Clinical and epidemiologic characteristics associated with dengue fever in 2011–2016 in Bang Phae district, Ratchaburi province, Thailand

Background Dengue is a major public health problem in Thailand, but data are often focused on certain dengue-endemic areas. Methods: To better understand dengue epidemiology and clinical characteristics in Thailand, a fever surveillance study was conducted among patients aged 1–55 years, who presented with non-localized febrile illness at Bang Phae Community Hospital in Ratchaburi province, Thailand from October 2011 to September 2016. Results Among 951 febrile episodes, 130 were dengue-confirmed. Individuals aged 10–14 years were mostly affected, followed by those 15–19 years-of-age, with about 15% of dengue-confirmed cases from adults 25 years and older. There were annual peaks of dengue occurrence between June-November. Most prevalent serotype in circulation was DENV-2 in 2012, DENV-3 in 2014, and DENV-4 & -3 in 2015. Among dengue cases, 65% were accurately detected using the dengue NS1 RDT. Detection rate was similar between secondary and primary dengue cases where 66% of secondary vs. 60% of primary dengue cases had positive results on the NS1 RDT. Among dengue cases, 66% were clinically diagnosed with suspected dengue or DHF, prior to lab confirmation. Dengue was positively associated with rash, headache, hematemesis and alterations to consciousness, when compared to non-dengue. Dengue patients were 10.6 times more likely to be hospitalized, compared to non-dengue cases. Among dengue cases, 95 were secondary and 35 were primary infections. There were 8 suspected DHF cases and all were identified to be secondary dengue. Secondary dengue cases were 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized compared to primary dengue cases. Although the majority of our dengue-positive patients were secondary dengue cases, with few patients showing manifestations of DHF, our dengue cases were mostly mild disease. Even among children < 10 years-of-age, 61% had secondary infection and the rate of secondary infection increased with age. Conclusion While the majority of dengue-confirmed cases were children, almost three-quarters of dengue-confirmed cases in this study were secondary dengue. Our study results consistent with previous data from the country confirm the hyperendemic transmission of DENV in Thailand, even in the non-epidemic years. With various interventions becoming available for dengue prevention and control, including dengue vaccines, decision-making on future implementation strategies should be based on such burden of disease data.

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Scabies outbreak investigation among madrasahs in Sinana district, Bale Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, May 2019

10.21203/rs.2.22013/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammed Hasen Badeso ◽

Henok Asefa Ferede ◽

Falaho Sani Kalil

Keyword(s):

Secondary Infection ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

P Value ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Travel History ◽

Disability Adjusted Life ◽

Life Years ◽

Crusted Scabies ◽

And Control

Abstract Background: Scabies is neglected parasitic disease and major public health problem worldwide, particularly in resource-poor regions including Ethiopia. It has been estimated about 300 million cases reported yearly and causes more than 1.5 million Disability Adjusted Life Years for all age. The study conducted in Ethiopia, among ‘Yekolo-Temari’ revealed 22.5% scabies prevalence. On March 9, 2019, the Sinana district surveillance office reported a scabies outbreak in five madrasahs. We investigate to determine its magnitude, identify risk factors and provide intervention and recommendation.Methods: We conducted a (1:2) unmatched case-control study. The scabies case-patient was any student of madrasahs in Sinana district with signs and symptoms consistent with scabies (superficial burrows, intense itching especially at night, generalized rash and secondary infection) from March 11 to April 30, 2019. We reviewed the line list and conducted active case finding. Participants were recruited from all madrasahs (five) proportional to the number of students in each madrasah (56 cases-patients and 111 controls) and interviewed with structured questionnaires. We use OR, P-value and 95% CI to measure the strength of association in multivariable logistic regression. Result: We identified 815 (6 crusted) scabies cases-patients (100% male) with the attack rate 143 per 1000 population (815/5,689) and no death and the mean age was 14 years (range 8-28 years). Sharing bed with scabies case (AOR=3.9, [95% CI=1.5-10.3], travel history to scabies area (AOR=3.87, [95% CI=1.19-12.56], showering more than a week interval (AOR= 2.74, [95% CI=1.04-7.21] were statistically associated with illness.Conclusion: Sharing bed with scabies case, travel history to scabies area and showering more than a week interval was associated with a high frequency of scabies infestation. All patients and contacts treated, additionally, at two madrasahs mass drug administration conducted with permethrin, and cloxacillin for secondary infection. We recommend health education about the transmission, prevention and control of scabies disease to the students.

