COVID-19: A HEALTH PERSPECTIVE

A severe pneumonia of an unknown origin was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The disease, now known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has evolved into a public health emergency of international concern and wreaked worldwide havoc. An unprecedented and vigorous scientific response has allowed the accelerated discovery of the virus and reliable diagnostic methods; a rapid characterization of the disease and its impacts so as to better apply precautionary and public health measures; and resulted in remarkable progress in the development of mitigation strategies, including the development of vaccines at breakneck speed. This paper provides a health perspective of the virus and the pandemic it caused, based on available best evidence. Controversies surrounding the origin of the virus, its incubation period and infectivity, presentation and course of the disease, testing, as well as treatments and vaccinations are highlighted. The pandemic response, including infection control measures, and considerations on mental and economic health, alongside physical health is discussed. Moving forward, it is important that the global community is aware and better informed. More resources are needed to strengthen public health systems and healthcare infrastructure and delivery. This virus has the potential to persist and become endemic and seasonal in communities. Thus, non-pharmaceutical interventions (e.g. wearing masks, frequent hand washing, etc.) might become the new normal in a post-pandemic world. The silver lining in the COVID-19 cloud may be the lessons it provides, so that we may be better prepared to respond to an inevitable next pandemic.

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Within-a-Day Detection and Rapid Characterization of Carbapenemase by Use of a New Carbapenem Inactivation Method-Based Test, CIMplus

Journal of Clinical Microbiology ◽

10.1128/jcm.00137-18 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 56 (9) ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

François Caméléna ◽

Aurélie Cointe ◽

Vincent Mathy ◽

Claire Hobson ◽

Catherine Doit ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Test Performance ◽

Antimicrobial Treatment ◽

Control Measures ◽

Decision Algorithm ◽

Content Type ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Carbapenem Resistant ◽

Culture Duration ◽

Rapid Characterization

ABSTRACT The dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is a major threat to public health. Rapid and accurate detection of CPE is essential for initiating appropriate antimicrobial treatment and establishing infection control measures. The carbapenem inactivation method (CIM), which has good sensitivity and specificity but a detection time of 20 h, was recently described. In this study, we evaluated the performances of a new version, the CIMplus test, which allows detection of carbapenemases in 8 h and characterization of carbapenemase classes, according to the Ambler classification, in 20 h. A panel of 110 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains, including 92 CPE strains (with NDM, VIM, IMP, KPC, GES, OXA-48, and OXA-48-like enzymes), was used to evaluate test performance. Carbapenemase activity was detected at 8 h and 20 h. Characterization of carbapenemase classes, using specific inhibitors, was possible in 20 h. The CIMplus test had sensitivities of 95.7% and 97.8% at 8 h and 20 h, respectively, and a specificity of 94.4%, independent of the culture duration. Using a decision algorithm, this test was successful in identifying the carbapenemase class for 98.9% of tested CPE isolates (87/88 isolates). In total, the characterization was correct for 100%, 96.9%, and 100% of Ambler class A, B, and D isolates, respectively. Therefore, this test allows detection of carbapenemase activity in 8 h and characterization of carbapenemase classes, according to the Ambler classification, in 20 h. The CIMplus test represents a simple, affordable, easy-to-read, and accurate tool that can be used without any specific equipment.

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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Emerging and Future Challenges for Dental and Oral Medicine

Journal of Dental Research ◽

10.1177/0022034520914246 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 99 (5) ◽

pp. 481-487 ◽

Cited By ~ 364

Author(s):

L. Meng ◽

F. Hua ◽

Z. Bian

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Infection Control ◽

Control Measures ◽

World Health ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Dental Practitioners ◽

The World ◽

Essential Knowledge ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Health Organization

The epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), originating in Wuhan, China, has become a major public health challenge for not only China but also countries around the world. The World Health Organization announced that the outbreaks of the novel coronavirus have constituted a public health emergency of international concern. As of February 26, 2020, COVID-19 has been recognized in 34 countries, with a total of 80,239 laboratory-confirmed cases and 2,700 deaths. Infection control measures are necessary to prevent the virus from further spreading and to help control the epidemic situation. Due to the characteristics of dental settings, the risk of cross infection can be high between patients and dental practitioners. For dental practices and hospitals in areas that are (potentially) affected with COVID-19, strict and effective infection control protocols are urgently needed. This article, based on our experience and relevant guidelines and research, introduces essential knowledge about COVID-19 and nosocomial infection in dental settings and provides recommended management protocols for dental practitioners and students in (potentially) affected areas.

