scholarly journals Influenza-associated morbidity and mortality in Tunisia

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Bouguerra ◽  
A Hechaichi ◽  
L Bouabid ◽  
R Yazidi ◽  
N Abdeddaiem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Data Entry ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Type A ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Previous Season ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Infection

Abstract Background Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection representing a public health problem worldwide with more than 10% of the population affected each year. In addition, severe complications and deaths may occur especially among high-risk groups. Our objectives was to assess the severity of influenza in Tunisia from 2015 to 2017 and to identify the isolated circulating viruses. Methods Basedon the network of ILI (Influenza-like illness) and SARI (Severe acute respiratory infection) Sentinel Sites and the National Influenza Center, we conducted a descriptive analysis of all data collected from 2015 to 2017. The case definitions of ILI and SARI were those recommended by WHO. Data entry was using Epi-Data and data analysis using SPSS-20. Results The total number of SARI cases during 2016-17 season was 614. The hospitalization rate was 0.7% which was higher than the 2015-16 season (0.19%). The majority of these severe cases were males (60,3%) and the group aged more than 65 years was the most affected. Comorbidities were reported in 58,7% of the cases, especially cardiovascular diseases, obesity and asthma. In 2016-17, the viruses identified in SARI cases were type A(H3N2) (47,7%), type B (40,9%) and type A (H1N1) pmd09 (4%). The lethality rate was lower than in the previous season (0.32% vs 20%) with two deaths reported in February. These deaths were due to virus B and virus AH3N2, comparing to 77% of deaths due to virus A (H1N1) pmd09 the season before. Conclusions Influenza severity vary from a season to another. The 2016-17 season was marked by higher rates of hospitalization but a lower lethality rate. This may be due to a lower circulation of the type A (H1N1) pmd09 virus, which virulence is much discussed. Influenza surveillance remains essential to detect any emerging novel pathogen and to guide decision-makers for future strategies. Key messages Seasonal influenza epidemics continue to have significant morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological and virological surveillance are highly essential for an early detection of epidemics and novel strains.

scholarly journals Epidemiological Characteristics and Spatiotemporal Analysis of Mumps from 2004 to 2018 in Chongqing, China

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (17) ◽  
pp. 3052 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhu ◽  
Zhao ◽  
Ou ◽  
Xiang ◽  
Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Spatial Autocorrelation ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Scan Statistics ◽  
Time Space ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Mumps vaccines have been widely used in recent years, but frequent mumps outbreaks and re-emergence around the world have not stopped. Mumps still remains a serious public health problem with a high incidence in China. The status of mumps epidemics in Chongqing, the largest city in China, is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological and spatiotemporal characteristics of mumps and to provide a scientific basis for formulating effective strategies for its prevention and control. Surveillance data of mumps in Chongqing from January 2004 to December 2018 were collected from the National Notifiable Diseases Reporting Information System. A descriptive analysis was conducted to understand the epidemiological characteristics. Hot spots and spatiotemporal patterns were identified by performing a spatial autocorrelation analysis, a purely spatial scan, and a spatiotemporal scan at the county level based on geographic information systems. A total of 895,429 mumps cases were reported in Chongqing, with an annual average incidence of 36.34 per 100,000. The yearly incidence of mumps decreased markedly from 2004 to 2007, increased sharply from 2007 to 2011, and then tapered with a two-year cyclical peak after 2011. The onset of mumps showed an obvious bimodal seasonal distribution, with a higher peak of mumps observed from April to July of each year. Children aged 5–9 years old, males, and students were the prime high-risk groups. The spatial distribution of mumps did not exhibit significant global autocorrelation in most years, but local indicators of spatial autocorrelation and scan statistics detected high-incidence clusters which were mainly located in the midwestern, western, northeastern, and southwestern parts of Chongqing. The aggregation time frame detected by the purely temporal scan was between March 2009 and July 2013. The incidence of mumps in Chongqing from 2004 to 2018 featured significant spatial heterogeneity and spatiotemporal clustering. The findings of this study might assist public health agencies to develop real-time space monitoring, especially in the clustering regions and at peak periods; to improve immunization strategies for long-term prevention; and to deploy health resources reasonably.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the diagnostic utility of case definitions to detect influenza virus infection in Vojvodina, Serbia

