scholarly journals 920Stakeholder analysis to develop a national outbreak response plan for Q fever in Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tabita Tan ◽  
Jane Heller
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Expert Opinion ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Outbreak Response ◽  
Human Contact ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Disease Occurrence ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Response Plan

Abstract Background Q fever is a zoonotic disease that can cause prolonged and debilitating illness in humans. Australia has the highest number of cases reported in the world and animal-human outbreaks would require a coordinated response from both animal and public health authorities. Methods Expert opinion workshops are conducted across several states in Australia. Discussions were audio recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis to elicit sources and routes of transmission that would lead to a large human outbreak, risk factors for outbreaks and variations between states. Results Sources of Q fever for human infection differ between jurisdictions, influenced by disease occurrence and case infection source. Risk factors include aggregation of animals, environmental effects and naïve human contact. Community acquired infection is perceived as a greater outbreak risk than occupationally acquired due to lack of awareness, absence of vaccination and increased exposure of the public. Conclusions Disease occurrence and sources of infection are variable across jurisdictions and a generalised outbreak plan is not the solution. The framework for action must reflect differences identified between jurisdictions. Key messages Expert opinion regarding sources and routes of transmission for a large human Q fever outbreak highlights prevailing differences between jurisdictions, for which a one size fits all outbreak response plan will not be effective.

scholarly journals Assessment of Environmental and Occupational Risk Factors for the Mitigation and Containment of a COVID-19 Outbreak in a Meat Processing Plant

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Walshe ◽  
Meheal Fennelly ◽  
Stig Hellebust ◽  
John Wenger ◽  
John Sodeau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Plant Management ◽  
Processing Plant ◽  
Meat Processing ◽  
Occupational Risk Factors ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, meat processing plants have been vulnerable to outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Transmission of the virus is difficult to control in these settings because of a combination of factors including environmental conditions and the specific nature of the work. This paper describes a retrospective outbreak investigation in a meat processing plant, a description of the measures taken to prevent or contain further outbreaks, and insights on how those with specific knowledge of the working environment of these plants can collaborate with public health authorities to ensure optimal outbreak control. The plant experienced 111 confirmed positive asymptomatic cases in total with an estimated attack rate of 38% during a five-week period. Four weeks after the first case, mass screening of all workers was conducted by the public health authorities. Thirty-two workers tested positive, of which 16 (50%) worked in one particular area of the plant, the boning hall (n=60). The research team prepared and carried out semi-structured interviews with the plant personnel who were charged with COVID control within the plant. They carried out assessments of operational risk factors and also undertook air quality monitoring in the boning hall and abattoir. The air quality measurements in the boning hall showed a gradual build-up of carbon dioxide and aerosol particles over the course of a work shift, confirming that this poorly ventilated area of the plant had an environment that was highly favourable for aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Assessment of operational conditions incorporated visual surveys of the plant during the working day. Prior to and during the first two weeks of the outbreak, multiple measures were introduced into the plant by management, including physical distancing, provision of educational material to workers, visitor restrictions, and environmental monitoring. After the implementation of these measures and their progressive refinement by plant management, the factory has not had any further linked cases (clusters) or outbreaks to date. The tailored approach to risk mitigation adopted in this meat processing plant shows that generic risk mitigation measures, as recommended by public health authorities, can be successfully adapted and optimized by designated plant emergency response teams.

scholarly journals Assessment of Environmental and Occupational Risk Factors for the Mitigation and Containment of a COVID-19 Outbreak in a Meat Processing Plant

