Synopsis for July 9, 2004

The MMWR is embargoed until Thursday, 12 PM EDT.

1. Trends in Primary and Secondary Syphilis and HIV Infections in Men Who Have Sex with Men ― San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, 1998-2002
2. Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance ― United States, 2002
3. Lead Poisoning Associated with Ayuredic Medications ― Five States, 2000-2003
4. Childhood Lead Poisoning from Commercially Manufactured French Ceramic Dinnerware ― New York City, 2003
5. West Nile Virus Activity ― United States, June 30-July 6, 2004

Synopsis for July 9, 2004

Trends in Primary and Secondary Syphilis and HIV Infections in Men Who Have Sex with Men ― San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, 1998-2002

According to a study released today by the CDC, recent increases in syphilis cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) in San Francisco and Los Angeles have not had a substantial impact on rates of new HIV infection in that population.

In San Francisco, researchers estimated that overall HIV incidence among MSM at large HIV testing sites declined slightly from 1999 to 2002, despite a 20-fold increase in syphilis cases citywide in the same period. Similarly, in Los Angeles, the percentage of MSM who were newly diagnosed with HIV at local testing sites decreased from 4.8 percent to 4.1 percent between 1998 and 2002, even though syphilis cases rose more than 40-fold between 2000 and 2002. According to the study authors, syphilis increases have not affected overall HIV incidence among MSM because more than half of recent MSM syphilis cases were among men with long-standing HIV infection. The remaining HIV negative men acquiring early syphilis are a small percentage of MSM at risk for HIV. However, authors point out that if outbreaks of syphilis continue unabated, HIV incidence among MSM may increase.

Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance ― United States, 2002

No summary available.

Lead Poisoning Associated with Ayuredic Medications ― Five States, 2000-2003

Traditional or folk medications may contain lead, which can cause adverse health effects, especially to pregnant women and young children.

This report summarizes 12 cases of lead poisoning in adults who used ayurvedic medicines or remedies; ayurvedic medicine is a traditional form of medicine practiced in India and other South Asian countries. The report warns that products from countries where the use of lead is more common may contain dangerous levels of lead. The lead-poisoned adults reported that they were using ayurvedic medications from India to treat conditions such as infertility, diabetes and arthritis. Each of the individuals was found to have very high blood lead levels, and no other residential or occupational lead sources were identified. The individuals reported from five different U.S. states – New Hampshire, California, Massachusetts, New York and Texas – experienced symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, continuous vomiting, diarrhea and anemia. Most adult lead poisoning cases are due to workplace exposures, but this report points out that traditional or folk medications may contain lead, which can cause adverse health effects, especially to pregnant women and young children. Young children and fetuses of pregnant women are at added risk for the toxic effects of lead, particularly because of the use of these products to treat infertility. Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should avoid products that could contain lead.

Childhood Lead Poisoning from Commercially Manufactured French Ceramic Dinnerware ― New York City, 2003

When investigating lead poisonings, it is critical to first explore the most common sources of lead exposure (e.g., occupational exposures or lead-based paint); when these sources are ruled out, other sources should be investigated. Traditionally, more concern has been raised about the presence of lead glazes in ‘homemade’ ceramics than in manufactured dinnerware. The case described in this report illustrates how imported, manufactured dinnerware should be considered as potential sources of lead exposure.

In 2003, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (LPPP) and the Mount Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) investigated a case of lead poisoning in a boy aged 20 months. This report summarizes the case investigation, which identified commercially manufactured European ceramic dinnerware as the source of lead exposure. The child was home full time and had consumed all meals and beverages using the dinnerware set. Children’s risk of such exposures is compounded by their diets, especially their frequent consumption of acidic juices (e.g., orange and apple juices) that promote leaching of lead from ceramics. This case underscores the unique susceptibility of children to a toxic exposure associated with 1) the high proportion of time spent in the home and 2) dietary habits that promote exposure to lead leached from ceramic ware.

West Nile Virus Activity ― United States, June 30-July 6, 2004

No summary available.

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