scholarly journals Vaccination Coverage Increase among Adolescent and Young Adults of the Palermo District (Italy) as a Result of a Public Health Strategy to Contrast an “Epidemic of Panic”

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio Costantino ◽  
Vincenzo Restivo ◽  
Gianmarco Ventura ◽  
Claudio D'Angelo ◽  
Maria Angela Randazzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
General Population ◽  
Mass Media ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Health Strategy ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Adolescent And Young Adults ◽  
Catch Up

During summer 2016 in the District of Palermo, Italy, the rapid succession of four cases of invasive meningococcal disease among young adults, with one death, have had an extraordinary emphasis by Local and National mass media. The resultant “epidemic of panic” among general population overloaded vaccination Units of the Palermo District during following months. Strategies implemented by Sicilian and Local Public Health Authorities to counteract “meningitis fear” were: a) extension of active and free of charge anti-meningococcal tetravalent vaccination from age class 12–18 to 12–30 years old; b) implementation of vaccination units usual opening hours and rooms tailored for vaccine administration; c) development of informative institutional tools and timely communications throughout local mass media to reassure general population. In 2016, was observed an increase of anti-meningococcal coverage in Palermo District (+18% for 16th y.o. and + 14% for 18th y.o. cohorts) and at Regional Level (+11.2% and +13.5% respectively). Concurrent catch-up of other recommended vaccination for age (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-poliomyelitis and papillomavirus), resulted in further increase of doses administered. The fear for meningitis, managed by Sicilian Public Health Authorities, had positive reverberations in terms of prevention. In particular, informative strategies adopted sensibly contributed to get Sicilian young adults closer to vaccination issues.

scholarly journals Scabies: Application of the Novel Identify-Isolate-Inform Tool for Detection and Management

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tabitha Cheng ◽  
Bandr Mzahim ◽  
Abdulrahman Alsugair ◽  
Abdussalam Al-Wabel ◽  
Bandar Almutairi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Sarcoptes Scabiei ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
Skin Contact ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Skin To Skin ◽  
Refugees And Asylum Seekers

Scabies is a highly contagious, globally prevalent, parasitic skin infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, also known as the itch mite. There have been outbreaks not only in the developing world, but also in the developed world among refugees and asylum seekers. Once infested with scabies mites, symptomatic patients, as well as asymptomatic carriers, quickly spread the disease through direct skin-to-skin contact. Typically, symptoms of scabies are characterized by an erythematous, papular, pruritic rash associated with burrows. Treatment of scabies involves using topical or systemic scabicides and treating secondary bacterial infections, if present. Given the prevalence and contagiousness of scabies, measures to prevent its spread are essential. Through application of the novel Identify-Isolate-Inform (3I) Tool, emergency medical providers can readily identify risk factors for exposure and important symptoms of the disease, thus limiting its spread through prompt scabicide therapy; isolate the patient until after treatment; and inform local public health authorities and hospital infection prevention, when appropriate. Ultimately, these three actions can aid public health in controlling the transmission of scabies cases, thus ensuring the protection of the general public from this highly contagious skin infestation.

Chikungunya in Guerrero, Mexico, 2019 and Evidence of Gross Underreporting in the Region

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Nunez-Avellaneda ◽  
Chandra Tangudu ◽  
Jacqueline Barrios-Palacios ◽  
Ma. Isabel Salazar ◽  
Carlos Machain-Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Important Public Health Problem ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
True Number ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Sera Samples

The local public health authorities reported nine cases of chikungunya in Mexico in 2019, none of which occurred in Guerrero, a coastal state in the southwest. To test the hypothesis that chikungunya is grossly underreported in Mexico, acute sera were collected from 639 febrile patients from low-income households in Guerrero in 2019 and serologically assayed for chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Analysis of the sera by plaque reduction neutralization test revealed that 181 (28.3%) patients were seropositive for CHIKV. To identify patients with acute CHIKV infections, a subset of sera samples were tested for CHIKV-specific IgM by ELISA. Sera samples from 21 of 189 (11.1%) patients were positive. These patients met the chikungunya case definition established by the WHO. In conclusion, we provide evidence that CHIKV remains an important public health problem in Mexico and that the true number of cases is severely underestimated.

scholarly journals Control of Raw Pork Liver Sausage Production Can Reduce the Prevalence of HEV Infection

