scholarly journals The dynamic landscape of bat borne zoonotic viruses in Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Kim Halpin ◽  
David N Durrheim
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Reservoir Host ◽  
Hendra Virus ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
High Profile ◽  
Zoonotic Viruses ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Dynamic Landscape ◽  
Australian Bat Lyssavirus

This review discusses the history, epidemiology, diagnostics, clinical presentation in humans, as well as control and prevention measures, of the high-profile viruses Hendra virus (HeV) and Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV). Since the discovery of HeV and ABLV in the 1990s, these viruses have only caused disease in areas where spill-over hosts, including humans, encounter the reservoir host.

scholarly journals Survey of Saliva Components and Virus Sensors for Prevention of COVID-19 and Infectious Diseases

Biosensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Priya Dave ◽  
Roberto Rojas-Cessa ◽  
Ziqian Dong ◽  
Vatcharapan Umpaichitra
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
The United States ◽  
Human Saliva ◽  
Field Application ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Close Distance

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers saliva contact the lead transmission mean of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Saliva droplets or aerosols expelled by sneezing, coughing, breathing, and talking may carry this virus. People in close distance may be exposed directly to these droplets or indirectly when touching the droplets that fall on surrounding surfaces and ending up contracting COVID-19 after touching the mucosa tissue of their faces. It is of great interest to quickly and effectively detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in an environment, but the existing methods only work in laboratory settings, to the best of our knowledge. However, it may be possible to detect the presence of saliva in the environment and proceed with prevention measures. However, detecting saliva itself has not been documented in the literature. On the other hand, many sensors that detect different organic components in saliva to monitor a person’s health and diagnose different diseases, ranging from diabetes to dental health, have been proposed and they may be used to detect the presence of saliva. This paper surveys sensors that detect organic and inorganic components of human saliva. Humidity sensors are also considered in the detection of saliva because a large portion of saliva is water. Moreover, sensors that detect infectious viruses are also included as they may also be embedded into saliva sensors for a confirmation of the presence of the virus. A classification of sensors by their working principles and the substances they detect is presented, including the sensors’ specifications, sample size, and sensitivity. Indications of which sensors are portable and suitable for field application are presented. This paper also discusses future research and challenges that must be resolved to realize practical saliva sensors. Such sensors may help minimize the spread of not only COVID-19 but also other infectious diseases.

scholarly journals Cutaneous anthrax outbreak associated with handling dead animals, Rhino Camp sub-county: Arua District, Uganda, January–May 2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian Ntono ◽  
Daniel Eurien ◽  
Lilian Bulage ◽  
Daniel Kadobera ◽  
Julie Harris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Suspected Case ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Multiple Exposures ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Cutaneous Anthrax

Abstract Background On 18 January 2018 a 40 year old man presented with skin lesions at Rhino Camp Health Centre. A skin lesion swab was collected on 20 January 2018 and was confirmed by PCR at Uganda Virus Research Institute on 21 January 2018. Subsequently, about 9 persons were reported to have fallen ill after reporting contact with livestock that died suddenly. On 9 February 2018, Arua District notified Uganda Ministry of Health of a confirmed anthrax outbreak among humans in Rhino Camp sub-county. We investigated to determine the scope and mode of transmission and exposures associated with identified anthrax to guide control and prevention measures. Methods We defined a suspected cutaneous anthrax case as onset of skin lesions (e.g., papule, vesicle, or eschar) in a person residing in Rhino Camp sub-county, Arua District from 25 December 2017 to 31 May 2018. A confirmed case was a suspected case with PCR-positivity for Bacillus anthracis from a clinical sample. We identified cases by reviewing medical records at Rhino Camp Health Centre. We also conducted additional case searches in the affected community with support from Community Health Workers. In a retrospective cohort study, we interviewed all members of households in which at least one person had contact with the carcasses of or meat from animals suspected to have died of anthrax. We collected and tested hides of implicated animals using an anthrax rapid diagnostic test. Results We identified 14 case-patients (1 confirmed, 13 suspected); none died. Only males were affected (affected proportion: 12/10,000). Mean age of case-persons was 33 years (SD: 22). The outbreak lasted for 5 months, from January 2018–May 2018, peaking in February. Skinning (risk ratio = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1–6.7), dissecting (RR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.2–7.6), and carrying dead animals (RR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1–6.7) were associated with increased risk of illness, as were carrying dissected parts of animals (RR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.3–6.5) and preparing and cooking the meat (RR = 2.3, 95% CI 0.9–5.9). We found evidence of animal remains on pastureland. Conclusion Multiple exposures to the hides and meat of animals that died suddenly were associated with this cutaneous anthrax outbreak in Arua District. We recommended public education about safe disposal of carcasses of livestock that die suddenly.

