scholarly journals Googling for Ticks and Borreliosis in Germany: Nationwide Google Search Analysis From 2015 to 2018

10.2196/18581 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. e18581
Author(s):  
Cora Scheerer ◽  
Melvin Rüth ◽  
Linda Tizek ◽  
Martin Köberle ◽  
Tilo Biedermann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Tick Bite ◽  
German Population ◽  
Internet Search ◽  
Tick Bites ◽  
Federal States ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Health Studies ◽  
Very High

Background Borreliosis is the most frequently transmitted tick-borne disease in Europe. It is difficult to estimate the incidence of tick bites and associated diseases in the German population due to the lack of an obligation to register across all 16 federal states of Germany. Objective The aim of this study is to show that Google data can be used to generate general trends of infectious diseases on the basis of borreliosis and tick bites. In addition, the possibility of using Google AdWord data to estimate incidences of infectious diseases, where there is inconsistency in the obligation to notify authorities, is investigated with the perspective to facilitate public health studies. Methods Google AdWords Keyword Planner was used to identify search terms related to ticks and borreliosis in Germany from January 2015 to December 2018. The search volume data from the identified search terms was assessed using Excel version 15.23. In addition, SPSS version 24.0 was used to calculate the correlation between search volumes, registered cases, and temperature. Results A total of 1999 tick-related and 542 borreliosis-related search terms were identified, with a total of 209,679,640 Google searches in all 16 German federal states in the period under review. The analysis showed a high correlation between temperature and borreliosis (r=0.88), and temperature and tick bite (r=0.83), and a very high correlation between borreliosis and tick bite (r=0.94). Furthermore, a high to very high correlation between Google searches and registered cases in each federal state was observed (Brandenburg r=0.80, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania r= 0.77, Saxony r= 0.74, and Saxony-Anhalt r=0.90; all P<.001). Conclusions Our study provides insight into annual trends concerning interest in ticks and borreliosis that are relevant to the German population exemplary in the data of a large internet search engine. Public health studies collecting incidence data may benefit from the results indicating a significant correlation between internet search data and incidences of infectious diseases.

scholarly journals Googling for Ticks and Borreliosis in Germany: Nationwide Google Search Analysis From 2015 to 2018 (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cora Scheerer ◽  
Melvin Rüth ◽  
Linda Tizek ◽  
Martin Köberle ◽  
Tilo Biedermann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Tick Bite ◽  
German Population ◽  
Internet Search ◽  
Tick Bites ◽  
Federal States ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Health Studies ◽  
Very High

BACKGROUND Borreliosis is the most frequently transmitted tick-borne disease in Europe. It is difficult to estimate the incidence of tick bites and associated diseases in the German population due to the lack of an obligation to register across all 16 federal states of Germany. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to show that Google data can be used to generate general trends of infectious diseases on the basis of borreliosis and tick bites. In addition, the possibility of using Google AdWord data to estimate incidences of infectious diseases, where there is inconsistency in the obligation to notify authorities, is investigated with the perspective to facilitate public health studies. METHODS Google AdWords Keyword Planner was used to identify search terms related to ticks and borreliosis in Germany from January 2015 to December 2018. The search volume data from the identified search terms was assessed using Excel version 15.23. In addition, SPSS version 24.0 was used to calculate the correlation between search volumes, registered cases, and temperature. RESULTS A total of 1999 tick-related and 542 borreliosis-related search terms were identified, with a total of 209,679,640 Google searches in all 16 German federal states in the period under review. The analysis showed a high correlation between temperature and borreliosis (<i>r</i>=0.88), and temperature and tick bite (<i>r</i>=0.83), and a very high correlation between borreliosis and tick bite (<i>r</i>=0.94). Furthermore, a high to very high correlation between Google searches and registered cases in each federal state was observed (Brandenburg <i>r</i>=0.80, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania <i>r</i>= 0.77, Saxony <i>r</i>= 0.74, and Saxony-Anhalt <i>r</i>=0.90; all <i>P</i>&lt;.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study provides insight into annual trends concerning interest in ticks and borreliosis that are relevant to the German population exemplary in the data of a large internet search engine. Public health studies collecting incidence data may benefit from the results indicating a significant correlation between internet search data and incidences of infectious diseases.

