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The article discusses the implementation of newborn hepatitis B vaccination. The World Health Organization (WHO) had set a goal for all countries to include hepatitis B (HepB) vaccination in routine infant immunization programs by 1997. Data from the Joint Reporting Form used by WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) were examined. 42% of WHO member states reported that the HepB vaccine was included in the infant immunization schedule. Global and regional HepB vaccine coverage were calculated from Joint Reporting Form figures and estimates of the number of live births. An editorial note from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which addresses perinatal hepatitis B virus transmission and the limitations of the findings is included.

Reports on the investigation of bioterrorism-related anthrax and the provision of antimicrobial prophylaxis to exposed persons and the assistance given by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention to other countries investigating similar cases. Specific recommendations for the use of antimicrobial prophylaxis; Increase in the number of countries requesting for assistance.

Presents a report to update the investigation of bioterrorism-related anthrax and the provision of antimicrobial prophylaxis to exposed persons, and highlights the assistance of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to other countries investigating causes of bioterrorism-related anthrax. How a 60-day course of antibiotics has been recommended to persons who may be potentially exposed; How the CDC has assisted other countries; Editorial note from the CDC.

Presents a case of air travel-associated meningococcal disease, or neisseria meningitidis, and guidelines for the management of persons potentially exposed to meningococcus during air travel. Details of the case report; Surveillance system employed by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Note from the CDC that chemoprophylaxis is the primary means of prevention of secondary cases of meningococcal disease.