MMWR. Surveillance summaries : Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Surveillance summaries
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Data from a population-based, multisite surveillance network were used to determine the prevalence of children aged 8 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in six areas of the United States and to describe the characteristics of these children. ⋯ Collecting data regarding prevalence of ASDs by associated characteristics (e.g., cognitive impairment, age of first documented concerns, and history of ASD diagnosis), race/ethnicity, and sex will provide important baseline standards that can be compared with follow-up surveillance data to track changes in ASD prevalence. Knowledge of these characteristics has implications for identification and intervention strategies and for medical and educational service planning for children with ASDs.
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Data from a population-based, multisite surveillance network were used to determine the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) among children aged 8 years in 14 areas of the United States and to describe the characteristics of these children. ⋯ These ASD prevalence data provide the most complete information on the prevalence of the ASDs in the United States to date. The data confirm that ASD prevalence is a continuing urgent public health concern affecting an approximate average of one child in every 150 and that efforts are needed to improve early identification of ASDs.
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Since 1973, CDC has maintained a collaborative surveillance program for collection and periodic reporting of data on the occurrence and causes of foodborne-disease outbreaks (FBDOs) in the United States. ⋯ Methods to detect FBDOs are improving, and several changes to improve the ease and timeliness of reporting FBDO data have been implemented (e.g., a revised form to simplify FBDO reporting by state health departments and improved electronic reporting methods). State and local health departments continue to investigate and report FBDOs as part of efforts to better understand and define the epidemiology of foodborne disease in the United States. At the regional and national levels, surveillance data provide an indication of the etiologic agents, vehicles of transmission, and contributing factors associated with FBDOs and help direct public health actions to reduce illness and death caused by FBDOs.
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Certain modifiable maternal behaviors and experiences before, during, and after pregnancy are associated with adverse health outcomes for the mother and her infant (e.g., physical abuse, insufficient folic acid consumption, smoking during pregnancy, and improper infant sleep position). Information about these behaviors and experiences is needed to monitor trends in maternal and infant health, enhance understanding of the relation between maternal behaviors and infant health outcomes, plan and evaluate maternal and infant health programs, direct policy decisions, and monitor progress toward achieving the national Healthy People 2010 [HP 2010] objectives (US Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy people 2010. 2nd ed. With understanding and improving health and objectives for improving health [2 vols.]. Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2000). ⋯ State maternal and child health programs can use these state- and population-based data to monitor progress toward achieving HP 2010 objectives, identify indicators to target for intervention, and plan and evaluate programs that promote positive maternal and infant health behaviors, experiences, and outcomes. These data also can be used to guide policy decisions that could affect the health of mothers and infants.
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Continuous monitoring of behaviors that increase the risk for chronic diseases and use of preventive practices are essential for the development, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion programs and policies, and other intervention strategies to prevent morbidity and mortality. Data from states/territories, selected metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas (MMSAs), and counties provide the impetus for policymakers and other stakeholders to develop and promote the improvement of their community's overall health status. ⋯ Data from BRFSS are essential for monitoring prevalence of high-risk health behaviors, specific diseases, and use of preventive health services; dictating the design, focus, implementation, and evaluation of prevention health programs and strategies; and monitoring progress toward obtaining local, state, and national health objectives. Data from the 2004 BRFSS indicate a continual necessity to initiate and implement health promotion strategies for identifying specific health risk behaviors and practices and for assessing progress toward achieving disease prevention and health promotion objectives at state and local levels throughout the United States.