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Walshe ◽  
Mehael Fennelly ◽  
Stig Hellebust ◽  
John Wenger ◽  
John Sodeau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Plant Management ◽  
Processing Plant ◽  
Meat Processing ◽  
Occupational Risk Factors ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, meat processing plants have been vulnerable to outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Transmission of the virus is difficult to control in these settings because of a combination of factors including environmental conditions and the specific nature of the work. This paper describes a retrospective outbreak investigation in a meat processing plant, a description of the measures taken to prevent or contain further outbreaks, and insights on how those with specific knowledge of the working environment of these plants can collaborate with public health authorities to ensure optimal outbreak control. The plant experienced 111 confirmed positive asymptomatic cases in total with an estimated attack rate of 38% during a five-week period. 4 weeks after the first case, mass screening of all workers was conducted by the public health authorities. Thirty-two workers tested positive, of which 16 (50%) worked in one particular area of the plant, the boning hall (n = 60). The research team prepared and carried out semi-structured interviews with the plant personnel who were charged with COVID control within the plant. They carried out assessments of operational risk factors and also undertook air quality monitoring in the boning hall and abattoir. The air quality measurements in the boning hall showed a gradual build-up of carbon dioxide and aerosol particles over the course of a work shift, confirming that this poorly ventilated area of the plant had an environment that was highly favorable for aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Assessment of operational conditions incorporated visual surveys of the plant during the working day. Prior to and during the first 2 weeks of the outbreak, multiple measures were introduced into the plant by management, including physical distancing, provision of educational material to workers, visitor restrictions, and environmental monitoring. After the implementation of these measures and their progressive refinement by plant management, the factory had no further linked cases (clusters) or outbreaks for the following 198 days. The tailored approach to risk mitigation adopted in this meat processing plant shows that generic risk mitigation measures, as recommended by public health authorities, can be successfully adapted and optimized by designated plant emergency response teams.

scholarly journals Risk factors assessment of bovine tuberculosis among abattoir personnel in Gombe State, Northeastern Nigeria: A One-Health approach

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
S. Mohammed ◽  
Adamu Saleh Saidu ◽  
S. M. Jajere ◽  
P. Tomar ◽  
A. M. Wakil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Bovine Tuberculosis ◽  
Occupational Status ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Unpasteurized Milk ◽  
Zoonotic Risk ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
And Control ◽  
Cooked Meat

Aim: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an important milk-borne zoonosis that affects cattle production and poses serious threat to public health. This study aimed at assessing the risk factors as well as the level of awareness, attitude, and practices of abattoir personnel toward bTB in Gombe Township Abattoir, Gombe State. Materials and Methods: A prospective survey was conducted between October 2015 and December 2015. During the survey, a total of 112 close-ended structured questionnaires were administered to the abattoir personnel to assess their level of awareness of bTB. Results: Of these respondents, the majority were males (79%), butchers (49%) and about 40% were under the productive age brackets of 26-35 years. Majority of the respondents (85.7%) were aware of the zoonotic nature of the disease. However, only a few of the respondents (44.6%) wear personal protective equipments (PPEs) clothes while handling or in contact with carcasses during the slaughtering process. Only a few among the respondents (24.1% and 31.2%) consumed unpasteurized milk and unaware of eating of improperly cooked meat as a risk factor of bTB, respectively. About 75.7% of the respondents believed that the habit of eating and drinking inside the abattoir and during slaughtering operations has no any significant effects on their health. The results obtained show a statistically significant association between respondents' awareness of bTB and their occupational status, duration of exposure to cattle carcasses, and knowledge about the disease (p<0.05); and the odds of being aware of bTB was 10.0, 5.07, and 4.2, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the need for public health authorities to intervene in bTB prevention and control through the creation of avenues for enlightenment on the zoonotic risk associated with bTB. The risk factors associated with bTB transmission as indicated by the personnel's practice and awareness levels in Gombe township abattoir are preventable through the use of PPEs clothing.

scholarly journals COVID-19: cross-border contact tracing in Germany, February to April 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Inessa Markus ◽  
Gyde Steffen ◽  
Raskit Lachmann ◽  
Adine Marquis ◽  
Timm Schneider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
International Health ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Outbreak Response ◽  
Robert Koch Institute ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Cruise Ships ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
International Contact ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Warning Response

