Health Highlights: Dec. 20, 2007

From 1999 to 2004, accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning killed an average of 439 people a year in the United States, says a study in the latestMorbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CO is a colorless, odorless, tasteless toxic gas produced by devices such as natural gas-powered furnaces and portable generators. Many people overlook or aren't aware of symptoms of CO poisoning, including headache, nausea, dizziness and confusion.

From 1999 to 2004, there were a total of 2,631 unintentional, non-fire-related CO deaths in the nation, for an annual average age-adjusted death rate of 1.5 deaths per one million people. Those most likely to die this way included adults over age 65 (628), men (1,958), non-Hispanic whites (1,941), and non-Hispanic blacks (305).

Most of the deaths occurred in January and, among states, Nebraska had the highest CO-related death rate.

The report also noted that unintentional CO exposure causes about 15,000 emergency department visits a year in the U.S.

The authors called for increased public education, especially during the winter heating season, to help prevent deaths from CO poisoning. They also recommended establishment of a national surveillance system to monitor CO-related health outcomes. This information could help target public prevention efforts and reduce CO-related injury and death.

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African Nations Facing Major Meningitis Outbreak: Red Cross

Fourteen African countries may be on the verge of the worst meningitis outbreak in a decade, Red Cross officials warned Thursday. The first indications of an epidemic could appear in February or March.

In preparation, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is starting meningitis prevention programs in those countries,Agence France-Pressereported. These efforts include a four-month awareness campaign, and training about 25,000 volunteers in community-based first aid.

Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes that cover the central nervous system. Some forms are mild and resolve on their own, but other forms are deadly,AFPreported.

"Meningococcal meningitis is one of the most feared epidemic diseases in Africa because of its rapid onset, high fatality rates and long-term impacts such as brain damage and deafness affecting many survivors," said Jari Vainio, senior Red Cross public health officer.