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Environmental factors influencing Prevention and Control of Schistosomiasis Infection in Mwea, Kirinyaga County Kenya: A cross sectional study

East African Health Research Journal ◽

10.24248/eahrj.v5i1.656 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 99-105

Author(s):

Judy Mwai ◽

Jarim Oduor Omogi ◽

Mohamed H. Abdi

Keyword(s):

Environmental Factors ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Health Seeking ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Study Results ◽

Level Of Significance ◽

And Control

Background: Schistosomiasis remains a major public health problem in Kenya. Environmental factors are critical in creating a medium for growth and spread of schistosomiasis vectors. The study investigated the environmental factors influencing prevention and control of schistosomiasis infection in Mwea West Sub County, Kirinyaga County-Kenya. Methods: A multi stage sampling was used to identify four hundred and sixty-five (465) household. Analytical descriptive cross-sectional design that utilised quantitative data collection method was used. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and analysed using Chi square tests or Fisher’s exact tests where applicable. Results: Study results indicated a significant association p<.001 between household level of education, members being affected by floods during the rainy season and schistosomiasis infection. The result further indicates level of significance (p<0.047) in the association between sources of water in a household and schistosomiasis infection. No level of significance was posted between having a temporary water body in the area p (=.072) and schistosomiasis infection. In addition, there was no significant association between proximity to the nearest water source, p=.074 and proximity to the nearest health facility p=0.356 with schistosomiasis infection. Conclusions: The study recommends carefully designing safe water sources in order to match the goal of effectively controlling and reversing the trends of schistosomiasis infections. The community should be made aware of the risk factors of schistosomiasis including water utilised in the household’s alongside raising health seeking behaviours for diagnosis and treatment of schistosomiasis as a way of reducing the spread of infection.

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SQoF-WEAR Project. The Use of Wearable Devices to Identify the Impact of Stress on Workers’ Quality of Life

Engineering Proceedings ◽

10.3390/engproc2021007025 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 25

Author(s):

Patricia Concheiro-Moscoso ◽

Betania Groba ◽

Sílvia Monteiro-Fonseca ◽

Nereida Canosa ◽

Cristina Queirós

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Wearable Devices ◽

Assessment Tools ◽

Self Report ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

The University ◽

And Control ◽

The Impact

(1) Background: Stress is a major public health problem due to its relevant health, social and economic repercussions. Moreover, stress can be associated with work; when stress increases over time, burnout can occur, an occupational phenomenon recognized by the WHO in 2019. There is interest in the use of wearable devices to monitor and control stressors and their influence on the condition of workers. This study aims to identify the level of job stress and its influence on the quality of life of workers. (2) Methods:This longitudinal study was carried out between the end of May and mid-July 2021. Three assessment tools along with a daily and a weekly questionnaire were computerized through the RedCap platform. The participants had to fill out the diary and weekly questionnaires and wear a Xiaomi Mi Band 5 during the project. (3) Results and discussion: Thirty-six workers from the University of Coruña and from the University of Porto participated in the project. This study promotes the awareness of workers regarding their work stress and the influence of this factor on their quality of life using physiological (e.g., activity, sleep, and heart rate) and psychological indicators (self-report questionnaires in different moments).

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Hybrid Simulation for Modeling Healthcare-associated Infections: Promising But Challenging

Clinical Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/cid/ciaa1276 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Le Khanh Ngan Nguyen ◽

Itamar Megiddo ◽

Susan Howick

Keyword(s):

Hybrid Simulation ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Simulation Models ◽

Hybrid Models ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Healthcare Associated Infections ◽

Simulation Performance ◽

Systems Simulation ◽

Healthcare Associated ◽

And Control

Abstract Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a major public health problem as they pose a serious risk for patients and providers, increasing morbidity, mortality, and length of stay, as well as costs to patients and the health system. Prevention and control of HAIs has, therefore, become a priority for most healthcare systems. Systems simulation models have provided insights into the dynamics of HAIs and help to evaluate the effect of infection control interventions. However, as each systems simulation modeling method has strengths and limitations, combining these methods in hybrid models can offer a better tool to gain complementary views on, and deeper insights into HAIs. Hybrid models can, therefore, assist decision-making at different levels of management, and provide a balance between simulation performance and result accuracy. This report discusses these benefits in more depth but also highlights some challenges associated with the use of hybrid simulation models for modeling HAIs.

