scholarly journals Epidemiological and microbiological investigation of the large increase of vibriosis in northern Europe in 2018

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ettore Amato ◽  
Maximilian Riess ◽  
Daniel Thomas-Lopez ◽  
Marius Linkevicius ◽  
Tarja Pitkanen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Vibrio Vulnificus ◽  
National Laboratory ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Northern European ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance System

Northern European countries and countries bordering the Baltic Sea have witnessed an increase of vibriosis cases during recent heatwaves. Here, we described the epidemiology of vibriosis cases and the genetic diversity of Vibrio isolates from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Estonia, and Latvia in 2018, a year with an exceptionally warm summer. We conducted a retrospective study and analysed demographics, geographic distribution, seasonality, causative species, and severity of non-travel related vibriosis cases in 2018. Data sources included surveillance systems, national laboratory notification databases and/or nationwide surveys to public health microbiology laboratories. Moreover, we performed whole genome sequencing and multilocus sequence typing of available isolates from 2014-2018 to map their genetic diversity. In 2018, we identified 445 non-travel related vibriosis cases in the study countries, which was considerably higher than the median of 126 cases between 2014-2017 (range: 87-272). The main reported mode of transmission was exposure to seawater. We observed a species-specific geographic disparity of vibriosis cases across the Nordic-Baltic region. Developing severe vibriosis was associated with infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus (adjOR: 17.2; 95% CI: 3.3-90.5) or Vibrio parahaemolyticus (adjOR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0-4.5), being ≥65 years of age (65-79 years, adjOR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.7-8.7; 80+ years, adjOR: 15.5; 95% CI: 4.4-54.3) or acquiring infections during summer (adjOR: 5.1; 95% CI: 2.4-10.9). Although phylogenetic analysis revealed diversity between Vibrio isolates, two V. vulnificus clusters (<10 SNPs) were identified. Study countries could benefit from establishing a shared sentinel surveillance system for vibriosis to address this emerging public health issue.

Prevention of metropolitan and railway suicide

2021 ◽  
pp. 725-732
Author(s):  
Karl-Heinz Ladwig ◽  
Natalia Erazo ◽  
Karoline Lukaschek
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Or Education ◽  
Major Public Health Issue ◽  
Realistic Option ◽  
Vulnerable Subjects ◽  
Railway Suicide

Railway suicides account for less than 10% of all suicides and are considered a major public health issue because of their consequences for the operation of the transportation system and their deteriorating impact on staff and bystanders. Behaviour patterns include jumping, lying, wandering, and deviant behaviour prodromal to the attempt. Case fatality is 90% of all attempts (railway) or circa 60% (metro). Victims are predominately male and young, with a median age stratum in the range of 25–34 years. The weekly distribution shows a peak at the beginning of the week and a low on weekends. Preventive measures include inhibiting access to the track (e.g. barriers at places of advanced risk or surveillance systems), inhibiting media coverage, or education of gatekeepers to increase awareness, and skilfulness in contact with vulnerable subjects. Railway suicide prevention is a realistic option; however, further research is urgently needed.

scholarly journals Integrating laboratory networks, surveillance systems and public health institutes in Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip C. Onyebujoh ◽  
Ajay K. Thirumala ◽  
Jean-Bosco Ndihokubwayo
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
National Laboratory ◽  
International Health ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
African Region ◽  
Health Security ◽  
Public Health Systems ◽  
Levels Of Service

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa underlined the urgent need for integration of public health  systems, including the establishment of national laboratory networks, surveillance systems, and health research institutions at all levels of service delivery. The integration schema presented here would assist in driving the immediate steps needed for integration of public health systems, particularly laboratory networks, in support of the implementation of International Health Regulations and the Global Health Security Agenda in the African region. Increased funding, political willingness from countries, and coordination through enhanced technical assistance from international partners, are critical in achieving this objective.