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Content Analysis of the Free COVID-19 Telephone Consultations Available during the First Wave of the Pandemic in Japan

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9111593 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 1593

Author(s):

Kyoko Yoshioka-Maeda ◽

Yuka Sumikawa ◽

Noriha Tanaka ◽

Chikako Honda ◽

Riho Iwasaki-Motegi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Content Analysis ◽

Infection Control ◽

Qualitative Content Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Measures ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Telephone Consultation ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Consultation Services

This cross-sectional study aimed to (1) describe the unclassified contents of telephone consultation services provided by a public health center during the first wave of COVID-19 in Japan and (2) examine whether the contents required assistance from public health nurses (PHNs). We analyzed a total of 207 calls in which the purpose of the call was unclassified into pre-set categories. PHNs transcribed the exact text of the consultation conversations recorded from 25 March to 20 April 2020 in City A. Approximately half of the calls were from residents. Seven categories were extracted through a qualitative content analysis. The most common topic was infection control measures, where the presence of COVID-19 infection was assumed (n = 62); the second most common was extreme anxiety and fear of infection (n = 50). Questions about the COVID-19 response system (n = 30), discrimination and misunderstandings about COVID-19 (n = 24), and response measures for COVID-19 outbreaks within organizations (n = 18) were also included. The unclassified consultations included various topics, several of which required the expertise of a PHN. Each local government should consider sharing and task-shifting telephone consultation services among PHNs and other staff to reduce their burden and allow them to concentrate on conducting infection control more effectively.

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Prevalence of and environmental factors associated with aerosolised Aspergillus spores at a zoological park

Veterinary Record Open ◽

10.1136/vetreco-2018-000281 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. e000281

Author(s):

Molly Martony ◽

Hendrik Nollens ◽

Melinda Tucker ◽

Linda Henry ◽

Todd Schmitt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Environmental Factors ◽

Infection Control ◽

High Efficiency ◽

Mitigation Strategies ◽

Control Measures ◽

Surveillance Systems ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Air Sampler ◽

Zoological Park

Aspergillus is a significant pathogen in zoological species, although information on environmental variables influencing fungal prevalence in zoological settings are lacking. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of and to identify environmental factors associated with aerosolised Aspergillus spores at a zoological park to advance the understanding of fungal exposure as a first step towards improved mitigation strategies for susceptible animals. Twenty-one locations were sampled for presence of Aspergillus species using the SAS Super 180 Microbial Air Sampler, while twenty-two environmental factors were evaluated every two weeks at SeaWorld of California during two 12-month periods. In each period, the frequency of investigated environmental factors was compared between samples classified as positive or negative for Aspergillus species using logistic regression. Prevalence of Aspergillus was higher (P<0.05) during the second 12-month period (110/525 or 21 per cent), compared with the first period (62/483 or 13 per cent). In both periods, positive Aspergillus samples were associated with indoor sites without high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems and other infection control measures (adjusted OR=4.33 and 5.19, P<0.01) or outdoor sites (adjusted OR=2.50 and3.79, P≤0.05), compared to indoor sites with HEPA filtration systems and other infection control measures, after controlling for season. Burden of airborne Aspergillus can be higher in indoor sites without HEPA filtration systems than in outdoor sites. The use of HEPA filtration systems and other infection control measures can mitigate the burden of Aspergillus. Risk-based surveillance systems that target indoor areas without HEPA filtration systems can be an efficient approach for early detection of high burden of Aspergillus at zoological parks.

