Notice to Readers: Final MMWR Issue Including Table III Data

Area of Science:

• Public Health Surveillance
• Epidemiology
• Mortality Statistics

Background:

• The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) has historically published data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Mortality Surveillance System.
• Table III of the Notifiable Disease and Mortality Tables specifically reported deaths from pneumonia and influenza, alongside all-cause mortality, by U.S. region and state.

Discussion:

• The January 6, 2017 issue represents the final publication of NCHS Mortality Surveillance System data within the MMWR's Notifiable Disease and Mortality Tables.
• This discontinuation signifies a shift in how national mortality data, particularly concerning infectious diseases like pneumonia and influenza, will be disseminated.

Key Insights:

• The cessation of NCHS data in MMWR Table III impacts the accessibility of timely mortality trends for key public health indicators.
• Users relying on this specific MMWR table for pneumonia and influenza mortality data will need to identify alternative sources.

Outlook:

• Future public health surveillance strategies may involve integrated data systems or different reporting platforms for mortality trends.
• The NCHS will likely continue to provide vital statistics through other established channels, requiring adaptation by researchers and public health professionals.