Socio-demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patient with Thyroid Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-58
Author(s):  
AKM Farhad Hossain ◽  
Md Mahmudur Rahman Siddiqui ◽  
Sayada Fatema Khatun
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Follicular Carcinoma ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant disease in endocrine system. It is an emerging public health issue associated with burden on the family, community and the nation. The aim of this study is to determine the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patient with thyroid cancer attending in tertiary hospital. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 246 thyroid cancer patients in two tertiary hospitals of Dhaka city from 01 July 2018 to 30 June 2019. The subjects were selected purposively following specific selection criteria and maintaining ethical issues. Data were collected by face to face interview using a semi-structured questionnaire and checklist. Data were analyzed by the statistical package for the social science (SPSS) version 23. Results: This study revealed that majority (74.4%) of respondents was female, married (72%), housewife (61.4%), rural respondent (41.1%) and had primary education (69%). Mean (± SD) age of the respondent was 37.85(±12.20) years (Range 14-70 years) and mean (± SD) monthly family income was Tk. 17681(±10602). Out of 246 cases, 204 (82.9%) was papillary and 42 (17.1%) was follicular carcinoma. Various clinical presentations included visible neck swelling in 225 (91.5%), swollen lymph node in 103 (41.9%), pain 90 (36.6%), Difficulties in swallowing 87 (35.4%), Hoarseness of voice in 141 (57.3%), cough along with swelling 47(19.1%), Difficulties in breathing due to swelling in 13(5.3%) of the patients. Conclusion: Incidence of thyroid cancer has increased worldwide specially in female patients in 3rd and 4th decades of life. As thyroid cancer is a growing public health problem in Bangladesh, proper screening and early diagnostic facilities at all level should be available to measure its actual burden in the country. Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 11, No. 1: Jan 2020, P 54-58

Identifying changes in trends in the age standardized incidence of melanoma in Australia

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 250-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M Hille
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Iterative Process ◽  
Linear Trend ◽  
Piecewise Linear ◽  
Health Issue ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Piecewise Linear Regression ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Males And Females

ObjectiveTo identify changes in the linear trend of the age-standardized incidence of melanoma in Australia for all persons, males, and females. MethodsA two-piece piecewise linear regression was fitted to the data. The piecewise breakpoint varied through an iterative process to determine the model that best fits the data.ResultsStatistically significant changes in the trendof the age-standardized incidence of melanoma in Australia were found for all persons, males, and females. The optimal breakpoint for all persons and males was at 1998. For females, the optimal breakpoint was at 2005. The trend after these breakpoints was flatter than prior to the breakpoints, but still positive.ConclusionMelanoma is a significant public health issue in Australia. Overall incidence continues to increase. However, the rate at which the incidence is increasing appears to be decreasing.

Crowdsourcing Covid-19 signals in sub-Saharan Africa: Leveraging digital contributor networks for participatory surveillance of Covid-19 symptoms and deaths (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ngozi A Erondu ◽  
Sagal A Ali ◽  
Mohamed Ali ◽  
Schadrac C Agbla
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Local Networks ◽  
The World ◽  
Sub Saharan

BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, underreporting of cases and deaths has been attributed to various factors including, weak disease surveillance, low health-seeking behaviour of flu like symptoms, and stigma of Covid-19. There is evidence that SARS-CoV-2 spread mimics transmission patterns of other countries across the world. Since the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way research can be conducted and in light of restrictions on travel and risks to in-person data collection, innovative approaches to collecting data must be considered. Nearly 50% of Africa’s population is a unique mobile subscriber and it is one of the fastest growing smart-phone marketplaces in the world; hence, mobile phone platforms should be considered to monitor Covid-19 trends in the community. OBJECTIVE We demonstrate the use of digital contributor platforms to survey individuals about cases of flu-like symptoms and instances of unexplained deaths in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. METHODS Rapid cross-sectional survey of individuals with severe flu and pneumonia symptoms and unexplained deaths in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia and Zimbabwe RESULTS Using a non-health specific information platform, we found COVID-19 signals in five African countries, specifically: •Across countries, nearly half of the respondents (n=739) knew someone who had severe flu or pneumonia symptoms in recent months. •One in three respondents from Somalia and one in five from Zimbabwe respondents said they knew more than five people recently displaying flu and/or pneumonia symptoms. •In Somalia there were signals that a large number of people might be dying outside of health facilities, specifically in their homes or in IDP or refugee camps. CONCLUSIONS Existing digital contributor platforms with local networks are a non-traditional data source that can provide information from the community to supplement traditional government surveillance systems and academic surveys. We demonstrate that using these distributor networks to for community surveys can provide periodic information on rumours but could also be used to capture local sentiment to inform public health decision-making; for example, these insights could be useful to inform strategies to increase confidence in Covid19 vaccine. As Covid-19 continues to spread somewhat silently across sub-Saharan Africa, regional and national public health entities should consider expanding event-based surveillance sources to include these systems.

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