2020 ◽  
Vol 148 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 100-105
Author(s):  
Mioljub Ristic ◽  
Vladimir Petrovic
Keyword(s):  
Type A ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
World Health ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Type B ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Influenza Type ◽  
Epidemic Period ◽  
Definition Of

Introduction/Objective. A case definition recommended by the World Health Organization is commonly used for influenza surveillance worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic values of proposed case definitions of Influenza Like Illness (ILI), Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) for laboratory confirmed-influenza and to compare the age distribution of influenza patients across virus types and subtypes in Vojvodina. Methods. We conducted a descriptive epidemiological study using surveillance reports and laboratory data from October 1, 2010 to May 20, 2017 (seven surveillance seasons). Results. We included 2,937 participants, 48.6% of whom were laboratory-confirmed influenza cases, and most of the confirmed cases (30.1%) were detected in February. In the 15?29 years age group, the type A influenza (H3N2) was more frequent among patients with ILI (54.9% vs. 34.2%, p = 0.040), and less frequent in patients with SARI (39.4% vs. 65.8%, p = 0.009) compared with influenza type B. In patients aged 30?64 years with ARDS, influenza type B was more common than influenza type A (H3N2) (13.4% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.032), but less common in compared to influenza type A (H1N1) pdm09 (13.4% vs. 25.7%, p = 0.017). The SARI case definition of influenza was associated with an increased likelihood of laboratoryconfirmed influenza for all age groups (p < 0.05). During the epidemic period, it was observed that the ILI case definition had the highest diagnostic value for influenza in the age group 5?14 (AUC = 0.733; 95% CI: 0.704?0.764), while the SARI and ARDS case definitions were the best predictors of influenza for patients 15?29 years of age (AUC = 0.565; 95% CI: 0.504?0.615 and AUC = 0.708; 95% CI: 0.489?0.708, respectively). The case definition of ARDS had the maximum sensitivity (100%) among patients 15?29 years of age. Conclusion. The proposed case definitions of influenza appeared to be good predictors of influenza and therefore can be useful for influenza surveillance, especially in the countries with limited laboratory capacities.

scholarly journals The 2018-19 influenza season in Afghanistan: Epidemiology and Virology

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Nadir Sahak ◽  
Fatima Arifi ◽  
Aspen A Hammond ◽  
Henry J Laurenson-Schafer ◽  
Sayed Ataullah Saeedzai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Infection ◽  
Influenza A H1n1 ◽  
Hospital Visits

Abstract Objective This paper aims to provide information on epidemiology and virology of seasonal influenza for the 2018-19 season, and build upon limited information for developing influenza vaccination policy for risk groups in Afghanistan. Methods This paper is based on a retrospective analysis of Afghanistan influenza surveillance data, both from influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases during the 2018-19 season. The data for 2018-19 has also been compared to the data of the previous two seasons (2016-2017 and 2017-2018). Results During the 2018-19 season, a total number of 10,604 ILI and 5,261 SARI cases were reported to the national influenza sentinel surveillance system. From week 48 2018 to week 14 2019, a total of 713 ILI specimens were tested for influenza virus, and 10.7% were positive with majority influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus (57%). Similarly, a total of 1,004 SARI specimens were tested for influenza virus during this period, and 11% were positive for influenza with the majority caused by influenza A(H1N1) pdm09. Almost two-thirds (62%) of the ILI-influenza positive cases and 46% SARI-influenza positive cases aged less than five years. Also, over 50 years old patient was reported to have the second-highest proportion of SARI associated influenza (30%). Conclusion The findings indicate that the seasonal influenza virus results in considerable hospital visits, admissions, and deaths in Afghanistan. The data from this study will inform and guide policymakers in developing national influenza vaccination policies.

scholarly journals Performance of symptom-based case definitions to identify influenza virus infection among pregnant women in middle-income countries: findings from the Pregnancy and Influenza Multinational Epidemiologic (PRIME) Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meredith G Wesley ◽  
Yeny Tinoco ◽  
Archana Patel ◽  
Piyarat Suntarratiwong ◽  
Danielle Hunt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Influenza Virus Infection ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
World Health ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Case Definitions

