MMWR News Synopsis

Trends in Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Hispanic/Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men — 19 Urban Areas, 2011–2017

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Tailoring pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) strategies to the needs of Latino gay and bisexual men who have recently relocated to the United States – including improved Spanish-language materials and culturally competent patient-navigation and cost-assistance services – might help reduce their risk for HIV. HIV prevention services for Latino gay and bisexual males should offer culturally and linguistically appropriate linkage to PrEP, a daily pill that prevents HIV. CDC analyzed data from more than 4,700 interviews conducted in 2011, 2014, and 2017 with Latino gay and bisexual men at high risk for HIV in 19 U.S. cities. The analysis found key differences in sexual HIV risk by place of birth and years of residence in the U.S., including PrEP and condom usage. Findings suggest that Latino gay and bisexual men who had recently relocated to the continental U.S. might have encountered more barriers to PrEP use than Latino gay and bisexual men who were born in the continental U.S. These men might benefit from improved HIV prevention education and services, including access to PrEP and condoms.

Update: Influenza Activity – United States and Worldwide, May 19–September 28, 2019 and Composition of the 2020 Southern Hemisphere Influenza Vaccine

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Low levels of influenza activity were reported in the United States over summer 2019, with cocirculation of influenza A and influenza B viruses. In early October 2019, it is too early in the season to know which viruses will circulate in the U.S. later this fall and winter or how severe the season may be. Regardless of what is circulating, the best protection against influenza is a flu vaccination. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against flu. As the 2019-2020 flu season begins, CDC is reporting influenza activity in the United States and the Southern Hemisphere during the U.S. summer months and the vaccine viruses selected for the 2020 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccines. During the summer months in the U.S., influenza activity remained low as is typical for that time of year. Influenza A and B viruses circulated widely in the Southern Hemisphere with the predominant virus varying by region and country. While influenza is unpredictable and circumstances can change very quickly, data to date continue to support the appropriateness of the recommended composition of the vaccines for the upcoming 2019-2020 season in the United States.

Vital Signs: Burden and Prevention of Influenza and Pertussis Among Pregnant Women and Infants — United States

• Environmental Contamination from E-cigarette, Cigarette, Cigar, and Cannabis Products at 12 High Schools — San Francisco Bay Area, 2018–2019

Elizabeth Fernandez
Title: UCSF Senior Public Information Representative
Office Phone: 415-514-1592
Cell Phone: 415-298-4320
Email Address: Elizabeth.Fernandez@UCSF.edu

E-cigarette, tobacco, and cannabis product waste is causing environmental contamination at high schools and adjacent areas. At 12 San Francisco Bay Area high schools, researchers examined whether e-cigarette, tobacco, and cannabis products were being discarding as litter in and around the schools, causing environmental contamination. Cigarette butts, e-cigarette components, and packaging are made of non-biodegradable plastics. When these products break down they can leach out nicotine, heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals. At several upper-income high schools researchers found substantial quantities of JUUL and JUUL-compatible e-cigarette waste, and 99% of pod caps were from flavored pods other than tobacco flavor. At lower-income schools researchers found substantial quantities of waste from flavored little cigars and cigarillos. At all high schools, researchers found large quantities of cigarette butts, particularly from menthol cigarettes. Flavored cannabis waste was also found. Action is needed at the federal, state, and local levels to reduce youth access to and use of flavored e-cigarette, tobacco, and cannabis products to protect the health of young people and reduce environmental contamination.

• National Update on Measles Cases and Outbreaks — United States, January 1–October 1, 2019

• Birth Rates for Teens Aged 15–19 Years, by Age Group — National Vital Statistics System, United States, 1991–2018

• National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day — October 15, 2019

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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.