scholarly journals Migrants’ Quarantine and COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: a Medico-anthropological View

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Di Meo ◽  
Enrico Bentivegna
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Patient Relationship ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Infection Control And Prevention

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic represents an important risk factor for migrants’ health. Paul Farmer highlighted the risk of global health response in emergency conditions exacerbating global and social inequalities. We argue that this is the case for quarantine ships and migrants’ management during the pandemic. Every aspect of infection-control and prevention measures acquires detention characteristics in these situations. With emphasis to the evolution of the doctor-patient relationship and to the anthropological and cultural aspects that were established during the pandemic, this article aims to provide an integrated view where physicians and anthropologists collaborate to deepen the understanding of the topic.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 screening prevalence in educational staff in Berlin, Germany, June-December 2020

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophia Kindzierski ◽  
Welmoed van Loon ◽  
Johanna Theuring ◽  
Franziska Hommes ◽  
Eberhard Thombansen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Occupational Hazards ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
School Settings ◽  
Occupational Risks ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Educational Staff ◽  
Infection Control And Prevention ◽  
Pandemic Wave

SARS-CoV-2 infections in childcare and school settings potentially bear occupational risks to educational staff. We analyzed data derived from voluntary, PCR-based screening of childcare educators and teachers attending five testing sites in Berlin, Germany, between June and December 2020. Within seven months, 17,491 tests were performed (4,458 educators, 13,033 teachers). Participants were largely female (72.9%), and median age was 41 years. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence was 1.2% (95%CI, 1.1-1.4%). Prevalence in educational staff largely resembled community incidence until the start of the second pandemic wave in mid-September 2020, when an unsteady prevalence plateau was reached. Then, infection prevalence in teachers (1.2% [95%CI, 0.8-1.8%]) did not significantly differ from the population prevalence (0.9% [0.6-1.4%]) but it was increased in educators (2.6% [1.6-4.0%]; aOR, 1.6 [1.3-2.0]). Irrespective of occupation, those that reported contact to a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 case outside of work had increased risk of infection (aOR, 3.0 [95%CI, 1.5-5.5]). In a step-wise backwards selection, the best set of associated factors with SARS-CoV-2 infection involved age, occupation, and calendar week. These results are in line with findings that teachers do not bear an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, while childcare educators do. Infection control and prevention measures need to be strengthened in child care settings to further reduce respective occupational hazards. At the same time, the private environment appears to be the main source of SARS-CoV-2 infection for educational staff.

scholarly journals Outbreak Medical Mapping and the U.S. Nickel Epidemic: It Is Time to Implement Control and Prevention Measures

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-37
Author(s):  
Nikoleta Brankov ◽  
Daniel Bergman ◽  
Alina Goldenberg ◽  
Sharon Jacob
Keyword(s):  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
The U.S

NA

Nipah and Hendra virus encephalitides

2020 ◽  
pp. 784-786
Author(s):  
C.T. Tan
Keyword(s):  
High Mortality ◽  
Human Disease ◽  
New Genus ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Hendra Virus ◽  
Fruit Bats ◽  
Acute Encephalitis ◽  
Zoonotic Viruses ◽  
Direct Spread

Nipah and Hendra are two related viruses of the Paramyxoviridae family that have their reservoir in large Pteropus fruit bats. Both viruses are two new zoonotic viruses that have emerged in recent years. Both are of the Paramyxoviridae family, sharing many similar characteristics. Because of their homology, a new genus called Henipavirus (Hendra + Nipah) was created for these two viruses. Human disease manifests most often as acute encephalitis, which can be late-onset or relapsing, or pneumonia, with high mortality. Transmission from bats to human includes direct spread from consumption of food contaminated by infected bat secretions, and contact with infected animals; human-to-human spread can also occur.

scholarly journals Prevalence, Intensity, and Correlates of Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections after Five Rounds of Preventive Chemotherapy among School Children in Southern Ethiopia

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 920 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tigist Dires Gebreyesus ◽  
Tafesse Tadele ◽  
Kalkidan Mekete ◽  
Abbie Barry ◽  
Habtamu Gashaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
School Children ◽  
Ascaris Lumbricoides ◽  
Drug Efficacy ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
Helminth Infections ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Significant Health