scholarly journals Who is afraid of ticks and tick-borne diseases? Results from a cross-sectional survey in Scandinavia

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Slunge ◽  
Solveig Jore ◽  
Karen Angeliki Krogfelt ◽  
Martin Tugwell Jepsen ◽  
Anders Boman
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Tick Bite ◽  
Tick Bites ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Actual Risk ◽  
Perceived Seriousness

Abstract Background In Scandinavia, the distribution of ticks is expanding and tick-borne diseases constitute growing health risks. While the probability of getting a tick-borne disease after a tick bite is low, the health impacts can be large. This, as well as other characteristics of these diseases make tick-related risks difficult for laypeople to assess and perceived risk may differ substantially from actual risk. Understanding risk perceptions is important since it is the perceived risk, rather than actual risk, that determine behaviour and even more so for new and emerging risks. The aim of this study is to investigate knowledge and risk perceptions related to tick bites and the tick-borne diseases Lyme borreliosis (LB) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). By analysing risk perceptions and knowledge, the study helps inform the development of public health strategies in response to the increasing incidence of these diseases in Scandinavia. Methods Two thousand, six hundred sixty-eight respondents in Denmark, Norway and Sweden answered an online questionnaire with 48 questions, including 7 questions on risk perceptions and 9 knowledge questions. Chi-squared tests were used to analyse statistical differences between country sub-samples, gender and age groups. A multivariate regression model was used to analyse factors associated with risk perceptions. Results Risk perceptions were on average high in comparison with scientific estimates, with respondents grossly overrating the probability of contracting LB or TBE if bitten by a tick. Also, the average perceived seriousness of a single tick bite and of getting LB or TBE was high. Knowledge on the other hand was low, especially among men and the youngest age group (18–29 years). Higher levels of knowledge about tick-borne diseases were associated with lower perceived seriousness of tick bites and LB and higher perceived seriousness of TBE. Also, having been diagnosed with LB was negatively associated with the perceived seriousness of LB. Conclusions Our results indicate that informing about ticks and tick-borne diseases would be a relevant public health strategy as it could make risk perceptions better aligned with actual risk. Should the TBE virus spread further in Denmark and Norway, increasing knowledge about TBE vaccination would be especially important.

scholarly journals Emergence of Lyme disease on treeless islands in Scotland, UK

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Millins ◽  
Walter Leo ◽  
Isabell MacInnes ◽  
Johanne Ferguson ◽  
Graham Charlesworth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Tick Bite ◽  
Tick Bites ◽  
Home Address ◽  
Need To Evaluate

AbstractLyme disease (LD) is typically associated with forested habitats but has recently emerged on treeless islands in the Western Isles of Scotland. This has created a need to understand the environmental and human components of LD risk in open habitats. This study quantified both elements of LD risk and compared these between treeless islands with high and low LD incidence. We found high LD incidence was linked to higher prevalence in ticks (6.4% vs 0.4%) and increased human tick bite exposure. Most reported tick bites (72.7%) were within 1km of the home address and commonly in gardens. Residents on islands with high LD incidence reported increasing problems with ticks and suggested changing deer distribution as a potential driver. This study highlights the benefits to public health of an integrated approach to understand the factors contributing to LD emergence and a need to evaluate LD ecology in treeless habitats more broadly.

