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The preliminary findings among participants in the WTC Worker & Volunteer Medical Screening Program indicate high rates of WTC-related, persistent upper and lower respiratory effects, as well as persistent psychological effects, pointing to the need for comprehensive programs for the protection and medical monitoring of workers participating in disaster response teams. Such workers may include traditional first responders, such as policemen and firemen, as well as nontraditional responders, such as construction and utility workers.
PRESS CONTACT: |
A study of World Trade Center (WTC) rescue and recovery workers and volunteers (non-FDNY) funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and carried out by the Mount Sinai School of Medicine found new or worsened respiratory health effects and signs of mental health effects. Sixty percent of participants had experienced new onset or worsened preexisting lower respiratory symptoms while engaged in WTC response work, and 74 percent had new or worsened upper respiratory symptoms. Participants also reported high rates of musculoskeletal symptoms. Of those who participated, 51 percent met criteria for referral for evaluation by a mental health professional. Only 3 percent reported accessing mental health services before participating in the screening program. These preliminary findings suggest the need for longer-term medical monitoring and treatment programs for this population, which included traditional first responders, such as policemen, as well as nontraditional responders, such as construction and utility workers.
The preliminary findings among participants in the WTC Worker & Volunteer Medical Screening Program indicate high rates of WTC-related, persistent upper and lower respiratory effects, as well as persistent psychological effects, pointing to the need for comprehensive programs for the protection and medical monitoring of workers participating in disaster response teams. Such workers may include traditional first responders, such as policemen and firemen, as well as nontraditional responders, such as construction and utility workers.
PRESS CONTACT: |
A study of World Trade Center (WTC) rescue and recovery workers and volunteers (non-FDNY) funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and carried out by the Mount Sinai School of Medicine found new or worsened respiratory health effects and signs of mental health effects. Sixty percent of participants had experienced new onset or worsened preexisting lower respiratory symptoms while engaged in WTC response work, and 74 percent had new or worsened upper respiratory symptoms. Participants also reported high rates of musculoskeletal symptoms. Of those who participated, 51 percent met criteria for referral for evaluation by a mental health professional. Only 3 percent reported accessing mental health services before participating in the screening program. These preliminary findings suggest the need for longer-term medical monitoring and treatment programs for this population, which included traditional first responders, such as policemen, as well as nontraditional responders, such as construction and utility workers.
Preliminary analysis of data from World Trade Center evacuees suggests that improved preparedness at the individual, organizational, and building environment levels can facilitate evacuation of high-rise buildings.
PRESS CONTACT: |
This analysis, conducted by the Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, found that evacuees lacked familiarity with the building's safety features, including evacuation routes. Evacuees also reported insufficient workplace evacuation plans and training. Structural barriers such as heavy congestion and debris and lack of backup communications systems also impacted evacuation.
A recent cluster of acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage in the Boston area appears to be possibly associated with acquired or genetic von Willebrand disease in interaction with other unknown environmental and/or infectious factors.
PRESS CONTACT: |
An apparent cluster of acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage occurred among four children in the Boston area. Hematologic tests confirmed or suggested a diagnosis of acquired or genetic von Willebrand disease in three of the four children, and this may be an important factor in interaction with environmental and/or infectious factors. Although fungal spore counts in the homes were observed at concentrations that may be associated with an increased risk of lower respiratory illness, the counts of Stachybotrys chartarum spores were very low, thus toxic and other non-allergic health effects hypothesized to occur with exposure to S. chartarum appear unlikely to have been a factor in this cluster.
Available evidence suggests that Egypt is closer than ever to interrupting transmission of wild poliovirus, however very high OPV coverage is required to definitively interrupt transmission. The highest levels of commitment and support of the Egyptian government and its partners is critical to achieving this goal.
PRESS CONTACT: |
Polio remains endemic in only six countries globally, of which Egypt is one. Egypt has made substantial progress towards polio eradication; only one of three types of wild poliovirus, type 1, has been detected in Egypt since December 2000. Ongoing improvements in the quality and increased frequency of supplemental immunization activities have reduced transmission of wild poliovirus type 1 during 2003 and 2004, with cases decreasing from 7 in 2002 to one in 2003, and one in 2004 (data as of June 2004). Data suggests that Egypt is closer than ever to interrupting transmission of wild poliovirus. However, very high OPV coverage must be sustained and the strong commitment and support of the Egyptian government and its partners maintained to definitively achieve the eradication goal.
| PRESS CONTACT: Division of Media Relations CDC, Office of Communications (404) 639-3286 |
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Contact Us This page last reviewed September 9, 2004 Centers for
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