MMWR News Synopsis

Prevalence of and Changes in Tooth Loss Among Adults Aged ≥50 Years with Selected Chronic Conditions — United States, 1999–2004 and 2011–2016

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Chronic conditions are associated with increased tooth loss. Primary care providers can educate their patients about the importance of good oral health and screen and refer them for needed dental care. Excessive tooth loss impacts diet and quality of life. The prevalence of severe tooth loss was ≥50% higher among adults with fair or poor general health, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, diabetes, emphysema, heart disease, liver conditions, or stroke history than among those without these conditions. Diabetes is the only chronic condition with a recommendation for routine dental visits, and the prevalence of tooth loss among people with diabetes decreased over time. Better integration and collaboration between medical and dental providers could improve healthcare outcomes.

Evaluation of a Program To Improve Linkage to and Retention in Care Among Refugees with Hepatitis B Virus Infection — Three U.S. Cities, 2006–2018

Janine Young MD, FAAP
Medical Director, Denver Health Refugee Clinic; Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine
Office Phone: 303-602-4558
Cell Phone: 720-281-8934
Email Address: janine.young@dhha.org

Identification and management of hepatitis B infection in children and adults from countries with a high prevalence of infection, including refugees, is important for protecting their health and preventing transmission to others. Refugees are at risk for not being linked to and retained in hepatitis B care. Children and adults with chronic hepatitis B (HBV) infection require lifelong monitoring to prevent progression to end stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although it is recommended that those who screen positive for HBV infection receive counseling and additional evaluation to determine treatment eligibility, there are no mechanisms in place to ensure this takes place. Despite appropriate HBV screening practices during domestic refugee medical examinations, significant barriers remain for long-term management of HBV infection in refugee populations.

Universal and Serial Laboratory Testing for SARS-CoV-2 at a Long-Term-Care Skilled-Nursing Facility for Veterans — Los Angeles, California, 2020 (Early release May 22, 2020)

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

• Impact of a Mass Drug-Administration Campaign Using a Novel Three-Drug Regimen on Lymphatic Filariasis Antigenemia — American Samoa, 2019

There has been progress in eliminating lymphatic filariasis in American Samoa, but success will depend on continuing recommended control activities in the territory. These activities include mass drug administration. American Samoa is the only United States territory with ongoing transmission of lymphatic filariasis (LF), a debilitating parasitic disease. Seven years of mass drug administration (MDA) in American Samoa from 2000–2006 successfully reduced LF to low levels. However, LF levels rebounded and MDA was resumed in 2018 using a novel World Health Organization-recommended three-drug regimen. To determine the impact of the three-drug MDA campaign, the American Samoa Department of Health conducted a population-representative survey from July through August 2019 in which participants were invited to complete a questionnaire and provide a blood sample. The survey showed that LF levels have declined following MDA, but that transmission may be ongoing. It is recommended that American Samoa continue LF control activities including MDA.

• Cancer and Heart Disease Death Rates Among Men and Women Aged 45–64 Years — United States, 1999–2018

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