scholarly journals Active surveillance of acute paediatric hospitalisations demonstrates the impact of vaccination programmes and informs vaccine policy in Canada and Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (25) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karina A Top ◽  
Kristine Macartney ◽  
Julie A Bettinger ◽  
Ben Tan ◽  
Christopher C Blyth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Active Surveillance ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Emerging Infections ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Influenza A H1n1 ◽  
The Impact

Sentinel surveillance of acute hospitalisations in response to infectious disease emergencies such as the 2009 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic is well described, but recognition of its potential to supplement routine public health surveillance and provide scalability for emergency responses has been limited. We summarise the achievements of two national paediatric hospital surveillance networks relevant to vaccine programmes and emerging infectious diseases in Canada (Canadian Immunization Monitoring Program Active; IMPACT from 1991) and Australia (Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease Surveillance; PAEDS from 2007) and discuss opportunities and challenges in applying their model to other contexts. Both networks were established to enhance capacity to measure vaccine preventable disease burden, vaccine programme impact, and safety, with their scope occasionally being increased with emerging infectious diseases’ surveillance. Their active surveillance has increased data accuracy and utility for syndromic conditions (e.g. encephalitis), pathogen-specific diseases (e.g. pertussis, rotavirus, influenza), and adverse events following immunisation (e.g. febrile seizure), enabled correlation of biological specimens with clinical context and supported responses to emerging infections (e.g. pandemic influenza, parechovirus, COVID-19). The demonstrated long-term value of continuous, rather than incident-related, operation of these networks in strengthening routine surveillance, bridging research gaps, and providing scalable public health response, supports their applicability to other countries.

scholarly journals Ocular manifestations of emerging viral diseases

Eye ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashwin Venkatesh ◽  
Ravi Patel ◽  
Simran Goyal ◽  
Timothy Rajaratnam ◽  
Anant Sharma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Valley Fever ◽  
Ocular Manifestations ◽  
Influenza A H1n1 ◽  
Emerging Viral Diseases

AbstractEmerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are an increasing threat to public health on a global scale. In recent times, the most prominent outbreaks have constituted RNA viruses, spreading via droplets (COVID-19 and Influenza A H1N1), directly between humans (Ebola and Marburg), via arthropod vectors (Dengue, Zika, West Nile, Chikungunya, Crimean Congo) and zoonotically (Lassa fever, Nipah, Rift Valley fever, Hantaviruses). However, specific approved antiviral therapies and vaccine availability are scarce, and public health measures remain critical. Patients can present with a spectrum of ocular manifestations. Emerging infectious diseases should therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis of ocular inflammatory conditions in patients inhabiting or returning from endemic territories, and more general vigilance is advisable in the context of a global pandemic. Eye specialists are in a position to facilitate swift diagnosis, improve clinical outcomes, and contribute to wider public health efforts during outbreaks. This article reviews those emerging viral diseases associated with reports of ocular manifestations and summarizes details pertinent to practicing eye specialists.

scholarly journals The Effects of Social Distancing Policies on non-SARS-CoV-2 Respiratory Pathogens

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeff Nawrocki ◽  
Katherine Olin ◽  
Martin C Holdrege ◽  
Joel Hartsell ◽  
Lindsay Meyers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The initial focus of the US public health response to COVID-19 was the implementation of numerous social distancing policies. While COVID-19 was the impetus for imposing these policies, it is not the only respiratory disease affected by their implementation. This study aimed to assess the impact of social distancing policies on non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory pathogens typically circulating across multiple US states. Methods Linear mixed-effect models were implemented to explore the effects of five social distancing policies on non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory pathogens across nine states from January 1 through May 1, 2020. The observed 2020 pathogen detection rates were compared week-by-week to historical rates to determine when the detection rates were different. Results Model results indicate that several social distancing policies were associated with a reduction in total detection rate, by nearly 15%. Policies were associated with decreases in pathogen circulation of human rhinovirus/enterovirus and human metapneumovirus, as well as influenza A, which typically decrease after winter. Parainfluenza viruses failed to circulate at historical levels during the spring. Total detection rate in April 2020 was 35% less than historical average. Many of the pathogens driving this difference fell below historical detection rate ranges within two weeks of initial policy implementation. Conclusion This analysis investigated the effect of multiple social distancing policies implemented to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory pathogens. These findings suggest that social distancing policies may be used as an impactful public health tool to reduce communicable respiratory illness.