Introduction The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) managed the exchange of cross-border contact tracing data between public health authorities (PHA) in Germany and abroad during the early COVID-19 pandemic. Aim We describe the extent of cross-border contact tracing and its challenges. Methods We analysed cross-border COVID-19 contact tracing events from 3 February to 5 April 2020 using information exchanged through the European Early Warning Response System and communication with International Health Regulation national focal points. We described events by PHA, number of contacts and exposure context. Results The RKI processed 467 events, initiating contact to PHA 1,099 times (median = 1; interquartile range (IQR): 1–2) and sharing data on 5,099 contact persons. Of 327 (70%) events with known exposure context, the most commonly reported exposures were aircraft (n = 64; 20%), cruise ships (n = 24; 7%) and non-transport contexts (n = 210; 64%). Cruise ship and aircraft exposures generated more contacts with authorities (median = 10; IQR: 2–16, median = 4; IQR: 2–11) and more contact persons (median = 60; IQR: 9–269, median = 2; IQR: 1–3) than non-transport exposures (median = 1; IQR: 1–6 and median = 1; IQR: 1–2). The median time spent on contact tracing was highest for cruise ships: 5 days (IQR: 3–9). Conclusion In the COVID-19 pandemic, cross-border contact tracing is considered a critical component of the outbreak response. While only a minority of international contact tracing activities were related to exposure events in transport, they contributed substantially to the workload. The numerous communications highlight the need for fast and efficient global outbreak communication channels between PHA.

scholarly journals Survey of Toxocara eggs on Dog Hair as a Potential Transmission Route in Human Toxocariasis in Northeastern Iran

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neda SASANNEJAD ◽  
Javad KHOSHNEGAH ◽  
Amin BAKHSHANI ◽  
Hassan BORJI
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Contaminated Soils ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Veterinary Clinic ◽  
Human Contact ◽  
Hair Samples

Background: Toxocara canis is a gastrointestinal nematode of dogs and other canids with high zoonotic potential. Human infection occurs following ingestion of infective eggs that have been passed in the dogs’ feces. Contact with contaminated soils, is one of the most important risk factors for human infection by T. canis eggs. However, in recent studies transmission of infective eggs, through human contact with contaminated dogs’ hair have been proposed. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of Toxocara eggs on the hair and feces of dogs which attended to Veterinary Clinic of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Methods: A total 100 dogs which attended to the clinic were used in the present study. The hair samples were collected from the head, back and perineal region of dogs’ body. Besides collecting hairs, fecal samples were also collected and analyzed for the presence of T. canis eggs. Results: T. canis eggs were found in 11% of the hair samples and 10% of the feces samples. Additionally, it has been observed that the risk factors impact such as breed, season of sampling, sex, hair length, indoor-outdoor access and age, were not significant on the T. canis eggs presence in the faecal and hair samples. Conclusion: Human exposure to the hair of dogs, may be significant risk factor for infection and regular anthelmintic treatment, hygiene of animals and public education of the importance of dogs are recommended to prevent human toxocariasis.

scholarly journals Three Consecutive Waves of Cholera Outbreak in Ethiopia (2015- 2017): Explanatory Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Neamin Tesfay ◽  
Mengistu Biru
Keyword(s):  
Case Fatality ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Watery Diarrhea ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Disease Occurrence ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Epidemiological Trends

BACKGROUND: Cholera is an acute epidemic infectious disease. It is characterized by watery diarrhea, extreme loss of fluid and electrolytes, and severe dehydration. Ethiopia faced three consecutive waves of cholera outbreaks: nearly all regional states and city administrations, with the exception of one, were affected. The study was conducted with the aim of describing the epidemiology of the outbreak within the defined three years.METHODS: Secondary data review was conducted along with explanatory methods of analysis individual patient data reported from different corners of the country in the time period of 2015 –2017. Cases were identified using the case definition stated on the national guideline for cholera control in Ethiopia.RESULT: A total of 36,154 cholera cases and 246 deaths were reported (overall case-fatality rate [CFR=0.7%] affecting all regions of the country except Gambella). The outbreak began in 2015 with 238 cases and 2 deaths [CFR=0.8%]. The largest outbreak during the period under this study occurred in 2016, with 29,338 cases and 188 deaths [CFR=0. 6%]. Following a decline in disease occurrence, the country experienced a resurgence of epidemic cholera during 2017 (6,578 cases and 56 deaths; CFR, 0.9%), which declined rapidly to a few cases. AR was higher in males [37.01/100,000] and persons in the age group of 15–44years [44.10/100,000] in 2016.CONCLUSION: The outbreak affected nearly every corner of the country. Taken together, the epidemiological trends of cholera in Ethiopia showed an annual decrement in frequency and length of outbreaks during the 3 years under review. The recent decreases in cholera case counts may reflect cholera control measures put in place by public health authorities of the national Ministry of Health.