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Taking action on prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases in Bhutan by strengthening gross national happiness

Bhutan Health Journal ◽

10.47811/bhj.69 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 46-50

Author(s):

Gyambo Sithey ◽

Anne Marie Thow ◽

Jayendra Sharma ◽

Karma Lhazin ◽

Mu Li

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Action Plan ◽

Health Sector ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Noncommunicable Diseases ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Gross National Happiness ◽

National Happiness ◽

And Control

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are major public health problem in Bhutan, accounting for 68% of total deaths. The growing epidemic of NCDs threatens the achievement of Gross National Happiness (GNH). NCDs are the results of complex interaction of social and economic risk factors and change in diet and lifestyle. Effective action to prevent and control these diseases requires a whole-of-government approach.In this paper we review new evidence to support political priority for NCDs in Bhutan. One third of the Bhutanese are overweight (33%) and hypertensive (35.7), and 6.4% are diabetic. The prevalence of modifiable risk factors is also very high. We also present the analysis of strategic policy opportunities for health sector to integrate the ‘Multisectoral national action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs, 2015-2020’ into policies across all relevant sectors. Our analysis has identified three specific opportunities for the health sector to engage strategically to strengthen action on NCDs and GNH, concurrently: 1) raising priority actions on NCDs within the existing GNH multisectoral committee, to achieve both health and happiness objectives; 2) identifying shared agenda between NCDs and GNH to achieve both health and happiness objectives; and 3) identifying shared GNH determinants between NCDs and GNH to enhance action on NCDs. Addressing NCDs aligns with the optimization of Gross National Happiness. It is imperative that the Government of Bhutan recognize that action on NCDs is an integral element for achieving GNH.

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The dengue viruses.

Clinical Microbiology Reviews ◽

10.1128/cmr.3.4.376 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 376-396 ◽

Cited By ~ 309

Author(s):

E A Henchal ◽

J R Putnak

Keyword(s):

Dengue Virus ◽

Hypovolemic Shock ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Febrile Illness ◽

The Body ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Nonstructural Proteins ◽

Tropical Regions ◽

Acute Infectious Disease ◽

Headache Pain

Dengue, a major public health problem throughout subtropical and tropical regions, is an acute infectious disease characterized by biphasic fever, headache, pain in various parts of the body, prostration, rash, lymphadenopathy, and leukopenia. In more severe or complicated dengue, patients present with a severe febrile illness characterized by abnormalities of hemostasis and increased vascular permeability, which in some instances results in a hypovolemic shock. Four distinct serotypes of the dengue virus (dengue-1, dengue-2, dengue-3, and dengue-4) exist, with numerous virus strains found worldwide. Molecular cloning methods have led to a greater understanding of the structure of the RNA genome and definition of virus-specific structural and nonstructural proteins. Progress towards producing safe, effective dengue virus vaccines, a goal for over 45 years, has been made.

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COVID-19 and Hyperinflammation: Role of Steroid in Mild Disease

Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research ◽

10.9734/jammr/2020/v32i2330712 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 18-22

Author(s):

Jhasaketan Meher ◽

Manish Kumar Nayak

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Wide Spectrum ◽

Case Series ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Cytokine Storm ◽

Multiorgan Dysfunction ◽

Mild Disease ◽

Persistent Symptoms

Current COVID-19 has become a major public health problem because of its pandemicity, with wide spectrum of disease manifestation. SARS-COV-2 can have a varied clinical manifestation ranging from asymptomatic, mild symptomatic to severe disease like acute respiratory distress syndrome, cytokine storm, and multiorgan dysfunction. It has been described in literature that cytokine storm/hyperinflammation arises as result of dysregulated immune response leading to excessive release of various cytokines which causes multiorgan dysfunction. But there is paucity of literature describing the immune response and hyperinflammation in mild disease which may cause unremitting symptoms. Here we describe a case series of three patients with mild disease, who had persistent symptoms beyond 1 week and managed with low dose steroid after confirming it to be hyperinflammation. So it is imperative to detect the hyperinflammatory phase to halt the disease progression. Also we have discussed the role of immune system and role of steroid in COVID-19.

