Researchers investigated a 1992 outbreak of viral meningitis in a child care center, finding that handwashing reduced the risk of infection. Changing diapers was a key factor, with women who changed more diapers being at higher risk, while men were less likely to get infected if they washed their hands after changing diapers.
The study found that the percentage of American Indian/Alaska Native children with asthma symptoms is similar to that of all US children. The authors highlight the need for updated research due to increasing rates of asthma prevalence and severity in the country, which are strongly associated with poverty.
This issue of Public Health Reports features articles on occupational pesticide poisoning, an outbreak of Echovirus 30 infections among child care center staff and parents, and the prevalence of asthma among American Indian and Alaska Native children. The journal also includes viewpoints on Medicaid managed care and public health data,...