scholarly journals (P1-83) Infectious Diseases Following Natural Disasters: Prevention and Control Measures

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. s125-s126
Author(s):  
I.K. Kouadio ◽  
T. Kamigai ◽  
O. Hitoshi

Communicable diseases represent a public health problem in developing countries, especially in those affected by disasters, and necessitate an appropriate and coordinated response from national and international partners. The importance of rapid epidemiological assessment for public health planning and resources allocation is critical. This review assesses infectious disease outbreaks during and after disasters caused by natural hazards and describes comprehensive prevention and control measures. The natural hazard event that causes a disaster does not transmit infectious diseases in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, nor do dead bodies. During the impact phase, most of the deaths are associated to blunt trauma, crush-related injuries, burns, and drowning rather than from infectious diseases. Most pathogens cannot not continue to survive in a corpse. The remaining survivors are the ones from which infectious diseases can be transmitted under appropriate conditions created by the natural disasters. Among several diseases, diarrheal diseases, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis, typhoid fever, acute respiratory infections, measles, meningitides, tuberculosis, malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile Virus commonly were described days, weeks, or months after the disaster event in areas where they are endemic. Therefore, diseases can also be imported by healthy carriers among a susceptible population. The objective of the public health intervention is to prevent and control epidemics among the disaster-affected populations. The rapid implementation of control measures should be a public health priority especially in the absence of pre-disaster surveillance data, through the re-establishment and improvement of the delivery of primary health care and restoration of affected health services. Adequate shelter and sanitation, water and food safety, appropriate surveillance, immunization and management approaches, as well health education will be strongly required for the reduction of morbidity and mortality.

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isidore K Kouadio ◽  
Syed Aljunid ◽  
Taro Kamigaki ◽  
Karen Hammad ◽  
Hitoshi Oshitani

Author(s):  
Michael E. King ◽  
Diana M. Bensyl ◽  
Richard A. Goodman ◽  
Sonja A. Rasmussen

Performing field investigations is a core function of epidemiology in public health. When a threat to the public’s health occurs, epidemiologists investigate to describe the problem and identify causes, recommend immediate prevention and control measures, and provide a foundation for communicating information quickly to those who need to know to save lives and protect people from future illness. Although diseases and evaluative technologies evolve continually, the approach to conducting an epidemiologic field investigation remains relatively constant. Investigating an outbreak requires both a speedy and accurate response, necessitating a systematic approach that results in action. This chapter describes the basic 10-step approach for conducting an epidemiologic field investigation. Although the steps in this chapter are presented in a numeric and conceptual order, the order sometimes changes in practice. Ultimately, the goal of any epidemiologic field investigation is to use the science of epidemiology to rapidly ensure public health and safety.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhong Sun ◽  
Guozhong He ◽  
Ninghao Huang ◽  
Hongyu Chen ◽  
Shuwei Zhang ◽  
...  

Background: COVID-19 developed into a global pandemic in 2020 and poses challenges regarding the prevention and control capabilities of countries. A large number of inbound travelers from other regions could lead to a renewed outbreak of COVID-19 in the local regions. Globally, as a result of the imbalance in the control of the epidemic, all countries are facing the risk of a renewed COVID-19 outbreak brought about by travelers from epidemic areas. Therefore, studies on a proper management of the inbound travelers are urgent.Methods: We collected a total of 4,733,414 inbound travelers and 174 COVID-19 diagnosed patients in Yunnan province from 21 January 2020 to 20 February 2020. Data on place of origin, travel history, age, and gender, as well as whether they had suspected clinical manifestations for inbound travelers in Yunnan were collected. The impact of inbound travelers on the local epidemic was analyzed with a collinear statistical analysis and the effect of the control measures on the epidemic was evaluated with a sophisticated modeling approach.Results: Of the 174 COVID-19 patients, 60.9% were not from Yunnan, and 76.4% had a history of travel in Hubei. The amount of new daily cases in Yunnan was significant correlated with the number of inbound travelers from Hubei and suspected cases among them. Using Susceptible–Exposed–Infectious–Recovered (SEIR) model analysis, we found that the prevention and control measures dropped the local R0 down to 1.07 in Yunnan province.Conclusions: Our preliminary analysis showed that the proper management of inbound travelers from outbreak areas has a significantly positive effect on the prevention and control of the virus. In the process of resettlement, some effective measures taken by Yunnan province may provide an important reference for preventing the renewed COVID-19 outbreak in other regions.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunmei Su ◽  
Zhiqin Zhang ◽  
Xu Zhao ◽  
Hanlin Peng ◽  
Yi Hong ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Nosocomial infections (NIs) are an important cause of mortality, and increasing evidence reveals that the prevalence of NIs can be reduced through effective prevention and control measures. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the prevention and control measures for the COVID-19 pandemic on NIs.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the prevalence of NIs before and after COVID-19 pandemic for six months in the Children’s Hospital of Soochow University.Results: A total of 39,914 patients in 2019 and 34,645 patients in 2020 were admitted to the hospital during the study. There were 1.39% (481/34645) of patients with NIs in 2020, which was significantly lower than the 2.56% (1021/39914) of patients in 2019. The rate of critical and fatal cases was also decreased. Except for the ICU, the prevalence of nosocomial infection in most departments decreased from 2019 to 2020. Regarding the source of infections, a significant reduction was mainly observed in respiratory (0.99% vs 0.42%, p=0.000) and digestive tract (0.63% vs 0.14%, p=0.000). The microorganism analysis of respiratory infections indicated an obvious decline in acinetobacters and fungi. The most significant decline of pathogens in gastrointestinal infections was observed for rotavirus. The comparison of catheter-related nosocomial infections between 2019 and 2020 did not show significant differences. Conclusions: The prevention and control measures for the COVID-19 pandemic have reduced the nosocomial infection in almost all departments, except the ICU, mainly regarding respiratory, gastrointestinal, and oral infections, while catheter-related infections did not show any differences.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-154
Author(s):  
M. Focker ◽  
H.J. van der Fels-Klerx ◽  
N. Magan ◽  
S.G. Edwards ◽  
M. Grahovac ◽  
...  

