Occupational risk of COVID-19 in the first versus second epidemic wave in Norway, 2020

Background The occupational risk of COVID-19 may be different in the first versus second epidemic wave. Aim To study whether employees in occupations that typically entail close contact with others were at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related hospitalisation during the first and second epidemic wave before and after 18 July 2020, in Norway. Methods We included individuals in occupations working with patients, children, students, or customers using Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-08) codes. We compared residents (3,559,694 on 1 January 2020) in such occupations aged 20–70 years (mean: 44.1; standard deviation: 14.3 years; 51% men) to age-matched individuals in other professions using logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, birth country and marital status. Results Nurses, physicians, dentists and physiotherapists had 2–3.5 times the odds of COVID-19 during the first wave when compared with others of working age. In the second wave, bartenders, waiters, food counter attendants, transport conductors, travel stewards, childcare workers, preschool and primary school teachers had ca 1.25–2 times the odds of infection. Bus, tram and taxi drivers had an increased odds of infection in both waves (odds ratio: 1.2–2.1). Occupation was of limited relevance for the odds of severe infection, here studied as hospitalisation with the disease. Conclusion Our findings from the entire Norwegian population may be of relevance to national and regional authorities in handling the epidemic. Also, we provide a knowledge foundation for more targeted future studies of lockdowns and disease control measures.

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Occupational risk of COVID-19 in the 1st vs 2nd wave of infection

10.1101/2020.10.29.20220426 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Karin Magnusson ◽

Karin Nygård ◽

Fredrik Methi ◽

Line Vold ◽

Kjetil Telle

Keyword(s):

Close Contact ◽

Low Frequency ◽

Control Measures ◽

Taxi Drivers ◽

Testing Strategies ◽

Norwegian Population ◽

Standard Classification ◽

Regional Authorities ◽

Testing Patterns

AimTo study whether employees in occupations that typically imply close contact with other people are tested more and at higher risk of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) and related hospitalization, in the 1st and 2nd wave of infection in Norway.MethodsIn all 3 559 694 residents of Norway on January 1st 2020 aged 20-70 (with mean [SD] age 44.1 [14.3] years and 51% men), we studied COVID-19 testing patterns sorted by occupation (using Standard Classification of Occupations [ISCO-08]). We also studied whether selected occupations had a higher risk of 1) confirmed COVID-19 and 2) hospitalization with COVID-19, compared to everyone else aged 20-70 years using logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, testing behavior, and own and maternal country of birth.ResultsOccupations with high frequency of testing (e.g. health personnel and teachers) had a low frequency of positive tests. Nurses, physicians, dentists, physiotherapists, bus/tram and taxi drivers had 1.1-4 times the odds of COVID-19 during the 1st wave, whereas bartenders, waiters, transport conductors and travel stewards had 1.1-3 times the odds of COVID-19 during the 2nd wave (when compared to everyone else). Teachers had moderately increased odds of COVID-19. Occupation may be of limited relevance for hospitalization with the disease.ConclusionStudying the entire Norwegian population using international standardized codes of occupations, our findings may be of relevance to national and regional authorities in handling the pandemic. Also, our findings provide a knowledge foundation for the more targeted future studies of lockdown, testing strategies and disease control measures.

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Reduction in mobility and COVID-19 transmission

Nature Communications ◽

10.1038/s41467-021-21358-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Pierre Nouvellet ◽

Sangeeta Bhatia ◽

Anne Cori ◽

Kylie E. C. Ainslie ◽

Marc Baguelin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Predictive Ability ◽

Control Measures ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Mobility Data ◽

Strict Control ◽

Before And After ◽

Proxy Measure ◽

Lower Transmission ◽

The Relationship

AbstractIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have sought to control SARS-CoV-2 transmission by restricting population movement through social distancing interventions, thus reducing the number of contacts. Mobility data represent an important proxy measure of social distancing, and here, we characterise the relationship between transmission and mobility for 52 countries around the world. Transmission significantly decreased with the initial reduction in mobility in 73% of the countries analysed, but we found evidence of decoupling of transmission and mobility following the relaxation of strict control measures for 80% of countries. For the majority of countries, mobility explained a substantial proportion of the variation in transmissibility (median adjusted R-squared: 48%, interquartile range - IQR - across countries [27–77%]). Where a change in the relationship occurred, predictive ability decreased after the relaxation; from a median adjusted R-squared of 74% (IQR across countries [49–91%]) pre-relaxation, to a median adjusted R-squared of 30% (IQR across countries [12–48%]) post-relaxation. In countries with a clear relationship between mobility and transmission both before and after strict control measures were relaxed, mobility was associated with lower transmission rates after control measures were relaxed indicating that the beneficial effects of ongoing social distancing behaviours were substantial.

