scholarly journals Weil’s Disease Death Investigation and Outbreak Control Measures Instituted in the Field Area of a Family Health Center in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala—A Case Report

2022 ◽  
pp. 263394472110675
Author(s):  
Pranav V. Vasisht

Introduction: Weil syndrome, a rare infectious disorder, is a severe form of the bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria known as leptospirosis. Weil syndrome is characterized by dysfunction of the kidneys and liver, abnormal enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly), persistent yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, whites of the eyes (jaundice), and/or alterations in consciousness. In most cases, Weil syndrome occurs among individuals who are exposed to affected animals. Case Presentation and Summary: The investigation of death was done by a team consisting of doctor, junior health inspector, and ASHA workers of the area. We did a qualitative approach of in-depth interview of the wife and daughter-in-law of the deceased for data collection. The patient’s name and other details are not revealed for anonymity. No particular statistical analyses are used for this case reporting. The CARE guidelines were followed for writing this report. Conclusion: Leptospirosis is a disease of outbreak potential and has high case fatality rate. Timely identification of cases and institution of preventive measures is very important in preventing outbreaks. The surveys conducted in the area did not reveal any signs of an imminent or ongoing outbreak of leptospirosis.

Author(s):  
Kuldeep Dhama ◽  
Shailesh Kumar Patel ◽  
Mamta Pathak ◽  
Mohd. Iqbal Yatoo ◽  
Ruchi Tiwari ◽  
...  

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by a novel coronavirus named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in early December 2019 in China and attained a pandemic situation worldwide by its rapid spread to nearly 167 countries with 287.239 confirmed cases and 11.921 human deaths with a case fatality rate (CFR) of around 4 per cent. Bats were considered as the reservoir host, and the search of a probable intermediate host is still going on. Animals have anticipated culprit of SARS-CoV-2 as of now. The disease is mainly manifested by pneumonia and related respiratory signs and symptoms, but the involvement of the gastrointestinal system and nervous system is also suggested. The severe form of the disease associated with death is mainly reported in older and immune-compromised patients with pre-existing disease history. Death in severe cases is attributed to respiratory failure associated with hyperinflammation. Cytokine storm syndrome associated with rampant inflammation in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is considered as the leading killer of COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients were reported with higher levels of many pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines like IFN-g, IL-1b, IP-10, and MCP-1. Furthermore, severe cases of COVID-19 revealed higher levels of TNF-α, G-CSF, and MIP-1A. Blood profile of the COVID-19 patients exhibits lymphopenia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and RNAaemia along with increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase. SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women does not lead to fetus mortalities unlike other zoonotic coronaviruses like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, with no evidence of intrauterine transmission to neonates. Rapid and confirmatory diagnostics have been developed, and high efforts are being made to develop effective vaccines and therapeutics. In the absence of any virus-specific therapeutic, internationally health care authorities are recommending adoption of effective prevention and control measures to counter and contain this pandemic virus. This paper is an overview of this virus and the disease with a particular focus on SARS-COV-2 / COVID-19 clinical pathology, pathogenesis and immunopathology along with a few recent research developments.


Author(s):  
Pratiksha S. Thakare ◽  
Samruddhi Gujar ◽  
Shakib Sheikh ◽  
Vrushali Dighikar

The causative factors of Coronavirus disease mainly the viruses. Through news we aware that pneumonia cases seen recently in Wuhan city, China. Due to unknown causes. Coronaviruses that cause illness such as a common cold. The Coronavirus infection identified with respiratory symptoms and pneumonia, the severe form of coronavirus infection mainly associated with death and low immune system patients. It is very important for us to more focus on geriatric people because in our countries, geriatric group people facing health problems at this present situation. According to articles Clinical Pathology, Pathogenesis, Immunopathology, and Mitigation Strategies, in that said geriatric people and low immune system patient with symptoms related history are more prone to COVID infection. But according to recent information by WHO all people are at risk of coronavirus but mostly geriatric people facing more risk of developing a severe respiratory infection. Geriatric people easily get coronavirus syndrome due to physical changes that occur as increasing age. There were 95% of these deaths seen in geriatric people above 60 years older. Above 50% of all fatal conditions occurred in geriatric people between 60- 80 years ago. There having disease control and prevention center, which indicate that rates of hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions and mortality reported among COVID-19 cases in the United States are substantially higher among patients older than 45 years compared with younger patients, with case-fatality rates exceeding 1.4% among patients aged 55 to 64 years and exceeding 2.7% among those aged 65 to 74 years.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (02) ◽  
pp. 204-208
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed ◽  
Nouh Saad Mohamed ◽  
Sarah Misbah EL-Sadig ◽  
Lamis Ahmed Fahal ◽  
Ziad Bakri Abelrahim ◽  
...  

