Investigation and control of a Norovirus outbreak of probable waterborne transmission through a municipal groundwater system

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 452-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni M. Giammanco ◽  
Ilaria Di Bartolo ◽  
Giuseppa Purpari ◽  
Claudio Costantino ◽  
Valentina Rotolo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water System ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Water Network ◽  
The Public ◽  
Santo Stefano ◽  
Public Water System ◽  
Waterborne Transmission ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Stool Specimens ◽  
And Control

During March 2011 an outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred in Santo Stefano di Quisquina, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy. Within two weeks 156 cases were identified among the 4,965 people living in the municipality. An epidemiological investigation was conducted to characterize the outbreak and target the control measures. A case was defined as a person developing diarrhea or vomiting during February 27–March 13, 2011. Stool specimens were collected from 12 cases. Norovirus (NoV) genotype GII.4 variant New Orleans 2009 was identified in stool samples from 11 of 12 cases tested (91.7%). Epidemiological investigations suggested a possible association with municipal drinking water consumption. Water samples from the public water system were tested for NoV and a variety of genotypes were detected during the first 3 months of surveillance, including GII.4 strains belonging to different variants from that involved in the gastroenteritis outbreak. Contamination of the well and springs supplying the public water network was eventually thought to be the source of the NoV contamination.

Waterborne norovirus outbreak in a municipal drinking-water supply in Sweden

2011 ◽  
Vol 139 (12) ◽  
pp. 1928-1935 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. RIERA-MONTES ◽  
K. BRUS SJÖLANDER ◽  
G. ALLESTAM ◽  
E. HALLIN ◽  
K.-O. HEDLUND ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Drinking Water Supply ◽  
Water Network ◽  
Public Network ◽  
The Public ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Stool Samples

SUMMARYDuring Easter 2009, almost 200 people resident in a small Swedish village fell ill with gastrointestinal symptoms. We conducted a retrospective cohort study and a molecular investigation in order to identify the source of the outbreak. Residents living in households connected to the public water network were at an increased risk of developing disease (relative risk 4·80, 95% confidence interval 1·68–13·73) compared to those with no connection to the public network. Norovirus genotype GI.3 was identified in stool samples from six patients and in a sample from the public water network. Contamination of one of the wells supplying the public water network was thought to be the source of the outbreak. This is a description of a norovirus outbreak linked to a municipal drinking-water supply in Sweden. Information from epidemiological and molecular investigations is of utmost importance to guide outbreak control measures and to prevent future outbreaks.

Extremes of Temperature

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann M. Krake
Keyword(s):  
Control Measures ◽  
Temperature Extremes ◽  
Physiological Effects ◽  
Assessment And Evaluation ◽  
The Public ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Extreme Cold ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control ◽  
Extremes Of Temperature

This chapter covers extremes of temperature conditions, physiological effects, and prevention. All deaths caused by exposure to hot and cold temperature extremes are preventable when proper measures are taken. Described in this chapter are the effects of extreme heat and extreme cold on the health of members of the public, particularly older people and young people, and workers employed in various workplace settings. The differences between heat stress and heat strain are also discussed, as are various regulations governing exposure to temperature extremes. The nature and magnitude of heat- and cold-related conditions and symptoms are described in detail. Final sections of the chapter address various assessment and evaluation tools as well as prevention and control measures. In addition, an appendix describes the hazards related to hyperbaric and hypobaric environments and adverse health effects.

scholarly journals Improving knowledge, attitudes and practice to prevent COVID-19 transmission in healthcare workers and the public in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rapeephan R. Maude ◽  
Monnaphat Jongdeepaisal ◽  
Sumawadee Skuntaniyom ◽  
Thanomvong Muntajit ◽  
Stuart D. Blacksell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Public ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
The Public ◽  
Educational Videos ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Key infection prevention and control measures to limit transmission of COVID-19 include social distancing, hand hygiene, use of facemasks and personal protective equipment. However, these have limited or no impact if not applied correctly through lack of knowledge, inappropriate attitude or incorrect practice. In order to maximise the impact of infection prevention and control measures on COVID-19 spread, we undertook a study to assess and improve knowledge, attitudes and practice among 119 healthcare workers and 100 general public in Thailand. The study setting was two inpatient hospitals providing COVID-19 testing and treatment. Detailed information on knowledge, attitudes and practice among the general public and healthcare workers regarding COVID-19 transmission and its prevention were obtained from a combination of questionnaires and observations. Results Knowledge of the main transmission routes, commonest symptoms and recommended prevention methods was mostly very high (> 80%) in both groups. There was lower awareness of aerosols, food and drink and pets as sources of transmission; of the correct duration for handwashing; recommended distance for social/physical distancing; and about recommended types of face coverings. Information sources most used and most trusted were the workplace, work colleagues, health workers and television. The results were used to produce a set of targeted educational videos which addressed many of these gaps with subsequent improvements on retesting in a number of areas. This included improvements in handwashing practice with an increase in the number of areas correctly washed in 65.5% of the public, and 57.9% of healthcare workers. The videos were then further optimized with feedback from participants followed by another round of retesting. Conclusions Detailed information on gaps in knowledge, attitudes and practice among the general public and healthcare workers regarding COVID-19 transmission and its prevention were obtained from a combination of questionnaires and observations. This was used to produce targeted educational videos which addressed these gaps with subsequent improvements on retesting. The resulting videos were then disseminated as a resource to aid in efforts to fight COVID-19 in Thailand and worldwide.