The presence of mycotoxins in cereals has led to large economic losses in Europe. In the course of the European project MyToolBox, prevention and control measures to reduce mycotoxin contamination in cereals were developed. This study aimed to estimate the impact of these prevention and control measures on both the reduction in crop losses and the increased volume of crops suitable for food and/or feed. It focused on the following measures: the use of fungicides during wheat cultivation, the use of resistant maize cultivars and/or biocontrol during maize cultivation, the use of real time sensors in storage silos, the use of innovative milling strategies during the pasta making process, and the employment of degrading enzymes during the process of bioethanol and Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS) production. The impact assessment was based on the annual volume of cereals produced, the annual levels of mycotoxin contamination, and experimental data on the prevention and control measures collected in the course of the MyToolBox project. Results are expressed in terms of reduced volumes of cereals lost, or as additional volumes of cereals available for food meeting the current European legal limits. Results showed that a reduction in crop losses as well as an increase in the volume of crops suitable as food and/or feed is feasible with each proposed prevention or control measure along the supply chain. The impact was the largest in areas and in years with the highest mycotoxin contamination levels but would have less impact in years with low mycotoxin levels. In further research, the impact assessment may be validated using future data from more years and European sites. Decision makers in the food and feed supply chain can use this impact assessment to decide on the relevant prevention and control strategies to apply.


Medicina ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Snieguolė Kaselienė ◽  
Ramunė Kalėdienė

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in inequalities in mortality from infectious diseases and tuberculosis by educational level among men and women in Lithuania. Material and Methods. The data on mortality from infectious diseases in the Lithuanian population aged more than 30 years for the years 1989 and 2001 gathered from the Department of Statistics and censuses were used for the analysis. The relative and slope indices of inequality were calculated. Results. Mortality from infectious diseases and tuberculosis among persons with primary education was higher than that among persons with university education, and these inequalities were found to be increased in 2000–2002 as compare with 1988–1990 due to declining mortality among persons with university education and increasing mortality among less educated persons. Similar tendencies were observed while evaluating the inequalities in mortality from tuberculosis. In 1988– 1990, the relative indices of inequality for mortality from all infectious diseases and tuberculosis among men were 9 and 13, respectively. In 2000–2002, the relative indices of inequality increased significantly to 16.5 and 28.8, respectively. Inequalities in mortality from abovementioned causes for women with different educational levels were lower than those for men. The slope indices of inequality for mortality from infectious diseases among men with different educational levels were considerably higher than among their female counterparts, and in 2000–2002, they were greater compared with 1988–1990. Conclusions. While implementing tuberculosis prevention and control program and planning prevention and control measures, greater attention should be paid to less educated Lithuanian population at highest risk of this disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruggero Giuliani ◽  
Sara Mazzilli ◽  
Teresa Sebastiani ◽  
Giorgia Cocca ◽  
Raffaella Bortolotti ◽  
...  

