months and older to get a flu vaccination every year. If you have questions about which vaccine is best for you, talk to your doctor or other health care professional.

• Rate of Alcohol-Induced Deaths Among Persons Aged ≥25 Years, by Age Group — United States, 1999–2017

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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.