scholarly journals A decade of plague in Madagascar: a description of two hotspot districts

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sitraka Rakotosamimanana ◽  
Daouda Kassie ◽  
François Taglioni ◽  
Josélyne Ramamonjisoa ◽  
Fanjasoa Rakotomanana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Definition ◽  
World Health ◽  
Standard Case ◽  
Epidemiological Features ◽  
System Data ◽  
Central Highlands ◽  
One Year ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics ◽  
National Surveillance System

Abstract Background Human plague cases, mainly in the bubonic form, occur annually in endemic regions of the central highlands of Madagascar. The aim of this study was to compare the dynamics of the epidemiological features of the human plague in two districts of the central highlands region. Methods In Madagascar, all clinically suspected plague cases that meet clinical and epidemiological criteria specified in the World Health Organization (WHO) standard case definition are reported to the national surveillance system. Data on plague cases reported between 2006 and 2015 in the districts of Ambositra and Tsiroanomandidy were analysed. Statistical comparisons between the epidemiological characteristics of the two districts were conducted. Results A total of 840 cases of plague were reported over the studied period, including 563 (67%) probable and confirmed cases (P + C). Out of these P + C cases, nearly 86% (488/563) were cases of bubonic plague. Reported clinical forms of plague were significantly different between the districts from 2006 to 2015 (p = 0.001). Plague cases occurred annually in a period of 10 years in the Tsiroanomandidy district. During the same period, the Ambositra district was characterized by a one-year absence of cases. Conclusion The differences in the epidemiological situation with respect to the plague from 2006 to 2015 in the two central highlands districts may suggest that several factors other than biogeographical factors determine the representation of the plague and its dynamics in this region. Considering the epidemiological situations according to the specific contexts of the districts could improve the results in the fight against the plague in Madagascar.

scholarly journals A Decade of Plague in Madagascar: A Description of Two Hot Spot Districts

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sitraka Rakotosamimanana ◽  
Daouda Kassie ◽  
François Taglioni ◽  
Josélyne Ramamonjisoa ◽  
Fanjasoa Rakotomanana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hot Spot ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
World Health ◽  
Standard Case ◽  
Central Highland ◽  
System Data ◽  
Central Highlands ◽  
One Year ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Abstract Background Human plague cases, mainly the bubonic form, occur annually in the endemic regions of the central highlands of Madagascar. The aim of the study is to compare the evolution of the epidemiological features of human plague in two districts of the central highlands.Methods In Madagascar, all clinically suspected plague cases that meet clinical and epidemiological criteria specified in the World health organization standard case definition are reported to the national surveillance system. Data on plague cases reported between 2006 and 2015 in the districts of Ambositra and Tsiroanomandidy were analyzed. Statistical comparisons between the epidemiological characteristics of the two districts were conducted. Results A total of 840 cases were reported over the period studied, including 563 (67%) probable and confirmed cases (C+P). Of these C+P cases, nearly 91% (488/536) were cases of bubonic plague. Reported clinical forms of plague were significant for both districts during 2006 to 2015 (p=0.001). Plague cases occurred annually in a period of 10 years in Tsiroanomandidy district. One year of absence of cases characterized Ambositra district during the same period. Conclusion The differences in the epidemiological situation with respect to the plague from 2006 to 2015 in the two central highland districts may suggest that several factors other than biogeographical factors determine the expression of the plague and its evolution in this region. The need to take into account epidemiological situations according to the specific contexts of the districts could improve results in the fight against the plague in Madagascar.

scholarly journals Demographics and Epidemiology of Hepatitis B in the State of Qatar: A Five-Year Surveillance-Based Incidence Study

Pathogens ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 68
Author(s):  
Hamad E. Al Romaihi ◽  
Nandakumar Ganesan ◽  
Elmoubasher A. Farag ◽  
Maria K. Smatti ◽  
Gheyath K. Nasrallah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Cdc Guidelines ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Background: Expatriates represent >80% of Qatar’s population, mostly arriving from countries in Africa and Asia that are endemic with many diseases. This increases the risk for introducing new pathogens into the country and provides a platform for maintenance of endemic pathogen circulation. Here, we report on the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis B in Qatar between 2010 and 2014. Methods: We performed a retrospective epidemiological data analysis using the data available at the surveillance system of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in Qatar. Data were collected from distinctive public and private incorporates around the nation. Reported cases of hepatitis B patients represent those who met the stringent case definition as per World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and eventually reported to MOPH. Results: The annual incidence rates of hepatitis B cases were 30.0, 34.2, 30.5, 39.4, and 19.8 per 100,000 population in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. There was no specific trend or seasonality for the reported cases. The incidence rates were higher in females compared to males between 2010 and 2012, but similar in 2013 and 2014. The highest incidence rates were reported among individuals between 25 and 34 years of age. No cases were reported in children younger than five years in 2013 and 2014. Rates of hepatitis B cases declined dramatically in 2014, in both Qataris and non-Qataris, as compared to the previous years. Conclusion: Our results indicate a dramatic decline of hepatitis B cases in Qatar but mandate improved surveillance and vaccination efforts in expatriates in the nation.