scholarly journals Abordagem conceitual sobre a sífilis na gestação e o tratamento de parceiros sexuais

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dayanne Rakelly De Oliveira ◽  
Mayanne Santana Nóbrega De Figueiredo
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health It ◽  
The Public ◽  
And Control ◽  
In Pregnancy

Este texto tem como objetivo trazer considerações epidemiológicas e conceituais sobre a sífilis, o tratamento de parceiros sexuais e a inserção do enfermeiro em ações de prevenção e controle desse importante agravo à saúde pública. Enfatiza os aspectos relacionados às medidas de controle dos casos, à terapêutica da doença e à magnitude das complicações visando a contribuir para o aprofundamento da temática e reflexão da prática profissional.Descritores: Sífilis, Parceiros Sexuais, Enfermagem, Saúde Pública.Conceptual approach on syphilis in pregnancy and the treatment of sexual partnersThis text aims to bring epidemiological and conceptual considerations on syphilis, the treatment of sexual partners and the insertion of the nurse in prevention actions and control of this relevant grievance to the public health. It emphasizes the aspects related to control measures of the cases, to the therapeutics of disease and the magnitude of the complications seeking to contribute to the deepening of the theme and the reflection of professional practice.Descriptors: Syphilis, Sexual Partners, Nursing, Public Health.Abordaje conceptual sobre la sífilis en la gestación y lo tratamiento de las parejas sexualesEnfoque conceptual de la sífilis en el embarazo y el tratamiento de las parejas sexuales. Este texto tiene como objetivo integrar consideraciones conceptuales y epidemiológicas sobre la sífilis, el tratamiento de las parejas sexuales y la inclusión de los enfermeros en la prevención y control de este importante agravio de salud pública. Destaca los aspectos relacionados con los casos, con la terapéutica de la enfermedad y con la magnitud de las complicaciones con el objetivo de contribuir a la profundización de la temática y la reflexión de la práctica profesional.Descriptores: Sífilis, Las Parejas Sexuales, Enfermería, Salud Pública.

scholarly journals The Evolution Model of Public Risk Perception Based on Pandemic Spreading Theory under Perspective of COVID-19

Complexity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yi-Cheng Zhang ◽  
Zhi Li ◽  
Guo-Bing Zhou ◽  
Nai-Ru Xu ◽  
Jia-Bao Liu
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Social Order ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
Public Risk ◽  
And Control

After the occurrence of public health emergencies, due to the uncertainty of the evolution of events and the asymmetry of pandemic information, the public’s risk perception will fluctuate dramatically. Excessive risk perception often causes the public to overreact to emergencies, resulting in irrational behaviors, which have a negative impact on economic development and social order. However, low-risk perception will reduce individual awareness of prevention and control, which is not conducive to the implementation of government pandemic prevention and control measures. Therefore, it is of great significance to accurately evaluate public risk perception for improving government risk management. This paper took the evolution of public risk perception based on the COVID-19 region as the research object. First, we analyze the characteristics of infectious diseases in the evolution of public risk perception of public health emergencies. Second, we analyze the characteristics of risk perception transmission in social networks. Third, we establish the dynamic model of public risk perception evolution based on SEIR, and the evolution mechanism of the public risk perception network is revealed through simulation experiments. Finally, we provide policy suggestions for government departments to deal with public health emergencies based on the conclusions of this study.

COVID-19 and the International Political Economy of Risk and Resilience

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Bernards
Keyword(s):  
Political Economy ◽  
International Political Economy ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health Costs ◽  
Risk And Resilience ◽  
Economic Costs ◽  
Global Political Economy ◽  
The Public ◽  
And Control ◽  
Development Agendas

This forum contribution highlights the confluence of two distinct trends in the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. On one hand, many of the worst socio-economic costs of the virus and control measures have been disproportionately borne by marginalized workers, primarily in the global south. Often these impacts have not overlapped with the public health costs of the virus itself. In this sense the pandemic has highlighted the ways that risks in the global political economy are unevenly and systematically distributed. On the other, early indications are that highly individualized notions of ‘risk management’ and ‘resilience’ will be central to post-crisis global development agendas. At the same time as the COVID-19 pandemic has made the systemic and unequal nature of risks in the global political economy visible, then, many of the most marginalized segments of the world’s population are being asked to take responsibility for managing those risks.