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Expanding the Use of Noninvasive Ventilation During an Epidemic

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2014.71 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 310-314 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jasminka Kopić ◽

Maja Tomić Paradžik

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Infection Control ◽

Noninvasive Ventilation ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Control Measures ◽

Invasive Ventilation ◽

Preparedness Planning ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Effective Therapeutic Option ◽

Infection Control Guidelines

ABSTRACTNoninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a proved and effective therapeutic option for some patients with respiratory failure. During an epidemic, NIV can free up respirators and other intensive care unit equipment for patients with respiratory insufficiency whose survival depends exclusively on invasive ventilation. Some guidelines have indicated that NIV is potentially hazardous and should not be recommended for use during epidemics, given the perceived potential risk of transmission from aerosolized pathogen dispersion to other patients or medical staff. Conversely, some reports of previous epidemics describe NIV as a very efficient and safe modality of respiratory support, if strict infection control measures are implemented.We discuss NIV use during epidemics and indicate the need for prospective randomized clinical studies on the efficacy of NIV in epidemic conditions to provide important information to the current body of literature. Meanwhile, the use of NIV under strict infection control guidelines should be incorporated into epidemic preparedness planning. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;8:1-5)

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Underlying Chronic Disease and COVID-19 Infection: A State-of-the-Art Review

Jundishapur Journal of Chronic Disease Care ◽

10.5812/jjcdc.103452 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Habib Haybar ◽

Khalil Kazemnia ◽

Fakher Rahim

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Chronic Disease ◽

State Of The Art ◽

Control Measures ◽

Healthcare Staff ◽

Public Health Services ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

The World

Context: In late December 2019, a new coronavirus, called COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2/2019-nCoV), triggered the outbreak of pneumonia from Wuhan (Han’s seafood market) in China, which is now possessing major public health threats to the world. The objective of this review was to describe the epidemiology of COVID-19 in different chronic diseases and understand the pathophysiological mechanisms by which the virus can lead to the progression of these diseases. Results: The prevalence of COVID-19 infection has become a clinical threat to the general population and healthcare staff around the world. However, knowledge is limited about this new virus. The most commonly reported conditions are diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: Effective antiviral therapy and vaccination are currently being evaluated and under-development. What we can do now is the aggressive implementation of infection control measures to prevent the human-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Public health services should also monitor the situation. The more the knowledge about this new virus and its prevalence, the better the ability of us to deal with it. It is hoped that we will overcome COVID-19 soon with the discovery of effective vaccines, drugs, and treatments.

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Community Pharmacy Response to Infection Control during COVID-19. A Cross-Sectional Survey.

10.20944/preprints202005.0338.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Zachary Sum ◽

Charmane Ow

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Infection Control ◽

Community Pharmacy ◽

Pharmacy Practice ◽

Control Measures ◽

Public Healthcare ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Infection Control Measures

Background: Australia received its first case of coronavirus on 25 January 2020. Since then the demands of COVID-19 has presented unparalleled levels of strain on the public healthcare systems in the country. In this time of crisis, pharmacists and community pharmacy staff have modified work strategies according to the rapidly changing environment. With a delayed dissemination of resources and guidelines, pharmacist and pharmacies are practicing innovative infection control methods across Australia to protect their staff, patients and the community. This article seeks to explore the current activities undertaken by pharmacists in various community pharmacy settings across Australia in relation to the safety of the workplace environments for staff and patients. Information collected can help inform future decisions in pandemic preparation for pharmacies in response to similar health crisis now and in the future. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey study was conducted in Australia during the COVID-19 outbreak from 1st to 30th April 2020. The questionnaire addressed community pharmacist’s awareness and response to infection and sanitation control. Results: A total of 137 pharmacists took part in the survey, with almost half (45.26%) belonging to the age group of 25 to 34 years. Community pharmacy formed the bulk (89.05%) of the respondent’s primary place of practice. There was a good uptake of safety measures by pharmacists and their pharmacies to protect staff and patients. However the task of reassigning high health risk staff was not heavily practiced (34.31%). Regular cleaning took place in the pharmacy, but the use of gloves while cleaning was not practiced in 48.18% of respondents. In addition, only 46.72% of respondents reported observing script baskets being cleaned and disinfected. About one-third (37.96%) of pharmacists were aware of the two-step cleaning and disinfecting process, but only 18.98% of pharmacists reported observing or performing this sanitation procedure. More than half of surveyed pharmacists reported having difficulty keeping up with infection control changes and pharmacy practice guidelines during the pandemic. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the majority of pharmacists are not fully aware of the infection control measures needed in a community pharmacy setting. The influx of coronavirus updates has made it difficult for pharmacists to implement accurate procedures on some aspects of workplace hygiene, which may have led to some gaps in infection control measures. Pharmacists must aim to uphold their public health ambassador role and aim to keep up-to-date with professional guidance to provide the necessary infection control measures to ensure staff, patient and public health safety.