Abstract Background The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends case definitions for influenza surveillance that are also used in public health research, though their performance has not been assessed in many risk groups, including pregnant women in whom influenza may manifest differently. We evaluated the performance of symptom-based definitions to detect influenza in a cohort of pregnant women in India, Peru, and Thailand. Methods In 2017 and 2018, we contacted 11,277 pregnant women twice weekly during the influenza season to identify illnesses with new or worsened cough, runny nose, sore throat, difficulty breathing or myalgia, and collected data on other symptoms and nasal swabs for influenza rRT-PCR testing. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of each symptom-predictor, WHO respiratory illness case definitions and a de novo definition derived from results of multivariable modelling. Results Of 5,444 eligible illness episodes among 3,965 participants, 310 (6%) were positive for influenza. In a multivariable model, measured fever ≥38° Celsius (adjusted odds ratio = 4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.1, 6.8), myalgia (3.0, 95% CI: 2.2, 4.0), cough (2.7, 95% CI: 1.9, 3.9), and chills (1.6, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.4) were independently associated with influenza illness. A definition based on these four (measured fever, cough, chills or myalgia), was 95% sensitive and 27% specific. The WHO influenza-like illness (ILI) definition was 16% sensitive and 98% specific. Conclusions The current WHO ILI case definition was highly specific but had low sensitivity. The intended use of case definitions should be considered when evaluating the tradeoff between sensitivity and specificity.

Characteristics and risk factors associated with stroke subtypes among adult patients admitted to stroke unit of JUMC

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bekalu Getachew Gebreegziabher ◽  
Tesema Etefa Birhanu ◽  
Diriba Dereje Olana ◽  
Behailu Terefe Tesfaye
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Stroke Unit ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Data Entry ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Stroke Subtypes

Background: Stroke is a great public health problem in Ethiopia. According to reports, in-hospital stroke mortality was estimated to be 14.7% in Ethiopia. Despite this, in this country researches done on factors associated with stroke sub-types were inadequate. Objective: To assess the Characteristics and risk factors associated with stroke sub-types among patients admitted to JUMC. Methods and materials: A retrospective cross sectional study was conducted from May 2017 to May 2018 in stroke unit of Jimma University Medical Center. A total of 106 medical charts of patients diagnosed with stroke were reviewed. Checklist comprising of relevant variables was used to collect data. SPSS version 21 was employed for data entry and analysis. Chi-square test was used to point-out association and difference among stroke sub-types. The data was presented using text, tables and figures. Result: From a total of 106 patients, 67(63.2%) were men. The mean ± SD of age was 52.67±12.46 years, and no significant association was found. Of all the patients, 59(55.6%) had ischemic strokes and 47(44.4%) had hemorrhagic strokes. The most common risk factor in the patients was alcohol use with a prevalence of 69.9%. Of all the risk factors, only sex, cigarettes smoking and dyslipidemia were significantly associated to sub-types of stroke. Conclusion: Ischemic stroke was the most common subtype of stroke. Sex of patient, cigarette smoking and dyslipidemia are significantly associated with the two stroke subtypes.

scholarly journals Emerging trends in the epidemiology of invasive mycoses in England and Wales (1990–9)

2001 ◽  
Vol 126 (3) ◽  
pp. 397-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. L. LAMAGNI ◽  
B. G. EVANS ◽  
M. SHIGEMATSU ◽  
E. M. JOHNSON
Keyword(s):  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Pneumocystis Carinii ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Older Age ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Invasive Mycoses

