A substantial number of influenza-associated deaths occurred among U.S. children during the 2003-2004 influenza season. High priority should be given to improvements in influenza-vaccine coverage and improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of influenza to reduce childhood mortality from influenza.

In 2002, a sharp increase in outbreaks of norovirus-associated illness, both on cruise ships and on land, encouraged us to examine the molecular epidemiology of detected noroviruses, to identify a common strain or source. Of 14 laboratory-confirmed outbreaks on cruise ships, 12 (86%) were attributed to caliciviruses; among these 12, outbreak characteristics included continuation on successive cruises in 6 (50%), multiple modes of transmission in 7 (58%), and high (>10%) attack rates in 7 (58%). Eleven of the 12 calicivirus outbreaks were attributed to noroviruses, 7 (64%) of which were attributed to a previously unreported lineage, provisionally named "the Farmington Hills strain." From May 2002 to December 2002, 10 (45%) of 22 land-based outbreaks also were attributed to this strain. Nucleotide-sequence analysis provided insights into norovirus transmission, by documenting links among outbreaks, the introduction of strains onto ships, and viral persistence on board (despite cleaning). Control measures for outbreaks should address all routes of transmission. Better outbreak surveillance and collection of data on sequences will help to monitor norovirus strains and to identify common sources.

OBJECTIVE-To assess the knowledge and use of infection control practices (ICPs) among US veterinarians. DESIGN-Anonymous mail-out population survey. PROCEDURES-In 2005 a questionnaire was mailed to US small animal, large animal, and equine veterinarians who were randomly selected from the AVMA membership to assess precaution awareness (PA) and veterinarians' perceptions of zoonotic disease risks. Respondents were assigned a PA score (0 to 4) on the basis of their responses (higher scores representing higher stringency of ICPs); within a practice type, respondents' scores were categorized as being within the upper 25% or lower 75% of scores (high and low PA ranking, respectively). Characteristics associated with low PA rankings were assessed. RESULTS-Generally, respondents did not engage in protective behaviors or use personal protective equipment considered appropriate to protect against zoonotic disease transmission. Small animal and equine veterinarians employed in practices that had no written infection control policy were significantly more likely to have low PA ranking. Male gender was associated with low PA ranking among small animal and large animal veterinarians; equine practitioners not working in a teaching or referral hospital were more likely to have low PA ranking than equine practitioners working in such institutions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Results indicated that most US veterinarians are not aware of appropriate personal protective equipment use and do not engage in practices that may help reduce zoonotic disease transmission. Gender differences may influence personal choices for ICPs. Provision of information and training on ICPs and establishment of written infection control policies could be effective means of improving ICPs in veterinary practices.

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Within each of 4 outbreaks of S. Typhimurium among humans and animals at companion animal care facilities, isolates were identical or nearly identical.

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Life span study report 11. Part 1. Comparison of risk coefficients for site-specific cancer mortality based on the DS86 and T65DR shielded Kerma and Organ doses. Radiation Effects Research Foundation Technical Report Series 1987;