scholarly journals Can Major Public Health Emergencies Affect Changes in International Oil Prices?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 12955
Author(s):  
An Cheng ◽  
Tonghui Chen ◽  
Guogang Jiang ◽  
Xinru Han
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Oil Prices ◽  
Monthly Data ◽  
Wild Poliovirus ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
Influenza A H1n1 ◽  
Abrupt Changes ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
The Impact

In order to deepen the understanding of the impact of major public health emergencies on the oil market and to enhance the risk response capability, this study analyzed the logical relationship between major public health emergencies and international oil price changes, identified the change points, and calculated the probability of abrupt changes to international oil prices. Based on monthly data during six major public health emergencies from 2009 to 2020, this study built a product partition model. The results show that only the influenza A (H1N1) and COVID-19 pandemics were significant reasons for abrupt changes in international oil prices. Furthermore, the wild poliovirus epidemic, the Ebola epidemic, the Zika epidemic, and the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had limited effects. Overall, the outbreak of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in major global economies has a more pronounced impact on international oil prices.

scholarly journals Influenza H1N1 2009 in Canterbury: a case study in pandemic response co-ordination

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Williams ◽  
Annabel Begg ◽  
Kim Burgess ◽  
Michele Hider ◽  
Lance Jennings ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Call Centre ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Influenza A H1n1 ◽  
Civil Defence ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT: Reviews of overseas pandemic responses have suggested that stronger links between primary care and other parts of the health sector are required. The influenza A (H1N1) 2009 (‘H1N1 09’) pandemic was the first real test of New Zealand’s pandemic preparedness. ASSESSMENT OF PROBLEM: In the six months from May to October 2009, there were 595 confirmed cases of H1N1 09 in Canterbury, with 187 hospitalisations and three deaths. This paper describes the way a range of Canterbury agencies worked together in a co-ordinated health-led response aimed at minimising the impact of H1N1 09 in the community and maintaining effective health care services for both influenza and non-influenza patients. STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVEMENT: Key strategies included sector-wide response co-ordination, intelligence and communications, a combined public health/primary care response during the ‘containment’ phase, and universal red/green streaming supported by dedicated ’flu centres and an 0800 call centre during the ‘manage it’ phase. LESSONS: Despite the considerable impact of the H1N1 09 virus in Canterbury, health care services were not overwhelmed. The key lesson learned from the Canterbury H1N1 09 response has been the importance of preparing and working together across the sector. KEYWORDS: Influenza, human; pandemic; primary health care; public health; mass media; civil defence

scholarly journals Serologic Tools and Strategies to Support Intervention Trials to Combat Zika Virus Infection and Disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew H. Collins
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Zika Virus Infection

Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus that recently caused a large epidemic in Latin America characterized by novel disease phenotypes, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, sexual transmission, and congenital anomalies, such as microcephaly. This epidemic, which was declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organization, has highlighted shortcomings in our current understanding of, and preparation for, emerging infectious diseases in general, as well as challenges that are specific to Zika virus infection. Vaccine development for Zika virus has been a high priority of the public health response, and several candidates have shown promise in pre-clinical and early phase clinical trials. The optimal selection and implementation of imperfect serologic assays are among the crucial issues that must be addressed in order to advance Zika vaccine development. Here, I review key considerations for how best to incorporate into Zika vaccine trials the existing serologic tools, as well as those on the horizon. Beyond that, this discussion is relevant to other intervention strategies to combat Zika and likely other emerging infectious diseases.