scholarly journals Outbreak of Q fever in workers at a meat processing plant in Scotland, July 2006

2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (34) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Donaghy ◽  
H Prempeh ◽  
N. Macdonald
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Processing Plant ◽  
Meat Processing ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
Influenza Like Illness ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Cattle And Sheep

On 9 July 2006, local public health authorities became aware of an increase of influenza-like illness in people who worked at a meat processing plant where cattle and sheep were slaughtered

Probable longer incubation period for human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in Jiangsu Province, China, 2013

2014 ◽  
Vol 142 (12) ◽  
pp. 2647-2653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. HUANG ◽  
K. XU ◽  
D. F. REN ◽  
J. AI ◽  
H. JI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Avian Influenza ◽  
Incubation Period ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Jiangsu Province ◽  
H7n9 Virus ◽  
Medical Surveillance ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Incubation Periods ◽  
Public Health Authorities

SUMMARYHuman infection with the emerging avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China in 2013 has raised global concerns. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of 27 confirmed human influenza A(H7N9) cases in Jiangsu Province, to elaborate poultry-related exposures and to provide a more precise estimate of the incubation periods of the illness. The median incubation period was 6 days (range 2–10 days) in cases with single known exposure and was 7·5 days (range 6·5–12·5 days) in cases with exposures on multiple days, difference between the two groups was not significant (Z = −1·895, P = 0·058). The overall median incubation period for all patients was estimated to be 7·5 days (range 2–12·5 days). Our findings further highlight the necessity for public health authorities to extend the period of medical surveillance from 7 days to 10 days.

scholarly journals Crisis Learning and Flattening the Curve: South Korea’s Rapid and Massive Diagnosis of the COVID-19 Infection

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 606-613
Author(s):  
Joon-Young Hur ◽  
KyungWoo Kim
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Disease Control ◽  
Early Period ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Outbreak Response ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Public Health Authorities

Crisis learning is critical for ensuring that better actions are taken for an impending or a future crisis. Learning from past epidemics enables public health authorities to assess aspects of the overall response system to improve the system. Moreover, learning during a crisis makes it possible to develop an approach to address unique and rapidly evolving epidemic situations. In this study, the literature was reviewed, and interviews were conducted with a director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a regulatory manager of a multinational medical equipment company. On the basis of that research, this article examines how crisis learning has facilitated a South Korean disease control agency’s surveillance of infectious diseases and its development of in vitro diagnosis kits. Those kits enabled qualified private health providers to diagnose COVID-19 infections in cooperation with multiple partners in the early period of the outbreak response. The agency’s learning from a past epidemic crisis, shared sense-making, and proactive efforts helped the nation to flatten the curve of the numbers of the confirmed cases in a short period of time. This study provides insights for national public health authorities tackling infectious disease outbreaks.

scholarly journals Réunion Island prepared for possible Zika virus emergence, 2016

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (28) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Larrieu ◽  
Laurent Filleul ◽  
Olivier Reilhes ◽  
Marie-Christine Jaffar-Bandjee ◽  
Coralie Dumont ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Close Collaboration ◽  
Response System ◽  
Geographic Spread ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Disease Occurrence ◽  
Surveillance And Response ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Virus Emergence

Zika virus (ZIKV) has recently spread widely and turned into a major international public health threat. Réunion appears to offer conditions particularly favourable to its emergence and therefore prepared to face possible introduction of the virus. We designed a scaled surveillance and response system with specific objectives, methods and measures for various epidemiological phases including a potential epidemic. Several tools were developed in order to (i) detect individual cases (including a large information campaign on the disease and suspicion criteria), (ii) monitor an outbreak through several complementary systems allowing to monitor trends in disease occurrence and geographic spread and (iii) detect severe forms of the disease in collaboration with hospital clinicians. We put the emphasis on detecting the first cases in order to contain the spread of the virus as much as possible and try to avoid progress towards an epidemic. Our two main strengths are a powerful vector control team, and a close collaboration between clinicians, virologists, epidemiologists, entomologists and public health authorities. Our planned surveillance system could be relevant to Europe and island settings threatened by Zika virus all over the world.

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