Page images
PDF
EPUB
[merged small][graphic][subsumed][ocr errors][subsumed][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][subsumed]

A total of 750 cases of legionellosis were reported to CDC in 1984. Reported cases occurred more commonly in northern and midwestern states, and less commonly in southern states.

Legionellosis may be difficult to diagnose, and underreporting probably occurs. Thus, it is not known whether the reported incidence accurately reflects the true endemic incidence in this country.

[blocks in formation]

Of the 290 cases of leprosy reported in 1984, 258 were imported. The reported occurrence of indigenously acquired leprosy has remained constant since 1970, with approximately 30 cases reported each year. The increase in the total number of reported cases is due entirely to a rise in the number of foreign-acquired cases rather than in indigenous cases. The sharp increase in reported cases in the period 1976-1981 corresponds with the influx of Southeast Asian refugees.

LEPTOSPIROSIS - Cases, by year, United States, 1955-1984

[blocks in formation]

For 1984, 40 cases of leptospirosis were reported. Although leptospirosis is usually considered an occupational disease, most reported cases are acquired during avocational activities. Exposure to multiple potential sources of infection is common, but the most probable sources of infection are water, livestock, and domestic pets. The peak in 1964 reflects large, waterrelated outbreaks involving a total of 76 persons.

[blocks in formation]

The declining trend in reported cases of malaria from 1980 through 1983 has been reversed. In 1984 there was an 11% increase in cases among U.S. citizens and a 35% increase in cases among foreign-born civilians who had acquired the infection before entering the United States. The increased incidence in U.S. citizens was due to a greater number of infections imported from Nigeria, Mexico, and New Guinea, whereas the increase among foreign-born civilians was caused by infections acquired in Mexico and Central America. Only one case, a congenital infection, was acquired in the United States.

MEASLES (Rubeola) — Cases, by year, United States, 1950-1984

[blocks in formation]

1950 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80

YEAR

82 84

In 1984, a total of 2,587 cases of measles were reported, for a rate of 1.0 cases/100,000 population. Although the reported occurrence is a 72.8% increase over the record low number of cases reported in 1983, it still represents a 99.5% reduction from the prevaccine era, when an annual average of 525,730 cases were reported in the years 1950-1962.

These dramatic reductions in measles incidence followed the Childhood Immunization Initiative, which began in 1977, and the Measles Elimination Program, which began in 1978. The declines have occurred in all age groups. Since the 1980-1981 school year, over 95% of entering schoolchildren have provided evidence of immunity to measles (live measles vaccine on or after the first birthday or physician-diagnosed measles). The high immunization levels are due in part to strict enforcement of state school immunization laws.

« PreviousContinue »