Role of the Medical Examiner in Zika Virus and Other Emerging Infections

2016 ◽  
Vol 141 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veena D. Singh ◽  
Sarah L. Lathrop
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome ◽  
Medical Examiner ◽  
Public Health Approach ◽  
Emerging Infections ◽  
Medical Examiners

Context.—Medical examiners and coroners have long been an integral component of public health, often being the first to recognize and describe emerging infectious diseases. Given their experience and access, medical examiners and coroners will provide valuable contributions to better understanding Zika virus infection and its sequelae. Objective.—To review past examples of medical examiner/coroner involvement in recognition of emerging infectious diseases and describe how medical examiners and coroners will be critical in understanding the pathophysiology of Zika infections. Design.—Review of the existing literature on the role of medical examiners and coroners in the identification of emergent infections and the available literature on Zika virus. Results.—Medical examiners and coroners have played a crucial role in identifying numerous emerging infectious diseases such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and West Nile virus, and have the expertise and experience to aid in elucidating the pathophysiologic effects of Zika virus and tracking its distribution and risk factors. Conclusions.—Medical examiners and coroners will be a significant factor in the unified public health approach needed to mitigate the effects of Zika virus and other, heretofore unrecognized, infectious diseases.

scholarly journals A Quarter Century of Emerging Infectious Diseases – Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going?

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
James W. Le Duc ◽  
Teresa E. Sorvillo
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
The United States ◽  
International Travel ◽  
Emerging Infections ◽  
Quarter Century ◽  
Public Health Programs ◽  
National Public Health ◽  
Societal Changes

<p>A quarter century ago the landmark report from the U. S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine entitled <em>“</em><em>Emerging Infections, Microbial Threats to Health in the United States” </em>was released. This classic study captured the societal changes then underway in our rapidly growing world: The growth of the world’s population and changing human behavior; the advances and globalization of technology and industry; the changes in economic development and land use; the dramatic increase in speed and frequency of international travel and commerce; the adaptation of microbes and the appearance of never before seen pathogens; and the breakdown of traditional public health measures. This societal evolution has only increased and the growing frequency of outbreaks foretold in the report has come to pass. Each new disaster has precipitated changes and adaptations in our global response to infectious diseases designed to reduce risks and avoid future outbreaks. We discuss these past events and how each led to change in an effort to mitigate future threats. We also look to the future to consider what challenges might lay ahead.</p><p><strong>Conclusion. </strong>Major outbreaks over the past quarter century validated the concept of emerging infectious diseases and led to improvements in global policies and national public health programs; however, there will likely always be new diseases and the threat of reemergence of diseases once thought controlled leading to a constant need for vigilance in public health preparedness.</p>

scholarly journals Epidemic to Pandemic: Just a Matter of Time

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Ayesha Humayun ◽  
Muhammad Imran Anwar ◽  
Saadia Shahzad Alam ◽  
Usman Iqbal
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Emerging Infections ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
Substantial Risk ◽  
Vector Borne

Epidemic and pandemic potential of all respiratory diseases of zoonotic origin is well known. In recent history global public health threat was inflicted by zoonotic origin infectious diseases with pandemic potential including, Ebola and Marburg haemorrhagic fevers, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), influenza A (H5N1), Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERSCoV), 1 and the recently discovered COVID-19. Change of epidemic to a pandemic is just a matter of time. A novel Corona virus 2019 (COVID-19) is appearing to be one of the rapidly transmitting diseases because of the social and economic linkages worldwide. Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are not new but their incidence or geographical involvement is rapidly increasing. Global temporal and spatial patterns of these emerging infections are studied well in literature concluding significant correlation of EIDs with socio-economic, environmental and ecological factors. It helps to identify regions as ‘hotspots’ for EIDs with a substantial risk of vector-borne and wildlife zoonotic emerging diseases.

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