Invasive fungal infections are becoming an increasing public health problem owing to the growth in numbers of susceptible individuals. Despite this, the profile of mycoses remains low and there is no surveillance system specific to fungal infections currently existing in England and Wales. We analysed laboratory reports of deep-seated mycoses made to the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre between 1990 and 1999 from England and Wales. A substantial rise in candidosis was seen during this period (6·76–13·70 reports per million population/year), particularly in the older age groups. Rates of cryptococcosis in males fluctuated over the decade but fell overall (1·05–0·66 per million population/year), whereas rates of female cases gradually rose up until 1998 (0·04–0·41 per million population/year). Reports of Pneumocystis carinii in men reduced substantially between 1990 and 1999 (2·77–0·42 per million population/year) but showed little change in women. Reports of aspergillosis fluctuated up until 1996, after which reports of male and female cases rose substantially (from 0·08 for both in 1996 to 1·92 and 1·69 per million population/year in 1999 for males and females respectively), largely accounted for by changes in reporting practice from one laboratory. Rates of invasive mycoses were generally higher in males than females, with overall male-to-female rate ratios of 1·32 (95% CI 1·25–1·40) for candidosis, 1·30 (95% CI 1·05–1·60) for aspergillosis, 3·99 (95% CI 2·93–5·53) for cryptococcosis and 4·36 (95% CI 3·47–5·53) for Pneumocystis carinii. The higher male than female rates of reports is likely to be a partial reflection of HIV epidemiology in England and Wales, although this does not fully explain the ratio in infants and older age groups. Lack of information on underlying predisposition prevents further identification of risk groups affected. Whilst substantial under-reporting of Pneumocystis carinii and Cryptococcus species was apparent, considerable numbers of superficial mycoses were mis-reported indicating a need for clarification of reporting guidelines. Efforts to enhance comprehensive laboratory reporting should be undertaken to maximize the utility of this approach for surveillance of deep-seated fungal infections.

scholarly journals Trends, Coverage and Influencing Determinants of Influenza Vaccination in the Elderly: A Population-Based National Survey in Spain (2006–2017)

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 327
Author(s):  
Silvia Portero de la Cruz ◽  
Jesús Cebrino
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Public Health

Influenza is a significant public health problem and the elderly are at a greater risk of contracting the disease. The vaccination coverage of the elderly is below the Spanish target of 65% for each influenza season. The aims of this study were to report the coverage of influenza vaccination in Spain among the population aged ≥65 years and high-risk groups for suffering chronic diseases, to analyze the time trends from 2006 to 2017 and to identify the factors which affect vaccination coverage. A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted including 20,753 non-institutionalized individuals aged ≥65 years who had participated in the Spanish National Health Surveys in 2006, 2011/2012, and 2017. Sociodemographic, health-related variables, and influenza vaccination data were used. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the variables associated with influenza vaccination. Influenza vaccination coverage was 60%. By chronic condition, older people with high cholesterol levels and cancer had the lowest vaccination coverage (62.41% and 60.73%, respectively). This coverage declined from 2006 to 2017 in both groups. Higher influenza vaccination was associated with males, Spanish nationality, normal social support perceived, polypharmacy, worse perceived health, participation in other preventive measures, and increasing age and the number of chronic diseases.

Towards Prevention and Early Recognition of Stroke: The Australian Context

2011 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-230
Author(s):  
Evrim G. March
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Stroke Prevention ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Australian Context ◽  
The Status ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Policies And Programs

AbstractStroke is a preventable disease leading to physical, cognitive and emotional disability. Its high prevalence and poor outcome shifts this disease from the clinical, medical realm to a significant public health problem. This article provides an overview of the problem, and the status of stroke prevention in the Australian context. To achieve this, it first examines the recent Australian surveillance data on stroke, identifying the at-risk groups. It then argues for targeted stroke prevention, assesses relevant policies and programs in the international and Australian contexts, and briefly reviews approaches for increased awareness and recognition of stroke symptoms. The article concludes by emphasising the need to account for the at-risk-groups when developing targeted health promotion campaigns for effective prevention of stroke in Australia.

scholarly journals An AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC ALANALYSIS OF LABORATORY CONFIRMED CASES OF CHIKUNGUNYA, PAKISTAN, 2016-2018

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-156
Author(s):  
Nosheen Ashraf ◽  
Sana Habib Abbasi ◽  
Fariha Munir ◽  
Amna Ali ◽  
M. Akram Qamar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Data Entry ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Public Health Professionals ◽  
Age Range