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Searching for the dengue virus Achilles heel

Microbiology Australia ◽

10.1071/ma10064 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 31 (2) ◽

pp. 64

Author(s):

Paul Young

Keyword(s):

Dengue Virus ◽

Hypovolemic Shock ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Febrile Illness ◽

Dengue Shock Syndrome ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Mosquito Vector ◽

Territorial Expansion ◽

Antiviral Therapies ◽

The Tropics

Dengue viruses are a major public health problem throughout the tropical world, with up to 100 million people infected annually. Infection can result in acute febrile illness (dengue fever) and in severe cases is associated with abnormalities in vascular permeability and haemostasis (dengue haemorrhagic fever) that can lead to sudden and fatal hypovolemic shock (dengue shock syndrome). The incidence of dengue has steadily increased over the last two to three decades such that it is now endemic throughout much of the tropics and is the leading cause of infant mortality in some South-East Asian countries. Australia has not escaped this territorial expansion of dengue, with regular epidemic outbreaks now occurring in North Queensland. The epidemic that lasted for most of the summer of 2008?2009 involved the circulation of all four dengue virus serotypes and more than 1,000 confirmed cases. Coupled with the potential impact that climate change may have in increasing the range of its mosquito vector, there is growing concern that dengue may become endemic in Australia. Considerable challenges have accompanied the development of vaccine strategies for dengue and this has reinforced the importance of the complementary development of antiviral therapies. Part of our dengue research efforts has been focused on identifying viral targets for inhibitor design.

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Six Year Trend Analysis of Malaria Prevalence in Bati District, Northeastern Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-624263/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Chala Daba ◽

Edosa Kebede ◽

Amanuel Atamo ◽

Semere Reda

Keyword(s):

Retrospective Study ◽

Trend Analysis ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Control Method ◽

Malaria Incidence ◽

Scale Up ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Malaria Prevalence ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

And Control

Abstract Background: Malaria is still the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries including Ethiopia. Ethiopia is planned to minimize forty percent of malaria incidence at the end of 2020 by applying different prevention and control method. There is limited information about trend of malaria in the study area. Therefore, this study was designed to address this gap. Methods: Institutional based retrospective study was conducted from to determine a six-year trend analysis of malaria prevalence in the Bati district. All malaria cases were carefully reviewed by trained laboratory technologists from the laboratory record books of Bati hospital and health center. The data was entered in to excel 2013 and descriptive statistics were used to determine frequencies and percentages of malaria cases, trends of malaria transmission in terms of years and seasonal distribution. Result: A total of 84,269 and 22,185 malaria suspected patients were requested for blood films and Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) respectively. Of this, 12,032 (11.3%) malaria cases were microscopically confirmed. Plasmodium falciparum were the most dominant parasite detected, which accounted for 57.6 %. The highest peak of malaria cases was reported during the summer season. The majority of the cases (57.2%) were reported among the >15 years age groupConclusion: Malaria is still a major public health problem in the study area. In order to decrease the number of malaria cases further, government, all healthcare workers, and community should strengthen and scale up malaria prevention and control strategies in the study area.

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Breast cancer in Latin America: global burden, patterns, and risk factors

Salud Pública de México ◽

10.21149/spm.v56i5.7379 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 56 (5) ◽

pp. 547 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Amina Amadou ◽

Gabriela Torres-Mejía ◽

Pierre Hainaut ◽

Isabelle Romieu

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Latin America ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Develop Breast Cancer ◽

Reproductive Pattern ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Sedentary Behaviours ◽

Unhealthy Diet ◽

And Control

Breast cancer is a major public health problem in Latin America (LA) and the most common form of cancer among women. An important variability according to ethnicity/race with respect to incidence/mortality, clinical characteristics, and prognosis is observed throughout LA. In addition, women are more likely to develop breast cancer (BC) at younger age and to be diagnosed at an advanced stage compared to western women. While little is known about specific risk factors, changes in reproductive pattern (parity, breastfeeding) and lifestyle factors including sedentary behaviours, unhealthy diet, and alcohol intake may contribute to the increase of BC incidence. In this paper we give an overview of the burden and patterns of BC, review the leading causes of BC and discuss the possible ways to improve BC preven- tion and control in LA.

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