scholarly journals Usefulness of Clinical Definitions of Influenza for Public Health Surveillance Purposes

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domínguez ◽  
Soldevila ◽  
Torner ◽  
Martínez ◽  
Godoy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance ◽  
World Health ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Surveillance Network ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

This study investigated the performance of various case definitions and influenza symptoms in a primary healthcare sentinel surveillance system. A retrospective study of the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the cases reported by a primary healthcare sentinel surveillance network for eleven years in Catalonia was conducted. Crude and adjusted diagnostic odds ratios (aDORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the case definitions and symptoms for all weeks and epidemic weeks were estimated. The most predictive case definition for laboratory-confirmed influenza was the World Health Organization (WHO) case definition for ILI in all weeks (aDOR 2.69; 95% CI 2.42–2.99) and epidemic weeks (aDOR 2.20; 95% CI 1.90–2.54). The symptoms that were significant positive predictors for confirmed influenza were fever, cough, myalgia, headache, malaise, and sudden onset. Fever had the highest aDOR in all weeks (4.03; 95% CI 3.38–4.80) and epidemic weeks (2.78; 95% CI 2.21–3.50). All of the case definitions assessed performed better in patients with comorbidities than in those without. The performance of symptoms varied by age groups, with fever being of high value in older people, and cough being of high value in children. In patients with comorbidities, the performance of fever was the highest (aDOR 5.45; 95% CI 3.43–8.66). No differences in the performance of the case definition or symptoms in influenza cases according to virus type were found.

Preventing Premature Weaning: Management Options for Common Lactation Conditions, Including OMT

2020 ◽  
pp. 20-25
Author(s):  
Denise Sackett ◽  
Tala Dajani ◽  
David Shoup ◽  
Uzoma Ikonne
Keyword(s):  
Postpartum Depression ◽  
Family Physician ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
World Health ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Pharmacological Management ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Lactational Mastitis ◽  
One Year ◽  
Health Organization

The benefits of breastfeeding are well established. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that mothers breastfeed infants for at least one year, but most children are not breastfed that long because of many factors. Breastfeeding mothers face many challenges to continued breastfeeding, including medical conditions that arise during this period, such as postpartum depression and lactational mastitis. Because of a perceived lack of consistent guidance on medication safety, it can be difficult for the family physician to treat these conditions while encouraging mothers to continue breastfeeding. The purpose of the current review is to summarize and clarify treatment options for the osteopathic family physician treating lactating mothers. We specifically focus on the pharmacological management of contraception, postpartum depression, and lactational mastitis.

An approach to the understanding of the clinical-etiopathological aspect of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 862-869
Author(s):  
Meena Kumari ◽  
Monika Agrawal ◽  
Rakesh Kumar Singh ◽  
Parameswarappa S Byadgi
Keyword(s):  
World Health ◽  
Apical Surface ◽  
Therapy Assessment ◽  
Differentiated Cells ◽  
The World ◽  
Polarized Epithelia ◽  
Well Differentiated ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Currently, the world is facing a health and socioeconomic crisis caused by the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19. On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this disease as a pandemic. The condition (COVID-19) is an infectious disorder triggered by a newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2. Most of the COVID-19 infected patients will experience mild to moderate respiratory symptoms and recover without any unique therapy. Assessment of the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 cases suggests the infected patients will not be contagious until the onset of severe symptoms and affects the other organs. Well-differentiated cells of apical airway epithelia communicating with ACE2 were promptly infected to SARS-CoV-2 virus. But the expression of ACE 2 in poorly differentiated epithelia facilitated SARS spike (S) protein-pseudo typed virus entry and it is replicated in polarized epithelia and especially exited via the apical surface. Limiting the transmission of COVID-19 infection & its prevention can be regarded as a hierarchy of controls. In this article, we briefly discuss the most recent advances in respect to aetiology, pathogenesis and clinical progression of the disease COVID-19.

scholarly journals COVID-19 PANDEMIC UPDATES AND PERSPECTIVES. NEED FOR AN INTEGRATED AND EQUITABLE APPROACH.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grigoris Gerotziafas ◽  
Mariella Catalano ◽  
Ioannis Theodorou ◽  
Patrick van Dreden ◽  
Vincent Marechal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
World Health ◽  
Learning Technology ◽  
Pharmacological Interventions ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Physical Barriers ◽  
Risk Of Disease ◽  
One Year ◽  
Health Organization

One year after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) and despite the implementation of mandatory physical barriers and social distancing, humanity remains challenged by a long-lasting and devastating public health crisis. Non-pharmacological interventions (NPI) are efficient mitigation strategies. The success of these intense NPI is dependent on the approval and commitment of the population. The launch of a mass vaccination program in many countries in late December 2020 with mRNA vaccines, adenovirus-based vaccines, and inactivated virus vaccines has generated hope for the end of the pandemic. Current issues: The continuous appearance of new pathogenic viral strains and the ability of vaccines to prevent infection and transmission raise important concerns as we try to achieve community immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. The need of a second and even third generation of vaccines and the possibility of potentially harmful side-effects of the vaccines (i.e. venous thromboembolism ) have already been acknowledged. Perspectives: There is a critical and urgent need for a balanced and integrated strategy for the management of the COVID-19 outbreaks organized on three axes: (1) Prevention of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, (2) Detection and early diagnosis of patients at risk of disease worsening, and (3) Anticipation of medical care (PDA). Conclusion: The “PDA strategy” integrated into state policy for the support and expansion of health systems and introduction of digital organization (i.e. telemedicine, artificial intelligence and machine learning technology) is of major importance for the preservation of citizens’ health and life world-wide.