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Meeting the Mental Health Needs of College Student-Mothers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

Women ◽

10.3390/women1030013 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (3) ◽

pp. 137-142

Author(s):

Kobi V. Ajayi

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

The United States ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Control Measures ◽

Remote Work ◽

Student Mothers ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Rapid Spread

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is the deadliest public health emergency in the twenty-first century. To mitigate the rapid spread of the virus, institutions around the globe, including higher education, instituted infection control measures such as social distancing and restricted movements with virtual/remote work and learning environments. These changes, including the pandemic-related stressors, are associated with poor mental health among college students. However, student-mothers may encounter an aggravated psychological impact of the pandemic because of their competing and challenging intersecting roles. Multipronged strategies and targeted-mental health services that consider the needs of student-mothers, their children, and families are encouraged to mitigate the pandemic’s impact. Doing so has important implications for public health, policy, and research.

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The epidemiology and molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant staphylococci sampled from a healthy Jordanian population

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268813000010 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 141 (11) ◽

pp. 2384-2391 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

A. G. AL-BAKRI ◽

H. AL-HADITHI ◽

V. KASABRI ◽

G. OTHMAN ◽

A. KRIEGESKORTE ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Staphylococcus Epidermidis ◽

Nasal Carriage ◽

Control Measures ◽

Coagulase Negative Staphylococci ◽

Carriage Rate ◽

Methicillin Resistant ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Type Iv ◽

Encoding Genes

SUMMARYThe prevalence of natural carriage and molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MR-CoNS) isolates in a Jordanian community were investigated. The MRSA nasal carriage rate in 227 healthy volunteers was 7·5% and the majority (81%) of MRSA harboured the resistance element SCCmectype IVe and were of a novelspatype t9519 (76%); other significantspagene types were t223 (14·7%) and t044 (5·9%). All MRSA isolates were susceptible to other classes of antibiotics, and tested positive for at least three virulence factor encoding genes, but only two harboured thepvlgene. MR-CoNS carriage was 54·2% and these isolates were characterized by single, double and untypable SCCmecelements, withStaphylococcus epidermidisSCCmectype IVa predominating. Of eight subjects with nasal co-colonization of MR-CoNS + MRSA, three shared SCCmectype IV in both groups of organisms. This is the first report of methicillin-resistant staphylococci carriage in a Jordanian community and its findings are important for epidemiological study and infection control measures of these organisms.

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A review of nosocomial norovirus outbreaks: infection control interventions found effective

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268811002731 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 140 (7) ◽

pp. 1151-1160 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

J. D. GREIG ◽

M. B. LEE

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Infection Control ◽

Population Studies ◽

Rapid Identification ◽

Control Measures ◽

Federal State ◽

Environmental Cleaning ◽

Modes Of Transmission ◽

Infection Control Measures ◽

Government Websites

SUMMARYThe purpose of this study was to review documented outbreaks of enteric illness associated with nosocomial norovirus infections and to identify modes of transmission, morbidity and mortality patterns, and recommendations for control. Searches of electronic databases, public health publications, and federal, state/provincial public health websites were completed for 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2010. Computer-aided searches of literature databases and systematic searches of government websites identified 54 relevant outbreak reports. Transmission routes included person-to-person (18·5%), foodborne (3·7%) and in the majority (77·8%) the route was unknown. Actions taken during the outbreak to control infection included restricting the movements of patients and staff (22·5%), enhanced environmental cleaning (13·6%) and hand hygiene (10·3%). Rapid identification of norovirus outbreaks in hospitals is vital for the immediate implementation of infection control measures and isolation of infected individuals in this mainly immunocompromised population. Studies that statistically evaluate infection control measures are needed.

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