The steadily growing COVID-19 pandemic is challenging health systems worldwide including Sudan. In Sudan, the first COVID-19 case was reported on 13th March 2020, and up to 11 November 2020 there were 14,401 confirmed cases of which 9,535 cases recovered and the rest 3,750 cases were under treatment. Additionally, 1,116 deaths were reported, indicating a relatively high case fatality rate of 7.7%. Several preventive and control measures were implemented by the government of Sudan and health partners, including the partial lockdown of the country, promoting social distancing, and suspending mass gathering such as festivals and performing religious practices in groups. However, new cases still emerging every day and this could be attributed to the noncompliance of the individuals to the advocated preventive measurements.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
John W. Stelzer ◽  
Miguel A. Flores ◽  
Waleed Mohammad ◽  
Nathan Esplin ◽  
Jonathan J. Mayl ◽  
...  

Introduction. Klippel–Feil syndrome (KFS) is a congenital anomaly resulting from fusion of cervical vertebral bodies secondary to the dysregulation of signaling pathways during somite development. It is commonly associated with scoliosis and Sprengel deformity. We present a case of KFS with commonly associated abnormalities as well as deformities that have not yet been reported in the literature. Case Presentation. A 3-year-old girl presented for further evaluation of a left upper extremity deformity following a negative genetic workup. Upon physical exam and radiographic imaging, the patient was diagnosed with KFS and associated abnormalities including cervical scoliosis, Sprengel deformity, and congenital deformity of the left upper extremity. Deformities of the left upper extremity include radioulnar synostosis, a four-rayed hand, and absent thenar musculature. The Sprengel deformity was corrected surgically with a Woodward procedure. Discussion. Congenital musculoskeletal deformities can be differentiated based upon spinal and limb embryology. The presence of extraspinal abnormalities not originating from somite differentiation may suggest a severe form of KFS. Important considerations in the workup of the KFS patient include looking for deformities of the shoulder girdle and upper extremities to identify abnormalities for intervention at a young age.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Godfrey Nsereko ◽  
Daniel Kadobera ◽  
Denis Okethwangu ◽  
Joyce Nguna ◽  
Damian Rutazaana ◽  
...  

Background. Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Uganda. In April 2018, malaria cases surged in Nwoya District, Northern Uganda, exceeding expected limits and thereby requiring epidemic response. We investigated this outbreak to estimate its magnitude, identify exposure factors for transmission, and recommend evidence-based control measures. Methods. We defined a malaria case as onset of fever in a resident of Anaka subcounty, Koch Goma subcounty, and Nwoya Town Council, Nwoya District, with a positive rapid diagnostic test or microscopy for malaria from 1 February to 25 May 2018. We reviewed medical records in all health facilities of affected subcounties to find cases. In a case-control study, we compared exposure factors between case-persons and asymptomatic controls matched by age and village. We also conducted entomological assessments on vector density and behavior. Results. We identified 3,879 case-persons (attack rate [AR] = 6.5%) and two deaths (case-fatality rate = 5.2/10,000). Females (AR = 8.1%) were more affected than males (AR = 4.7%) (p<0.0001). Of all age groups, 5–18 years (AR = 8.4%) were most affected. Heavy rain started in early March 2018, and a propagated outbreak followed in the first week of April 2018. In the case-control study, 55% (59/107) of case-persons and 18% (19/107) of controls had stagnant water around households for several days following rainfall (ORM-H = 5.6, 95% CI = 3.0–11); 25% (27/107) of case-persons and 51% (55/107) of controls wore full extremity covering clothes during evening hours (ORM-H = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.20–0.60); 71% (76/107) of case-persons and 85% (91/107) of controls slept under a long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN) 14 days before symptom onset (ORM-H = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.22–0.85); 37% (40/107) of case-persons and 52% (56/107) of controls had access to at least one LLIN per 2 household members (ORM-H = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.30–0.97). Entomological assessment indicated active breeding sites in the entire study area; Anopheles gambiae sensu lato species were the predominant vector. Conclusion. Increased vector-breeding sites after heavy rainfall and inadequate malaria preventive measures were found to have contributed to this outbreak. We recommended increasing coverage for LLINs and larviciding breeding sites in the area.


2001 ◽  
Vol 75 (16) ◽  
pp. 7732-7738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter McMinn ◽  
Katie Lindsay ◽  
David Perera ◽  
Hung Ming Chan ◽  
Kwai Peng Chan ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a frequent cause of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) epidemics associated with severe neurological sequelae in a small proportion of cases. There has been a significant increase in EV71 epidemic activity throughout the Asia-Pacific region since 1997. Recent HFMD epidemics in this region have been associated with a severe form of brainstem encephalitis associated with pulmonary edema and high case fatality rates. In this study, we show that four genetic lineages of EV71 have been prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region since 1997, including two previously undescribed genogroups (B3 and B4). Furthermore, we show that viruses belonging to genogroups B3 and B4 have circulated endemically in Southeast Asia during this period and have been the primary cause of several large HFMD or encephalitis epidemics in Malaysia, Singapore, and Western Australia.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 634-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tione Buranda ◽  
Catherine Gineste ◽  
Yang Wu ◽  
Virginie Bondu ◽  
Dominique Perez ◽  
...  

