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We report a case of ocular vaccinia infection in an unvaccinated laboratory worker. The patient was infected by a unique strain used in an experiment performed partly outside a biosafety cabinet. Vaccination should continue to be recommended, but laboratories with unvaccinated workers should also implement more stringent biosafety practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines cases of infectious syphilis among young adult men and adolescents in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Miami-Fort Lauderdale and New York City. The study used the records of male infectious syphilis cases registered at the public health authorities in which increase of reported cases were attributed to those men who have sex with men. The study indicates that young African American males were determined as a risk group in terms of syphilis in the areas.

Background: Recent cases of laboratory-acquired vaccinia virus (VV) infection highlight the need for laboratory safety., Aims: To determine laboratory worker adherence to the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices smallpox vaccination recommendations, assess potential barriers to vaccination and determine the influence of training on laboratory worker attitudes., Methods: Ninety-two laboratory workers in Pennsylvania were contacted and asked to complete an online survey about VV usage; 45 responded., Results: Eighty-seven per cent had received a smallpox vaccination in their lifetime; 73% received vaccination in the past 10 years. More workers had been given training regarding the potential risks, versus the potential benefits of vaccination, and most perceived that adverse outcomes were more likely to occur following vaccination versus accidental infection., Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the main barrier to vaccination may be fear associated with possible vaccine adverse effects and a willingness to risk accidental infection rather than be vaccinated. More information and training about the potential benefits of vaccination, as well as the potential adverse outcomes associated with accidental infection, is therefore warranted.