Vision for a Global Registry of Anticipated Public Health Studies (GRAPHS)

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard Choi ◽  
John Frank ◽  
Jennifer Mindell ◽  
Anna Orlova ◽  
Vivian Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Studies ◽  
Global Registry

The relationship betweenparityand the incident of perinealruptures on women’s physiological maternity

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evi Rosita ◽  
Siti Nurnaningrum
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Center ◽  
P Value ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Midwifery Care ◽  
Public Health Center ◽  
Record Data ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Very High

There are about 2.8 million incident of perineal rupture in maternal physiological labor. In 2050,it is estimated that the incidence of perineal rupture can be 6.3 million if it is not accompanied by a good midwifery care. In 2016, in Trawas, there was (89%) perineal rupture in primiparas and (57%) perineal rupture in multiparas. Perineal rupture incidences due to parity were still very high. This study aims to analyze the relationship between parity and the incidence of perineal rupture . It is quantitative studyusing a cross sectional approach, by using analysis of physiological maternity women  medical record data from January to April 2017 of 130 peoplein Trawas Public Health Center, Mojokerto Regency.The dataanalysis used was Chi - Square , indicated by p value = 0,000 with ɑ = 0,05. It means that the value of p <ɑ, so H1 is accepted. It can be concluded that there is a relationship between parity and the incidence of perineal rupture on physiological maternity women in Trawas Public Health Center,Mojokerto Regency. Midwives can apply collaboration with patients and their families to have physical and psychologicalpreparation with an alternative of hypnobirthing methods.

Differentiation of endemic areas by incidence rates of tick-borne infectious diseases as the basis for choosing prevention strategy and tactics

2019 ◽  
pp. 56-61
Author(s):  
N.V. Rudakov ◽  
N.A. Penyevskaya ◽  
D.A. Saveliev ◽  
S.A. Rudakova ◽  
C.V. Shtrek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Preventive Therapy ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Prevention Strategy ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Integral Assessment ◽  
Very High

Research objective. Differentiation of natural focal areas of Western Siberia by integral incidence rates of tick-borne infectious diseases for determination of the strategy and tactics of their comprehensive prevention. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of official statistics for the period 2002-2018 for eight sub-federal units in the context of administrative territories was carried out. The criteria of differentiation were determined by means of three evaluation scales, including long-term mean rates of tick-borne encephalitis, tick-borne borreliosis, and Siberian tick-borne typhus. As a scale gradation tool, we used the number of sample elements between the confidence boundaries of the median. The integral assessment was carried out by the sum of points corresponding to the incidence rates for each of the analyzed infections. Results. The areas of low, medium, above average, high and very high risk of tick-borne infectious diseases were determined. Recommendations on the choice of prevention strategy and tactics were given. In areas of very high and high incidence rates, a combination of population-based and individual prevention strategies is preferable while in other areas a combination of high-risk and individual strategies is recommended. Discussion. Epidemiologic zoning should be the basis of a risk-based approach to determining optimal volumes and directions of preventive measures against natural focal infections. It is necessary to improve the means and methods of determining the individual risk of getting infected and developing tick-borne infectious diseases in case of bites, in view of mixed infection of vectors, as well as methods of post-exposure disease prevention (preventive therapy).

Fusion Protein Targeted Antiviral Peptides: Fragment-Based Drug Design (FBDD) Guided Rational Design of Dipeptides Against SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 938-947
Author(s):  
Sounik Manna ◽  
Trinath Chowdhury ◽  
Piyush Baindara ◽  
Santi M. Mandal
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Drug Design ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Fusion Protein ◽  
Fusion Process ◽  
Viral Fusion ◽  
Enveloped Viruses ◽  
Antiviral Peptides ◽  
Target Sites ◽  
Tract Infections