Visits on ‘lamb-viewing days’ at a sheep farm open to the public was a risk factor for Q fever in 2009

2011 ◽  
Vol 140 (5) ◽  
pp. 858-864 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. WHELAN ◽  
B. SCHIMMER ◽  
A. DE BRUIN ◽  
M. ROBERT-DU RY VAN BEEST HOLLE ◽  
W. VAN DER HOEK ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Q Fever ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Dairy Goat ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Dairy Sheep ◽  
The Public ◽  
Sheep Farm ◽  
Acute Q Fever ◽  
And Control

SUMMARYBetween February and May 2009, 347 laboratory-confirmed cases of acute Q fever were reported in a southern municipal health service region in The Netherlands. Commercial dairy-goat farms were implicated and control measures were initially targeted there. A preliminary investigation also implicated a non-dairy sheep farm, open to the public on ‘lamb-viewing days’. This study tested the association between visiting the non-dairy sheep farm and developing Q fever in residents of the region between February and May 2009. A case-control study of 146 cases and 431 address-matched controls was conducted. Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed the association between visiting to the sheep farm and Q fever disease (matched odds ratio 43, 95% confidence interval 9–200). Other risk factors were being a smoker, having a past medical history and being aged >40 years. Vaccination of sheep and goats on farms open to the public should help to reduce the number of future human cases.

Suspected transmission of norovirus in eight long-term care facilities attributed to staff working at multiple institutions

2011 ◽  
Vol 140 (9) ◽  
pp. 1702-1709 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. NGUYEN ◽  
J. P. MIDDAUGH
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Regulatory Agencies ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Stool Specimens ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
And Control

SUMMARYThis study reports on gastroenteritis outbreaks suspected of being norovirus infections in eight long-term care facilities. A descriptive epidemiological investigation was used to depict sources of infections and control measures. Outbreaks affected 299 (31%) of 954 residents and 95 (11%) of 843 staff. Attack rates were higher in residents (range 17–55%) than staff (range 3–35%). Person-to-person spread was suspected. The case-hospitalization rate was 2·5%, and no death occurred. Eight staff members were employed at multiple affected facilities and may have introduced disease into three facilities. Thirty-two stool specimens were positive for norovirus by real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction or enzyme immunoassay. Sequenced specimens were closely related to GII.4 New Orleans. A concurrent Clostridium difficile outbreak was also detected at one facility. Staff members who work at multiple facilities may transmit norovirus between them. Regulatory agencies should consider precluding ill staff from working in multiple facilities during outbreaks. Guidelines to control norovirus must be applied promptly and meticulously by facilities.

scholarly journals Delays in Patient Presentation and Diagnosis for Buruli Ulcer (Mycobacterium ulcerans Infection) in Victoria, Australia, 2011–2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
Shaun P. Coutts ◽  
Colleen L. Lau ◽  
Emma J. Field ◽  
Michael J. Loftus ◽  
Ee Laine Tay
Keyword(s):  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Buruli Ulcer ◽  
Mycobacterium Ulcerans ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Diagnosis Delay ◽  
The Public ◽  
Endemic Areas ◽  
Significant Change ◽  
Transmission Pathways ◽  
And Control

Uncertainty regarding transmission pathways and control measures makes prompt presentation and diagnosis for Buruli ulcer critical. To examine presentation and diagnosis delays in Victoria, Australia, we conducted a retrospective study of 703 cases notified between 2011 and 2017, classified as residing in an endemic (Mornington Peninsula; Bellarine Peninsula; South-east Bayside and Frankston) or non-endemic area. Overall median presentation delay was 30 days (IQR 14–60 days), with no significant change over the study period (p = 0.11). There were significant differences in median presentation delay between areas of residence (p = 0.02), but no significant change over the study period within any area. Overall median diagnosis delay was 10 days (IQR 0–40 days), with no significant change over the study period (p = 0.13). There were significant differences in median diagnosis delay between areas (p < 0.001), but a significant decrease over time only on the Mornington Peninsula (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, being aged <15 or >65 years; having non-ulcerative disease; and residing in the Bellarine Peninsula or South-East Bayside (compared to non-endemic areas) were significantly associated with shorter presentation delay. Residing in the Bellarine or Mornington Peninsula and being notified later in the study period were significantly associated with shorter diagnosis delay. To reduce presentation and diagnosis delays, awareness of Buruli ulcer must be raised with the public and medical professionals, particularly those based outside established endemic areas.

scholarly journals KNOWLEDGE AND HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOR RELATED TO KALA-AZAR IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF EAST CHAMPARAN DISTRICT, BIHAR

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 92
Author(s):  
Navin Kumar ◽  
Singh T B ◽  
Meena L P
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Health Seeking Behavior ◽  
The Public ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Kala Azar ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
And Control ◽  
Control Study

  Objective: To find out the sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and health seeking behavior related to KA in the East Champaran district, Bihar among study subject.Methods: A case-control study was conducted to understand the knowledge and health seeking behavior related to KA in the East Champaran district. A total of 100 KA cases and 100 healthy controls selected from the neighborhoods of cases.Results: The knowledge of the population showed that the male constituted 58% of the total population in which 56% were case and 60% were control. Majority of the respondent 76.5% were aware from the KA. Maximum of the respondent 72.5% believed that biting time of sand flies were in the night. Moreover, 71% respondent cannot know how to protect the KA transmission.Conclusion: These results will be useful for further improvement in the KA control programs for intervention strategies. The knowledge of the study subject about KA, the vectors, the transmission of KA, and control measures was poor which needs some effort of the public health system by the Ministry working in the field of health.

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