Preventive chemotherapy (PC) is a WHO-recommended strategy to control and eliminate schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). We assessed the prevalence, intensity, and correlates of schistosomiasis and STH infection after five rounds of PC in southern Ethiopia. A total of 3162 school children from four schools in Wondo Gennet and Hawella Tula districts were screened for Schistosoma mansoni and STHs infection. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 25.8% (range between schools 11.6% to 54.1%), with light (19.1%), moderate (5.3%), and heavy (1.4%) infection intensities. A total of 61.6% S. mansoni-infected children were STH co-infected. The overall prevalence of STHs infection was 54.7% (range between schools 30.6–71.0%), with moderate-to-heavy intensity infections being 16.3%. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent 45% (95% CI, 43.5–47) followed by Trichuris trichiura 25.3% (95% CI, 23.8–26.9) and hookworm 6.1% (95% CI, 5.3–7). A total of 33.7% of STHs-infected children had A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura co-infections. S. mansoni infection was significantly associated with school and STHs co-infection (p < 0.001). STH infection was correlated with school and younger age (p < 0.001). Despite repeated PC, S. mansoni and STH infection remain significant health problems, and the WHO target to control schistosomiasis and eliminate STH by 2020 may not be achieved. Intensified control and prevention measures, including drug efficacy surveillance, is recommended.

scholarly journals Outbreaks attributed to fresh leafy vegetables, United States, 1973–2012

2015 ◽  
Vol 143 (14) ◽  
pp. 3011-3021 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. M. HERMAN ◽  
A. J. HALL ◽  
L. H. GOULD
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Disease Control ◽  
Shiga Toxin ◽  
Federal Agencies ◽  
Local State ◽  
Leafy Vegetable ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
High Profile ◽  
Control And Prevention

SUMMARYLeafy vegetables are an essential component of a healthy diet; however, they have been associated with high-profile outbreaks causing severe illnesses. We reviewed leafy vegetable-associated outbreaks reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention between 1973 and 2012. During the study period, 606 leafy vegetable-associated outbreaks, with 20 003 associated illnesses, 1030 hospitalizations, and 19 deaths were reported. On average, leafy vegetable-associated outbreaks were larger than those attributed to other food types. The pathogens that most often caused leafy vegetable-associated outbreaks were norovirus (55% of outbreaks with confirmed aetiology), Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) (18%), and Salmonella (11%). Most outbreaks were attributed to food prepared in a restaurant or catering facility (85%). An ill food worker was implicated as the source of contamination in 31% of outbreaks. Efforts by local, state, and federal agencies to control leafy vegetable contamination and outbreaks should span from the point of harvest to the point of preparation.

scholarly journals Waterborne outbreak of gastroenteritis on the KwaZulu-Natal Coast, South Africa, December 2016/January 2017

2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (10) ◽  
pp. 1318-1325 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. G. Sekwadi ◽  
K. G. Ravhuhali ◽  
A. Mosam ◽  
V. Essel ◽  
G. M. Ntshoe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Waterborne Outbreak ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Sewage Contamination ◽  
Contamination Event ◽  
Stool Specimens ◽  
Record Review ◽  
Control Study

AbstractAn unexpected increase in gastroenteritis cases was reported by healthcare workers on the KwaZulu-Natal Coast, South Africa, January 2017 with >600 cases seen over a 3-week period. A case–control study was conducted to identify the source and risk factors associated with the outbreak so as to recommend control and prevention measures. Record review identified cases and controls and structured-telephonic interviews were conducted to obtain exposure history. Stool specimens were collected from 20 cases along with environmental samples and both screened for enteric pathogens. A total of 126 cases and 62 controls were included in the analysis. The odds of developing gastroenteritis were 6.0 times greater among holiday makers than residents (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0–17.7). Swimming in the lagoon increased the odds of developing gastroenteritis by 3.3 times (95% CI 1.06–10.38). Lagoon water samples tested positive for norovirus (NoV) GI.6, GII.3 and GII.6, astrovirus and rotavirus. Eleven (55%) stool specimens were positive for NoV with eight genotyped as GI.1 (n = 2), GI.5 (n = 3), GI.6 (n = 2), and GI.7 (n = 1). A reported sewage contamination event impacting the lagoon was the likely source with person-to-person spread perpetuating the outbreak. Restriction to swimming in the lagoon was apparently ineffective at preventing the outbreak, possibly due to inadequate enforcement, communication and signage strategies.

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