Hantaviruses cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), which infects more than 200,000 people worldwide. Sin Nombre virus (SNV) and Andes virus (ANDV) cause the most severe form of HCPS, with case fatality ratios of 30%–40%. There are no specific therapies or vaccines for SNV. Using high-throughput flow cytometry, we screened the Prestwick Chemical Library for small-molecule inhibitors of the binding interaction between UV-inactivated and fluorescently labeled SNVR18 particles, and decay-accelerating factor (DAF) expressed on Tanoue B cells. Eight confirmed hit compounds from the primary screen were investigated further in secondary screens that included infection inhibition, cytotoxicity, and probe interference. Antimycin emerged as a bona fide hit compound that inhibited cellular infection of the major HCPS (SNV)- and HCPS (Hantaan)-causing viruses. Confirming our assay’s ability to detect active compounds, orthogonal testing of the hit compound showed that antimycin binds directly to the virus particle and blocks recapitulation of physiologic integrin activation caused by SNV binding to the integrin PSI domain.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroki Kitaoka ◽  
Jun Inatomi ◽  
Hayato Chikai ◽  
Keiko Watanabe ◽  
Tadayuki Kumagai ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Renal abscess in children is a rare and severe form of infectious kidney disease that is responsible for several serious complications. In this report, we describe a previously healthy 5-year-old girl with a renal abscess caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli), which led to bacteremia and renal scarring. Case presentation The patient presented to our department with high fever, headache, vomiting for 2 days and high inflammatory response. We diagnosed her with a urinary tract infection and initiated treatment with ampicillin and cefotaxime. Gram-negative bacilli bacteremia was noted on day 3. On day 4, her fever persisted, and a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a renal abscess in the left kidney. After identifying the bacteria as ESBL-producing E. coli from the blood culture, we switched to the antibiotic meropenem and continued treatment for 3 weeks. The renal abscess was not drained. Although the renal abscess was successfully treated and it disappeared, a low-density area remained in same lesion on subsequent CT scans and a dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan performed 4 months after onset revealed renal scarring. Conclusion Given the increasing prevalence of ESBL-producing microorganisms, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of renal abscesses caused by community-acquired ESBL-producing organisms even in previously healthy children. Once a renal abscess is suspected, early diagnosis and management are important for reducing the risk of life-threating complications and renal scarring.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S848-S848 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Portales-Castillo ◽  
Javier Araujo-Meléndez ◽  
Pedro Torres-González ◽  
Mariana Mancilla-González

Abstract Background In June 2018, an unusual number of candidemia-associated sepsis cases were diagnosed in sedated patients hospitalized in the 12-bed adult ICU of a teaching hospital in Mexico. The pre-outbreak candidemia rate had been calculated at 0.66 cases/100 ICU admissions for the previous 3 years. Methods We performed a case–control and microbiological study designed to trace the source of the outbreak. Case definition included adult patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and Candida species isolated on BC (blood cultures). The rest of the patients in the ICU within the study period (6/12/2018–6/22/2018) were used as controls. Results A total of 5 cases and 19 controls were included in the study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between groups, except for SOFA scores (Table 1). Differences in median SOFA scores between groups were statistically significant (7.5 in cases and 3 in controls (p = 0.02)). After review of common medications used between cases, propofol infusion use (5/5 in cases and 6/19 in controls) was calculated as the strongest risk factor for candidemia (OR 22.84 (p = 0.04)). In-use propofol infusions available at the time were stopped and sent for culture as were unopened vials stored in the pharmacy from the lot being used in the ICU. Intrinsical contamination with bacterial and fungal species related to the outbreak was identified (Table 3). Case fatality rate during the outbreak was 80% (4/5) Conclusion Lethal infections due to contaminated medications, including propofol, have been reported worldwide. Propofol is a potential source for infections given its lipophilic nature that promotes microbial growth. This likely remains an underecognized problem that deserves awareness for early recognition. Epidemiological surveillance in our hospital prompted our case–control study and the subsequent implementation of effective control measures including rapid notification to hospital and national authorities (COFEPRIS), elimination of the identified contaminated lot, and increased promotion of both hand hygiene and adequate IV medication handling techniques among staff. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2020 ◽  
Vol 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rima R. Sahay ◽  
Pragya D. Yadav ◽  
Nivedita Gupta ◽  
Anita M. Shete ◽  
Chandni Radhakrishnan ◽  
...  

Abstract Nipah virus (NiV) outbreak occurred in Kozhikode district, Kerala, India in 2018 with a case fatality rate of 91% (21/23). In 2019, a single case with full recovery occurred in Ernakulam district. We described the response and control measures by the Indian Council of Medical Research and Kerala State Government for the 2019 NiV outbreak. The establishment of Point of Care assays and monoclonal antibodies administration facility for early diagnosis, response and treatment, intensified contact tracing activities, bio-risk management and hospital infection control training of healthcare workers contributed to effective control and containment of NiV outbreak in Ernakulam.


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