scholarly journals Epidemiological Surveillance To Establish Thresholds For Influenza Among Children In Satellite Cities Of A metropolitan area of Tokyo, Japan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayako Matsuda ◽  
Kei Asayama ◽  
Taku Obara ◽  
Naoto Yagi ◽  
Takayoshi Ohkubo
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Type A ◽  
World Health ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Influenza Epidemic ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Abstract Background: Few reports have longitudinally investigated seasonal influenza epidemiological surveillance data of pediatric populations in the metropolitan areas of Japan. We aimed to provide descriptive characteristics of circulating influenza and to investigate the usefulness of setting thresholds for influenza in children (0–15 years old) in two satellite cities of a metropolitan area of Tokyo, Japan, for five consecutive seasons of the influenza epidemic.Methods: The survey was conducted annually during the influenza season, from 2014 to 2018 (ending March 2019), at preschools (kindergartens and nursery schools), elementary schools, and junior high schools located in Toda and Warabi cities, Saitama prefecture. We investigated the epidemiological characteristics and established thresholds using the World Health Organization method.Results: Of the 108,362 children (21,024 to 22,088 throughout five seasons) who received the questionnaire, 76,753 (70.8%; 14,652 to 15,808) responded. After exclusion of responses without basic information, 64,586 children were included in the analysis, of which 13,754 (21.3%) had tested positive for influenza. Influenza type A was generally dominant, whereas type B was responsible for a substantial share of all influenza cases (>40% in seasons 2015 and 2017, when type A circulated with low incidence). The weeks when the influenza epidemic peaked had no clear seasonal pattern among the surveyed years, i.e., the peaks appeared at week 51 (mid-December) or later, whereas the World Health Organization methods reported that the median period when a peak was observed was at 3 weeks (mid-January), regardless of school age group.Conclusions: The present information obtained from the epidemiological survey regarding seasonal influenza in children would be useful for general practitioners, health policymakers, and planners who establish prevention and control methods against influenza.

scholarly journals Pandemic 2011: coming soon to a location near you.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Sacco
Keyword(s):  
Media Coverage ◽  
World Health ◽  
First Case ◽  
The World ◽  
Spanish Flu ◽  
Seasonal Flu ◽  
The Media ◽  
One Year ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Lower Death Rate

"H1 N1 is a virus that has been sensationalized by the media since the first case was discovered in Mexico during the spring of 2009. People around the world feared that the virus would mutate into something as severe as the 1918 Spanish flu, one of the deadliest plagues in history. However experts had discovered by June of 2009 that the Spanish flu was not comparable to H1 N1. Yet for six months newspaper reporters continued to compare the ew epidemic to the Spanish flu, thus keeping alive the threat of an unstoppable pandemic. One year has passed since the first case of H1 N1 was confirmed. After all of the attention that H1 N1 received, it proved to be not much different than a typical seasonal flu, resulting in a lower death rate (Schabas and Rau, 2010). Recently, a number of investigations have begun to determine if the World Health Organization (WHO) overemphasized the level of risk, resulting in a large quantity of sensationalized media coverage, and citizens in a state of panic.

scholarly journals Food intolerances and associated symptoms in patients undergoing Fobi-Capella technique without gastric ring

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcella de Arruda MOREIRA ◽  
Patrícia Ramos Maciel ESPÍNOLA ◽  
Camila Wanderley de AZEVEDO ◽  
Cinthia Karla Rodrigues do Monte GUEDES
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Food Intolerance ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
One Year ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Nutritional Monitoring ◽  
Height Data

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is considered the only effective method to treat refractory obesity, and especially for those in which clinical treatment was not successful. However, the appearance of food intolerances and clinical manifestations are quite common. AIM: To identify food intolerances and associated them to symptoms in patients undergoing Fobi-Capella technique without gastric ring. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of adult patients who had more than one year after surgery. Demographic, anthropometric, weight and preoperative height data were investigated. Nutritional status was classified according to the criteria established by the World Health Organization. It was considered food intolerance the presence of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloating after eating a particular food. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 61 patients who attended the nutritional consultation of which 26 (42.6%) had food intolerance, mostly related to red meat (n=12; 34.3%) during the first six months of operation; there was a significant difference between the periods between 0 and 6 months, and 7 to 12 (p=0.02). Among the symptoms reported by patients, nausea was the most recurrent until the 6th month, but without significant differences between the two periods (p=0.06). CONCLUSION: The Fobi-Capella procedure without gastric ring promoted high frequency of intolerance to meat in general, especially for the red, chicken and fish, on this sequence; nausea was the most frequent symptom. These data suggest the need for adequate nutritional monitoring throughout the postoperative period.

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