MMWR News Synopsis for November 24, 2017

MMWR News Synopsis for November 24, 2017

Smoke-Free Policies in the World’s 50 Busiest Airports – August 2017

CDC Media Relations
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Smoke-free policies issued by national, city, or airport authorities can protect employees and travelers from secondhand smoke inside airports. The U.S. Surgeon General has concluded that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Previous CDC reports on airport smoke-free policies found that most large-hub airports in the United States prohibit smoking; however, the extent of smoke-free policies at airports globally has not been assessed. The findings from this study show that among the world’s 50 busiest airports, nearly half – including five of the 10 busiest airports – completely prohibit smoking indoors. The remaining 27 airports continue to allow smoking in designated smoking areas. The 2006 Surgeon General’s report states that eliminating smoking in all indoor spaces is the only way to fully protect nonsmokers from involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke.

CDC Grand Rounds: Improving the Lives of Persons with Sickle Cell Disease

CDC Media Relations
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Researchers, clinicians, and the sickle cell disease (SCD) community have made advances in understanding, treating, and preventing SCD, yet challenges in managing and treating SCD continue. Approximately 100,000 Americans have SCD, a genetic red-blood-cell disorder that causes pain, organ damage and other serious health complications. This article recognizes previous advances in understanding, treating, and preventing SCD and identifies current challenges.

Public Health Economic Burden Associated with Two Single Measles Case Investigations — Colorado, 2016–2017

CDC Media Relations
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Even a single measles case is expensive and burdensome to public health agencies. Measles can be prevented by a safe and effective vaccine. Measles outbreaks in the United States occur after introduction from international travelers and can be amplified in undervaccinated communities. Effective interruption of transmission requires timely case investigation. The Tri-County Health Department in the metropolitan Denver area assessed the total economic burden of two measles case investigations. Each case exposed hundreds of people, prompting a complex and coordinated response by multiple public health agencies. Public health costs of disease investigation in the first and second case were an estimated $49,769 and $15,573, respectively. Single measles cases prompted extensive public health action and were costly and resource intensive for local public health agencies.

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