MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report
-
MMWR Morb. Mortal. Wkly. Rep. · Oct 2003
Measles epidemic attributed to inadequate vaccination coverage--Campania, Italy, 2002.
In Italy, measles has been a mandatory reportable disease for >100 years. During the prevaccination era, approximately 25,000-90,000 cases were reported annually. During the late 1980s and 1990s, incidence declined with increasing measles vaccination coverage, but measles epidemics continued to occur periodically, most recently during 1995-1997. ⋯ Regional health authorities and the National Institute of Health investigated the measles outbreak in Campania. This report summarizes the preliminary results of the investigation, which attributed the epidemic to inadequate vaccination coverage. A coordinated effort is needed to interrupt measles transmission in Italy.
-
MMWR Morb. Mortal. Wkly. Rep. · Oct 2003
Infant health among Puerto Ricans--Puerto Rico and U.S. mainland, 1989-2000.
Although the overall U. S. infant mortality rate (IMR) declined dramatically during the 1900s, striking racial/ethnic disparities in infant mortality remain. Infant health disparities associated with maternal place of birth also exist within some racial/ethnic populations. ⋯ The findings indicate that despite having lower prevalence of selected maternal risk factors, Puerto Rico-born infants are at greater risk for LBW, PTD, and infant death than mainland-born Puerto Rican infants. This report also highlights a persistent disparity in IMRs and an emerging disparity in LBW and PTD rates between Puerto Rico-born infants and mainland-born Puerto Rican infants. Future research should focus on identifying factors responsible for these disparities to improve infant health in Puerto Rico.