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 107
Author(s):  
Paolo Ripellino ◽  
Enea Pianezzi ◽  
Gladys Martinetti ◽  
Cinzia Zehnder ◽  
Barbara Mathis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Health Intervention ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
The Public ◽  
Pork Liver ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Public Health Authorities

After an acute hepatitis E (HEV) outbreak in Southern Switzerland, in January 2017 the local public health authorities started an active program of food chain control and public education. In this retrospective study, we analysed all laboratory-confirmed acute cases of HEV infection diagnosed between 2014 and 2020. In the period before the public health intervention, the number of cases increased steadily from 2014 (4 of 40 tests, 10%) reaching a peak in the last quarter of 2016 (42 of 285 tests, 14.7 %). Afterwards, the number of positive cases decreased steadily, reaching its lowest value (0.3%) in the second quarter of 2019. There was a statistically significant difference between the frequency of positive cases and period of testing, i.e., before and after the introduction of the public health interventions. Our study shows that active public health measures to control sausages containing raw pork liver can reduce the prevalence of HEV infection.

scholarly journals Outbreak of Q fever in workers at a meat processing plant in Scotland, July 2006

2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (34) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Donaghy ◽  
H Prempeh ◽  
N. Macdonald
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Processing Plant ◽  
Meat Processing ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
Influenza Like Illness ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Cattle And Sheep

On 9 July 2006, local public health authorities became aware of an increase of influenza-like illness in people who worked at a meat processing plant where cattle and sheep were slaughtered

scholarly journals Imported chikungunya cases in an area newly colonised by Aedes albopictus: mathematical assessment of the best public health strategy

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Sochacki ◽  
Frédéric Jourdain ◽  
Yvon Perrin ◽  
Harold Noel ◽  
Marie-Claire Paty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Public Health Strategy ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Laboratory Confirmation ◽  
Health Strategy ◽  
Imported Cases ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Local Transmission

We aimed to identify the optimal strategy that should be used by public health authorities against transmission of chikungunya virus in mainland France. The theoretical model we developed, which mimics the current surveillance system, predicted that without vector control (VC), the probability of local transmission after introduction of viraemic patients was around 2%, and the number of autochthonous cases between five and 15 persons per hectare, depending on the number of imported cases. Compared with this baseline, we considered different strategies (VC after clinical suspicion of a case or after laboratory confirmation, for imported or autochthonous cases): Awaiting laboratory confirmation for suspected imported cases to implement VC had no significant impact on the epidemiological outcomes analysed, mainly because of the delay before entering into the surveillance system. However, waiting for laboratory confirmation of autochthonous cases before implementing VC resulted in more frequent outbreaks. After analysing the economic cost of such strategies, our study suggested implementing VC immediately after the notification of a suspected autochthonous case as the most efficient strategy in settings where local transmission has been proven. Nevertheless, we identified that decreasing reporting time for imported cases should remain a priority.

scholarly journals Outbreak of Foodborne Botulism Associated With Prepackaged Pouches of Liquid Herbal Tea

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Moon Kim ◽  
Matt Zahn ◽  
Roshan Reporter ◽  
Ziad Askar ◽  
Nicole Green ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Type A ◽  
Toxin Production ◽  
Herbal Tea ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Food And Drink ◽  
Foodborne Botulism ◽  
Time Of Presentation

Abstract Background In 2017, local public health authorities in California received reports of 2 elderly patients with suspected botulism who knew each other socially. A multijurisdictional investigation was conducted to determine the source. Methods Investigators reviewed medical records, interviewed family to establish food and drink histories, and inspected a facility that produced liquid herbal tea. Clinical specimens and product were tested for botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). Results A total of 2 confirmed botulism cases were identified with BoNT type A; both were hospitalized, 1 died. Botulism was not suspected until several days after hospital admission. Case-patients ingested single-serving prepackaged liquid herbal tea. Inspection of the tea production facility identified conditions conducive to product contamination with C botulinum and toxin production. Samples of tea tested negative for botulinum toxin. Local and state public health authorities issued alerts and the facility recalled the liquid herbal tea. Conclusions Liquid herbal tea prepackaged in sealed pouches was the likely source of this type A botulism outbreak because the 2 cases were linked socially and shared no other foods. This type of product has not previously been described in the foodborne botulism literature. In the absence of known risk factors for botulism at the time of presentation, suspicion based on clinically compatible findings is critical so that and treatment with botulinum antitoxin is not delayed. A coordinated response by public health authorities is necessary in identifying a potential food source, inspecting facilities producing the product, alerting medical providers and the public, and preventing further illness.

scholarly journals Salt in Fast Food Products and Ready-to-Eat Sauces: Should it Be a Matter of Concern for Public Health?

