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Historically, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations have suffered excess morbidity and mortality from influenza. We investigated the risk factors for death from 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) in persons residing in five states with substantial AI/AN populations. We conducted a case-control investigation using pandemic influenza fatalities from 2009 in Alaska, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Wyoming. Controls were outpatients with influenza. We reviewed medical records and interviewed case proxies and controls. We used multiple imputation to predict missing data and multivariable conditional logistic regression to determine risk factors. We included 145 fatal cases and 236 controls; 22% of cases were AI/AN. Risk factors (P < 0·05) included: older age [adjusted matched odds ratio (mOR) 3·2, for >45 years vs. <18 years], pre-existing medical conditions (mOR 7·1), smoking (mOR 3·0), delayed receipt of antivirals (mOR 6·5), and barriers to healthcare access (mOR 5·3). AI/AN race was not significantly associated with death. The increased influenza mortality in AI/AN individuals was due to factors other than racial status. Prevention of influenza deaths should focus on modifiable factors (smoking, early antiviral use, access to care) and identifying high-risk persons for immunization and prompt medical attention. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Discusses the results of the investigations on cases of eastern equine encephalitis virus disease in New Hampshire and Massachusetts from August to September 2005. Number of cases of eastern equine encephalitis virus disease in New Hampshire and Massachusetts; Information on how the disease is transmitted; Findings of the test on the mosquito pools in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

The article presents an update on the detection, transmission and control of the West Nile virus (WNV) in the U.S. as of December 2005. The number of cases of WNV disease in humans reportedly increased in the U.S. Statistical data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding WNV human infection are presented. Surveillance data on WNV-infected animals are provided.

The article discusses West Nile Virus (WNV), which is a cause of arboviral encephalitis in the United States. WNV activity during January 1-December 1, 2005 included WNV neuroinvasive disease (WNND). Demographic data indicates there were outbreaks of WWND and WNV disease in California, Illinois, Texas, Louisiana, South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and the New York City metropolitan area. The CDC editorial note focuses on the endemic transmission of WNV in people and animals, as well as the effectiveness of the ArboNET surveillance system in detecting increased transmission of the virus.