MMWR News Synopsis

Articles

Routine Vaccination Coverage — Worldwide, 2020

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Global immunization coverage, a marker of progress toward protecting children against preventable diseases and reducing vaccine inequities, fell to rates not seen in over a decade. After stagnating from 2010-2019, global immunization coverage for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis-containing vaccine (DTP) declined in 2020 to the lowest rates recorded in over a decade, likely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Worldwide, 22.7 million children missed their third DTP dose. The number of “zero-dose” children, infants who do not receive the first DTP vaccine within the first year of life, increased by 3.5 million from 2019 to 2020. Of the 17.1 million zero-dose children, almost two-thirds (65%) lived in just 10 countries. Coverage for Haemophilus Influenzae type b, measles and rubella-containing vaccine, polio, hepatitis B, and HPV vaccines also declined. Swift and tailored strategies are needed to recover from immunization program interruptions, reach and vaccinate missed children, and prevent outbreaks of dangerous, vaccine-preventable diseases.

Cake Decorating Luster Dust Associated with Toxic Metal Poisonings — Rhode Island and Missouri, 2018–2019

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During 2018–2019, two states investigated heavy metal poisonings associated with commercially and home-prepared cakes decorated with “luster dust.” Certain nonedible luster dusts used on cake frosting were found to contain high levels of copper, lead, and other metals. Only luster dusts labeled “edible” that provide a list of ingredients should be eaten. Bakeries and home bakers use decorative glitters and dusts, also known as “luster dusts,” to decorate cakes, other baked goods, and candies. Some luster dusts are made for use on foods and can be safely eaten. They are typically marked “edible” on the label. But some luster dusts are NOT safe to eat; they are only meant for use on decorations removed before eating. These luster dusts might be labeled “nontoxic” or “for decorative purposes only.” During 2018–2019, the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services investigated cases of metal poisonings associated with commercially and home-prepared cakes decorated with luster dust. Cases were associated with copper ingestion and elevated blood lead levels. Some luster dust products used in cake frosting contained high levels of multiple metals. Only luster dusts labeled “edible” that provide a list of ingredients should be eaten. Public health departments should be aware of this threat and help spread the word to the public and bakeries to prevent unintentional poisonings.

Current Marijuana Use and Alcohol Consumption Among Adults Following the Legalization of Nonmedical Retail Marijuana Sales — Colorado, 2015–2019

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A study of Colorado adults found that those who binge drank were significantly more likely to use marijuana than adults who do not binge drink. A new study found that following the legalization of nonmedical marijuana in Colorado on January 1, 2014, 1 in 3 Colorado adults who binge drank used marijuana compared with 1 in 10 nondrinkers during 2015–2019. Effective prevention strategies to reduce excessive alcohol and tobacco use and related harms include increasing price and reducing access to alcohol and tobacco. Similar strategies of limiting availability and increasing prices of marijuana (in states where marijuana sale and use is legal) might also be effective for reducing marijuana use and its potential harms.

Update of the Blood Lead Reference Value — United States, 2021

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This report provides an update to the population-based blood lead reference value to help identify children with blood lead levels at or above 3.5 ug/dL and guide follow-up actions. CDC is updating the population-based blood lead reference value (BLRV) to 3.5 µg/dL. Scientific evidence suggests that there is no known safe blood lead level (BLL), as even small amounts of lead can be harmful to a child’s developing brain. The reference value should be used to identify children with a higher level of lead in their blood compared to most U.S. children and help guide follow-up actions for children exposed to lead. The update reflects the overall decline in childhood blood lead levels and provides an opportunity for additional progress in addressing longstanding disparities in lead exposure and blood lead levels in children. The updated reference value empowers partners to act earlier to identify and mitigate exposures for children with lower blood lead levels. CDC encourages adoption by state and local health departments, health care providers, clinical laboratories, and others.

Severity of Disease Among Adults Hospitalized with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 Before and During the Period of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Predominance — COVID-NET, 14 States, January–August 2021

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COVID-19 Vaccination and Non-COVID-19 Mortality Risk — Seven Integrated Health Care Organizations, United States, December 14, 2020–July 31, 2021

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• Percentage of Adults Who Received Any Mental Health Treatment in the Past 12 Months, by Age Group and Year — National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2019–2020

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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.