Background: Chikungunya is a vector-borne disease that is spread by the mosquito Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Disease mostly occurs in Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Recent outbreak of chikungunya was reported in 2017 in Karachi, Pakistan, after which sporadic cases were reported from different areas of Pakistan. There are very limited demographic data available for chikungunya in Pakistan and therefore, further information is required. The current study will provide latest information to assist public health professionals and policy makers in order to provide effective management of cases by means of appropriate resource. Methods: In this cross sectional study, information regarding 750 laboratory confirmed cases from Dec 2016 to Apr 2018 were collected from the virology laboratory, NIH. Data regarding age, sex, reporting facility, district and province were collected. Data entry and cleaning was done in Microsoft excel and descriptive analysis using epiInfo. The data were grouped, tabulated and represented graphically while geographical location of the cases was mapped. Results: A total of 403(53.73%) cases were male and 347 (46.27%) female with an age range from 0.6 to 80 years and the mean age was (32.5+- 17.5). The most affected age group was 20 to 29 Years. Sindh remained the most affected province with 494 (65.87%) cases reported followed by KP with 167 (22.27%) cases. The highest number of cases [148(19.7%)] were reported in May 2017. Conclusion: Provision and sharing of accurate and timely data can reduce the risk and spread of the disease.

scholarly journals Edukasi Kesehatan sebagai Upaya Preventif Penyakit Hepatitis B dan C pada Warga Binaan Pemasyarakatan

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Patricia Gita Naully ◽  
Perdina Nursidika
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Modes Of Transmission ◽  
Lecture Method ◽  
The Government

ABSTRAK Hepatitis B dan C dianggap paling berbahaya diantara jenis hepatitis yang lain karena keduanya dapat berkembang menjadi penyakit kronik, sering tanpa gejala, dan menyebabkan kematian. Salah satu upaya yang disarankan oleh WHO untuk mencegah peningkatan angka Hepatitis B dan C adalah melakukan kegiatan edukasi kesehatan bagi masyarakat, khususnya kelompok beresiko tinggi seperi Warga Binaan Pemasyarakatan (WBP). Oleh sebab itu, kegiatan penyuluhan ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan WBP terkait penyebab, gejala, cara penularan, pencegahan, dan layanan kesehatan yang disediakan oleh pemerintah. Kegiatan ini dilakukan di Lembaga Pemasyarakatan (Lapas) Narkotika Kelas IIA Bandung dengan jumlah peserta sebanyak 30 orang WBP. Penyuluhan dilaksanakan dengan metode ceramah. Evaluasi kegiatan dilakukan dengan cara menganalisis hasil kuesioner dan nilai tes para peserta. Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis deskriptif. Hasil evaluasi membuktikan bahwa mayoritas WBP melakukan tindakan beresiko tinggi karena keterbatasan pengetahuan dan informasi, namun setelah mendapatkan materi penyuluhan terlihat adanya peningkatan nilai tes pada seluruh peserta. Kegiatan ini berhasil meningkatkan pengetahuan WBP di Lapas Narkotika Kelas IIA Bandung terkait penyebab, gejala klinis, cara penularan, pencegahan, serta beberapa layanan kesehatan pemerintah untuk mencegah, mendiagnosa, serta mengobati penyakit Hepatitis B dan C.Kata Kunci: hepatitis B; hepatitis C; penyuluhan; lembaga pemasyarakatanABSTRACTHepatitis B and C are considered as the most dangerous hepatitis types compared to the other, because both can develop into chronic diseases, asymptomatic, and cause death. One of the methods suggested by WHO to prevent an increase of Hepatitis B and C numbers is to conduct health education activities for the community, especially for the high-risk groups such as prisoners (WBP). Therefore, the aim of this extension activity was to upgrade the WBP's knowledge regarding the disease causes, symptoms, transmission methods, prevention, and health services provided by the government. This activity was conducted in Bandung Narcotics Penitentiary class IIA, with 30 WBP participants. The extention was done by the lecture method. Then, the activity evaluation was done by analyzing of questionnaire results and participants' test-scores. Besides, the analysis technique used was descriptive analysis. The evaluation result proved that the majority of WBP taking the high-risk action due to the limited of knowledge and information, but there was a test-score increase for all participants after obtaining counseling materials. This activity was successful to improve the WBP's knowledge in Bandung Narcotics Penitentiary class IIA related to the causes, clinical symptoms, modes of transmission, prevention, and also some government health services to prevent, diagnose, and treat the Hepatitis B and C.Keywords : extension; hepatitis B; hepatitis C; prison.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document