scholarly journals West Nile virus in humans, Greece, 2018: the largest seasonal number of cases, 9 years after its emergence in the country

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (32) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danai Pervanidou ◽  
Annita Vakali ◽  
Theano Georgakopoulou ◽  
Takis Panagiotopoulos ◽  
Eleni Patsoula ◽  
...  

Background Human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection are recorded since 2010 in Greece, with seasonal outbreaks occurring almost annually. Enhanced surveillance has been implemented since 2010, to promptly characterise cases’ temporal and geographical distribution and inform authorities for implementation of appropriate measures (mosquito control, health education, blood safety). Aim We describe the epidemiology of WNV human infections in Greece focusing on the 2018 season. Methods The National Public Health Organization advised physicians to test all suspect WNV infection cases and refer samples to reference laboratories. Laboratories notified diagnosed cases on a daily basis. Treating physicians, patients, and infected blood donors were interviewed within 48 hours after diagnosis and the probable infection location was identified. Hospitalised cases were followed up until discharge. Results A total of 317 autochthonous WNV infection cases were diagnosed in 2018. Among them, 243 cases had neuroinvasive disease (WNND), representing a 23% increase of WNND cases compared with 2010, the previous most intense season. There were 51 deaths. Cases started occurring from week 22, earlier than usual. Both rural and urban areas were affected, with 86 (26% of the total) municipalities belonging to seven (54% of the total) regions recording cases. Two major epicentres were identified in Attica and Central Macedonia regions. Conclusions The largest number of human cases of WNV infection ever recorded in Greece occurred in 2018, with a wide geographical distribution, suggesting intense virus circulation. Enhanced surveillance is vital for the early detection of human cases and the prompt implementation of response measures.

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (8) ◽  
pp. 23-31
Author(s):  
Bilal Ahmad Khan

Mankind has observed various pandemics throughout history where some of were more disastrous than the others to the humans. We are observing a very tough time once again fighting an invisible enemy; the novel COVID-19 coronavirus. Initially identified in the Wuhan province of China, and then rapidly spread across the world. The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has created a shock, putting all global population under lockdown. The worldwide spread of the pandemic resulted in unfathomable economic fallouts; zero economic activity, disruption of supply chain networks, falling global demands. The COVID-19 global crisis continues to disrupt social chains. Although there is no vaccine available and in order to prevent and avoid COVID-19, World Health Organization recommended avoiding large events and mass gatherings. The effects of COVID-19 on education, businesses, laborers’ and families have been adverse. The main objective of the study is to assess the disruptions caused by Covid-19 on supply chain both in rural and urban areas and further analyze the effect of Covid-19 on inter and intra district mobility movement of labour and consequent human psychology and value system.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahadin Salavati ◽  
AMIR HOSSEIN ZAHIRNIA ◽  
Hassan Nasirian ◽  
SHAHYAD AZARI-HAMIDIAN

Abstract. Salavati B, Zahirnia AH, Nasirian H, Hamidian SA. 2021. Trend of mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) monthly distribution in Sanandaj County of Iran. Biodiversitas 22: 4705-4715. Mosquitoes are the most significant arthropods of medical importance due to their burden of transmitting pathogens and parasites. The present study was designed to investigate the distribution of mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) in Sanandaj County in 2018. Sanandaj County was divided into four areas in rural and urban areas, including north, south, east, and west. Four rural and urban areas were randomly selected from four geographical directions. A sampling of larval and adult mosquitoes was performed using standard methods. The dipping technique was used to collect the mosquito larvae. A sampling of adult mosquitoes was performed during feeding on humans and animal baits and resting in the natural indoors, outdoors, and artificial areas. Light traps were also used to collect adult mosquitoes. The larval and adult specimens were identified using the morphology-based key. In total, nine mosquito species, including Anopheles maculipennis s.l., Anopheles superpictus s.l., Culiseta longiareolata, Culiseta subochrea, Culex hortensis, Culex mimeticus, Culex modestus, Culex pipiens, and Culex theileri were inhabited in Sanandaj County. The larval and adult mosquito species trend remains constant for at least 6 months of a year, from May to October. One-way ANOVA didn't reveal a significant difference between mosquito breeding places' habitats and water types, mosquito localities and life stages, monthly mosquito distribution, and adult mosquito resting places. The frequency trends of larval and adult mosquito species remain constant at least for 6 months of a year. It needs to be ready for timely mosquito control measures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_B) ◽  
pp. B101-B103
Author(s):  
Sudhirsen Kowlessur ◽  
Bhoosun Ori ◽  
Jaysing Heecharan ◽  
Xin Xia ◽  
Neil R Poulter ◽  
...  