2012 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Corina Aurelia ZUGRAVU ◽  
Monica TARCEA ◽  
Florin SOPTICA ◽  
Daniela PATRASCU ◽  
Anca STOIAN-PANTEA
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Salt Intake ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Food Sector ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
Contemporary World ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities

Abstract: Salt intake is an important public health issue in the contemporary world, since salt overconsumption is a major risk factor for high blood pressure. Some of the important sources of salt are fast food products, generally over salted in order to be desirable for the consumer. In the present study we evaluated salt levels in some very popular fast food dishes in Romania, in 2011. Local public health authorities gathered randomly 5 samples per product (shaorma, burger, pizza) in their county. Samples of sauces were also gathered, as important components of fast food dishes (mayonnaise, ketchup, other). Salt levels were measured in local laboratories. Data was collected by the National Institute of Public Health. Results showed considerable differences between samples, with minimal values under 1 % salt and maximal values of 1.9% (burgers, Arad; pizza, Olt). Differences were present not only in on-spot produced dishes, but also in ready-to-eat sauces, where some producers use very high quantities of salt. The average values of salt concentrations were: 1.5% for pizza, 1.33 % for shaorma, burgers and mayonnaise, 1.87% for ketchup and 1.4% for other sauces. Figures found are over the average values for home-made dishes, so efforts need to be made to determine fast food business operators to add less salt and to enhance taste by substituting it with other seasonings like herbs and spices. Food reformulation initiatives, although very difficult to implement in the gastronomy/ fast food sector, may achieve significant results in tackling salt intake via fast food products and ready-to-eat sauces and dressings.

scholarly journals Characterizing and Forecasting Emergency Department Visits Related to COVID-19 Using Chief Complaints and Discharge Diagnoses

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip Koshute ◽  
Rekha Holtry ◽  
Richard Wojcik ◽  
Wayne Loschen ◽  
Sheri Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
The United States ◽  
Emergency Department Visits ◽  
Logistic Growth ◽  
National Capital Region ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Ed Visits

AbstractIn response to the unprecedented public health challenge posed by the SARS CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) in the United States, we and our colleagues at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) have developed a model of COVID-19 progression using emergency department (ED) visit data from the National Capital Region (NCR). We obtained ED visits counts through targeted queries of the NCR Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE). To focus on ED visits by COVID-19 patients, we adjusted the query results for typical ED visit volumes and for reductions in ED volumes due to COVID-19 precautions. With these ED visit data, we fitted a logistic growth model to characterize and forecast the increase in cumulative COVID-19 ED visits. Our model achieves the best fit when we assume that the first NCR visit occurred in early January. We estimate that approximately 15,000 COVID-19 ED visits occurred prior to May 2020 and that approximately 17,000 more visits will occur in subsequent months. We plan to deploy an operational pilot of this model in the NCR ESSENCE environment, assisting local public health authorities as they brace for a second wave of COVID-19. Additionally, we will iteratively assess potential model refinements, aiming to maximize our model’s relevance for local public health authorities’ situational awareness and decision-making.

scholarly journals Measles outbreak in Styria, Austria, March-May 2009

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (40) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Kasper ◽  
H Holzmann ◽  
S W Aberle ◽  
M Wassermann-Neuhold ◽  
H Gschiel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Epidemiological Investigation ◽  
Rubella Vaccine ◽  
Population Groups ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Measles Outbreak ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Vaccination Campaigns

In the last week of March 2009, five measles cases among students of an anthroposophic school were reported to the public health authorities in the Austrian province of Styria where only five cases had been reported in the whole of 2008. A descriptive epidemiological investigation of the measles outbreak was performed. Between 2 March and 10 May 2009, 37 cases of measles were identified in Styria: 33 confirmed outbreak cases and four probable outbreak cases. The measles outbreak spread from the general population (12 cases) to an anthroposophic community (25 cases). Cases outside of the anthroposophic community were mostly over 10 years of age (10/12). Thirty-five cases were unvaccinated, and two of the 37 had received one dose of measles, mumps, rubella vaccine. Following a measles outbreak in Salzburg in 2008 with 394 cases, this outbreak reemphasises the continued need for additional vaccination campaigns in population groups over the age of 10 years.

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