Purpose Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific community highlighted a potential risk of epidemics occurring inside prisons. Consequently, specific operational guidelines were promptly released, and containment measures were quickly implemented in prisons. This paper aims to describe the spread of COVID-19 in detention facilities within the Lombardy region of Italy during March to July 2020, and the impact of the prevention and control measures implemented. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive retrospective analysis of case distribution was performed for all COVID-19 cases identified among people in detention (PiD) and prison officers (POs). A comparison of the epidemic burden affecting different populations and a correlation analysis between the number of cases that occurred and prevention measures implemented were also carried out. Findings From this study, it emerged that POs were at a high risk of contracting COVID-19. This study observed a delay in the occurrence of cases among PiD and substantial heterogeneity in the size of outbreaks across different prisons. Correlation between reported cases among PiD and registered sick leave taken by POs suggested the latter contributed to introducing the infection into prison settings. Finally, number of cases among PiD inversely correlated with the capacity of each prison to identify and set up dedicated areas for medical isolation. Originality/value Prevention and control measures when adopted in a timely manner were effective in protecting PiD. According to the findings, POs are a population at high risk for acquiring and transmitting COVID-19 and should be prioritized for testing, active case finding and vaccination. This study highlights the critical importance of including prison settings within emergency preparedness plans.


Author(s):  
Raeda Alqutob ◽  
Mohannad Al Nsour ◽  
Mohammed Rasoul Tarawneh ◽  
Musa Ajlouni ◽  
Yousef Khader ◽  
...  

UNSTRUCTURED As of April 12, 2020, a total of 389 cases of coronavirus disease were confirmed in Jordan. To control this imminent threat, Jordan has enforced public health infection prevention and control measures, called for social distancing, seized all forms of inbound and outbound movement and international travel, and enacted the Defence Law that transferred the authority to the Minister of Defence to work and formulate orders according to the situation. In an effort to support the government in anticipating the requirements of the health system in the upcoming period, an in-depth reflection and examination of different scenarios of the disease spread were developed. This viewpoint suggests different strategies and measures for case detection and contact tracing, clinical management of cases, public health system functioning, and civil society organizations’ contribution. It is necessary to accelerate containment of the disease to protect the economy and to maintain the continuity of some activities to mitigate the subsequent social, economic, and financial impacts. This requires finding a coping mechanism for a period that may be prolonged until laboratories develop a vaccine. Specifically, it is strongly recommended to promote community health awareness toward public health prevention and control measures, increase the efficiency and comprehensiveness of the epidemiological investigation and active and passive surveillance, and employ technology and digital health solutions to track cases and contacts. It is also recommended to increase and expand resources of intensive care units including respirators, increase the capacity and the number of trained health staff in the area of public health and epidemiology, ensure continued provision of essential public health programs, and mobilize the resources of nongovernmental sectors and donors to provide services for refugees and vulnerable populations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongmei Yao ◽  
Kun Yan ◽  
Jie Duan ◽  
Xian Zhang ◽  
Limin Zhou

Objective: The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a major public health challenge around the world, and outbreaks of the SARS-CoV-2 have constituted a public health emergency of international concern. Infection control measures are necessary to prevent further spread of the virus and to help control the epidemic situation. Due to the characteristics of gynecological settings, the risk of cross infection between patients and gynecologic practitioners can be high, strict and effective infection control protocols are urgently needed. This article, based on our experience and relevant guidelines and research, introduces prevention and control measures for use in gynecological outpatient clinics and provides recommended management for gynecologists in (potentially) affected areas.


10.2196/19332 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. e19332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raeda Alqutob ◽  
Mohannad Al Nsour ◽  
Mohammed Rasoul Tarawneh ◽  
Musa Ajlouni ◽  
Yousef Khader ◽  
...  

As of April 12, 2020, a total of 389 cases of coronavirus disease were confirmed in Jordan. To control this imminent threat, Jordan has enforced public health infection prevention and control measures, called for social distancing, seized all forms of inbound and outbound movement and international travel, and enacted the Defence Law that transferred the authority to the Minister of Defence to work and formulate orders according to the situation. In an effort to support the government in anticipating the requirements of the health system in the upcoming period, an in-depth reflection and examination of different scenarios of the disease spread were developed. This viewpoint suggests different strategies and measures for case detection and contact tracing, clinical management of cases, public health system functioning, and civil society organizations’ contribution. It is necessary to accelerate containment of the disease to protect the economy and to maintain the continuity of some activities to mitigate the subsequent social, economic, and financial impacts. This requires finding a coping mechanism for a period that may be prolonged until laboratories develop a vaccine. Specifically, it is strongly recommended to promote community health awareness toward public health prevention and control measures, increase the efficiency and comprehensiveness of the epidemiological investigation and active and passive surveillance, and employ technology and digital health solutions to track cases and contacts. It is also recommended to increase and expand resources of intensive care units including respirators, increase the capacity and the number of trained health staff in the area of public health and epidemiology, ensure continued provision of essential public health programs, and mobilize the resources of nongovernmental sectors and donors to provide services for refugees and vulnerable populations.


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