Abstract Hypertension is a growing burden worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.13 billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative of the International Society of Hypertension aimed at raising awareness of high blood pressure (BP) and to act as a temporary solution to the lack of screening programmes worldwide. We provide the results of the 2019 MMM (MMM19) edition in Mauritius. This cross-sectional survey of participants aged ≥ 18 years was carried out in May 2019. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP of at least 140 mmHg or diastolic BP of at least 90 mmHg or in those on antihypertensive medication. Blood pressure measurement and statistical analysis followed the standard MMM protocol. Screening was conducted by the Non-Communicable Diseases and Health Promotion Unit, which is under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, mainly in workplaces and community centres, in both rural and urban areas across Mauritius. Of the 8262 individuals screened, after multiple imputations, 950 (14%) had untreated hypertension. May Measurement Month 2019 was the largest BP screening campaign undertaken in Mauritius. These results suggest that MMM19 is useful in the identification of potential patients with raised BP.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Ricardo Jules ◽  
Jeronimo Alencar ◽  
Ernst Jn Baptiste ◽  
Martha Cecília Suárez-Mutis ◽  
Hermano Gomes Albuquerque ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Haiti is one of the Caribbean countries where malaria still persists. Malaria occurs throughout the country at altitudes below 600 meters. More than 99% of the malaria cases are caused by Plasmodium falciparum and the main vector is Anopheles albimanus. This paper aims to describe the epidemiological profile of malaria in Haiti between 2009 and 2018. Methods We analyzed information on malaria cases reported by both the Health Ministry of Haiti (Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population-MSPP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) during the study period. Results Between 2009 and 2018, a total of 232,479 malaria cases were reported by the MSPP. There was an increase in the incidence of malaria in the country in 2010 followed by a decrease in 2011. Due to efforts made by Haiti over the past decade to reduce malaria by 2020, malaria incidence has declined from 60,130 cases in 2010 to 8,978 cases in 2018. We verified that the MSPP and the WHO data are conflicting in relation to the number of cases reported. However, the results from both data sets presented the same malaria trend in Haiti from 2009 to 2018. The results also show the endemicity of the disease throughout Haiti, both in rural and urban areas, especially along the coast. Conclusion This work emphasizes the need to promote official data collection and analyses and the application of epidemiological surveillance of malaria for a better knowledge about the real impact of malaria on the Haitian population aiming more appropriate interventions.


Author(s):  
Samreen Kazmi ◽  
Shiv Prakash ◽  
Khurshid Parveen ◽  
Shama Shaikh ◽  
Gyan Prakash

Background: Childbearing is an extremely important event in every human’s life and is strongly associated with the ultimate goals of completeness, happiness and family integration. Infertility also has important demographic and health implications. TheWorld Health Organization (WHO), using a two year reference period, defines primary infertility as the lack of conception despite cohabitation and exposure to pregnancy and secondary infertility is defined as the failure to conceive following a previous pregnancy despite cohabitation and exposure to pregnancy (in the absence of contraception, breastfeeding or postpartum amenorrhea) for a period of two years.Methods: The study was conducted for a period of one year in randomly selected rural and urban areas of Allahabad district of Uttar Pradesh. Multistage random sampling was done and sample size was calculated out to be 844. Data was collected on a predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Various socio-demographic covariates of infertility were also found.Results: Prevalence of infertility in Allahabad was 8.53%, 11.85% in urban area and 5.21% in rural area. Overall prevalence of primary infertility was 4.98% and secondary infertility was 3.55%. Age of female at the time of marriage, educational and working status of female and socioeconomic status of the couple was found to be significantly associated with infertility.Conclusions: Prevalence of infertility was higher in urban area and overall prevalence of primary infertility was higher as compared to secondary infertility.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saba Aghapour ◽  
Bijan Bina ◽  
Mohammad Javad Tarrahi ◽  
Fahimeh Amiri ◽  
Afshin Ebrahimi

Abstract Background : Groundwater contaminant such as nitrate (NO 3 - ) is one of the environmental factors that can affect human health . Methemoglobinemia of infants, thyroid disorders, and probably some carcinogenic effects, are health concerns associated with dietary nitrate. Isfahan province has a dry and semi-arid desert climate that the main source of various applications in this province is groundwater resources. This study evaluated spatial analysis of the concentration of NO 3 - in groundwater resources and its possible health risk to residents. Results : It was indicated that nitrate concentrations in the rural and urban areas were in the range of 0.4–137 mg/L NO 3 − with the mean of 33.72 mg/L NO 3 − , and 2.9-209 mg/L NO 3 - with the mean of 38.87 mg/L, respectively. As well, 226 samples (25%), and 104 (24%) ones were detected above the Iran and World Health Organization guidelines 50 mg/L as NO 3 − . While the highest levels of NO 3 − which were located in the west and central groundwater resources of the province were in the agricultural and residential areas. The HQ for Infants, in 32% of samples, urban 136 and rural 297 samples were higher than 1 (HQ>1). Also, in urban area HQ was more than 1 in 8, 5, 1, and 3 samples in children, teens, male and female, respectively. Conclusions : Infants were the most vulnerable compared with the other groups. Therefore, in some areas, there are potential risks of methemoglobinemia, especially for infants. So, it is critical to adopt specific strategies to reduce the nitrate concentration in the studied groundwater.


In the present study, the majority of casual workers perform multiple seasonal working activities in Punjab. In rural areas, most casual workers were occupied in non-agriculture sectors, while in the urban areas, the majority were occupied in non-manufacturing sectors. If the casual workers found work in rural and urban areas, they had to work long hours. They did not find regular work due to the lack of skill. Besides, due to lack of employment opportunities in rural areas. Workers had to go to the city for work. The study found that casual workers received higher wage rates in urban areas than their rural counterparts, especially in the manufacturing sector. The highest share in rural and urban areas received the wages on a daily basis.


1996 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-174
Author(s):  
J A Cantrill ◽  
B Johannesson ◽  
M Nicholson ◽  
P R Noyce

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