: Infectious diseases caused by viruses have become a serious public health issue in the recent past, including the current pandemic situation of COVID-19. Enveloped viruses are most commonly known to cause emerging and recurring infectious diseases. Viral and cell membrane fusion is the major key event in the case of enveloped viruses that is required for their entry into the cell. Viral fusion proteins play an important role in the fusion process and in infection establishment. Because of this, the fusion process targeting antivirals become an interest to fight against viral diseases caused by the enveloped virus. Lower respiratory tract infections casing viruses like influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) are examples of such enveloped viruses that are at the top in public health issues. Here, we summarized the viral fusion protein targeted antiviral peptides along with their mechanism and specific design to combat the viral fusion process. The pandemic COVID-19, severe respiratory syndrome disease is an outbreak worldwide. There are no definitive drugs yet, but few are in on-going trials. Here, an approach of fragmentbased drug design (FBDD) methodology is used to identify the broad spectrum agent target to the conserved region of fusion protein of SARS CoV-2. Three dipeptides (DL, LQ and ID) were chosen from the library and designed by the systematic combination along with their possible modifications of amino acids to the target sites. Designed peptides were docked with targeted fusion protein after energy minimization. Results show strong and significant binding affinity (DL = -60.1 kcal/mol; LQ = - 62.8 kcal/mol; ID= -71.5 kcal/mol) during interaction. Anyone of the active peptides from the developed libraries may help to block the target sites competitively to successfully control COVID-19.

Biosecurity and Public Health Ethics Issues Raised by Biological Threats

2019 ◽  
pp. 773-785
Author(s):  
Nicholas Evans ◽  
Thomas Inglesby
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Resource Allocation ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Biological Weapon ◽  
Ethical Values ◽  
Dual Use ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Trade Offs

This chapter introduces ethical issues that arise in the context of biosecurity: policies and actions intended to prevent the development or emergence, or mitigate the consequences, of serious biological threats. These threats could include deliberate biological weapon attacks (bioterrorism), pandemics, emerging infectious diseases, or major laboratory accidents. The basic values that underpin these public health concerns are first introduced. Ethical issues that arise before, during, and following a biosecurity crisis are then examined, including issues of resource allocation, dual-use research, and the possibility of quarantine. Their resolution requires trade-offs among different ethical values, including utility, fairness, and liberty.

Communicable and Other Infectious Diseases

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Frischhut
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
European Union ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Eu Law ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Ethical Perspective ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Environment Agency ◽  
And Control

This chapter discusses the most important features of EU law on infectious diseases. Communicable diseases not only cross borders, they also often require measures that cross different areas of policy because of different vectors for disease transmission. The relevant EU law cannot be attributed to one sectoral policy only, and thus various EU agencies participate in protecting public health. The key agency is the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Other important agencies include the European Environment Agency; European Food Safety Authority; and the Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency. However, while integration at the EU level has facilitated protection of the public's health, it also has created potential conflicts among the different objectives of the European Union. The internal market promotes the free movement of products, but public health measures can require restrictions of trade. Other conflicts can arise if protective public health measures conflict with individual human rights. The chapter then considers risk assessment and the different tools of risk management used in dealing with the challenges of infectious diseases. It also turns to the external and ethical perspective and the role the European Union takes in global health.

scholarly journals Ocular manifestations of emerging viral diseases

Eye ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashwin Venkatesh ◽  
Ravi Patel ◽  
Simran Goyal ◽  
Timothy Rajaratnam ◽  
Anant Sharma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Valley Fever ◽  
Ocular Manifestations ◽  
Influenza A H1n1 ◽  
Emerging Viral Diseases

AbstractEmerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are an increasing threat to public health on a global scale. In recent times, the most prominent outbreaks have constituted RNA viruses, spreading via droplets (COVID-19 and Influenza A H1N1), directly between humans (Ebola and Marburg), via arthropod vectors (Dengue, Zika, West Nile, Chikungunya, Crimean Congo) and zoonotically (Lassa fever, Nipah, Rift Valley fever, Hantaviruses). However, specific approved antiviral therapies and vaccine availability are scarce, and public health measures remain critical. Patients can present with a spectrum of ocular manifestations. Emerging infectious diseases should therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis of ocular inflammatory conditions in patients inhabiting or returning from endemic territories, and more general vigilance is advisable in the context of a global pandemic. Eye specialists are in a position to facilitate swift diagnosis, improve clinical outcomes, and contribute to wider public health efforts during outbreaks. This article reviews those emerging viral diseases associated with reports of ocular manifestations and summarizes details pertinent to practicing eye specialists.

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