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Evaluating the effectiveness of measures to control the novel coronavirus disease 2019 in Jilin Province, China

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-021-05936-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Qinglong Zhao ◽

Yao Wang ◽

Meng Yang ◽

Meina Li ◽

Zeyu Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prevention And Control ◽

Good Control ◽

Asymptomatic Infection ◽

Jilin Province ◽

Control Measures ◽

First Case ◽

Before And After ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Reported Data ◽

And Control

Abstract Background Based on differences in populations and prevention and control measures, the spread of new coronary pneumonia in different countries and regions also differs. This study aimed to calculate the transmissibility of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and to evaluate the effectiveness of measures to control the disease in Jilin Province, China. Methods The data of reported COVID-19 cases were collected, including imported and local cases from Jilin Province as of March 14, 2019. A Susceptible–Exposed–Infectious–Asymptomatic–Recovered/Removed (SEIAR) model was developed to fit the data, and the effective reproduction number (Reff) was calculated at different stages in the province. Finally, the effectiveness of the measures was assessed. Results A total of 97 COVID-19 infections were reported in Jilin Province, among which 45 were imported infections (including one asymptomatic infection) and 52 were local infections (including three asymptomatic infections). The model fit the reported data well (R2 = 0.593, P < 0.001). The Reff of COVID-19 before and after February 1, 2020 was 1.64 and 0.05, respectively. Without the intervention taken on February 1, 2020, the predicted cases would have reached a peak of 177,011 on October 22, 2020 (284 days from the first case). The projected number of cases until the end of the outbreak (on October 9, 2021) would have been 17,129,367, with a total attack rate of 63.66%. Based on the comparison between the predicted incidence of the model and the actual incidence, the comprehensive intervention measures implemented in Jilin Province on February 1 reduced the incidence of cases by 99.99%. Therefore, according to the current measures and implementation efforts, Jilin Province can achieve good control of the virus’s spread. Conclusions COVID-19 has a moderate transmissibility in Jilin Province, China. The interventions implemented in the province had proven effective; increasing social distancing and a rapid response by the prevention and control system will help control the spread of the disease.

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Resilience and vulnerability of maternity services in Zimbabwe: a comparative analysis of the effect of Covid-19 and lockdown control measures on maternal and perinatal outcomes, a single-centre cross-sectional study at Mpilo Central Hospital

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03884-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Clare Shakespeare ◽

Handsome Dube ◽

Sikhangezile Moyo ◽

Solwayo Ngwenya

Keyword(s):

Perinatal Outcomes ◽

Control Measures ◽

Central Hospital ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Maternity Services ◽

Before And After ◽

The Mean ◽

Significant Change ◽

The Impact ◽

Mpilo Central Hospital

Abstract Background On the 27th of March 2020 the Zimbabwean government declared the Covid-19 pandemic a ‘national disaster’. Travel restrictions and emergency regulations have had significant impacts on maternity services, including resource stock-outs, and closure of antenatal clinics during the lockdown period. Estimates of the indirect impact of Covid-19 on maternal and perinatal mortality was expected it to be considerable, but little data was yet available. This study aimed to examine the impact of Covid-19 and lockdown control measures on non-Covid outcomes in a government tertiary level maternity unit in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, by comparing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality before, and after the lockdown was implemented. Methods This was a retrospective, observational study, using a cross-sectional design to compare routine monthly maternal and perinatal statistics three months before and after Covid-19 emergency measures were implemented at Mpilo Central Hospital. Results Between January-March and April-June 2020, the mean monthly deliveries reduced from 747.3 (SD ± 61.3) in the first quarter of 2020 to 681.0 (SD ± 17.6) during lockdown, but this was not statistically significant, p = 0.20. The Caesarean section rates fell from a mean of 29.8% (SD ± 1.7) versus 28.0% (SD ± 1.7), which was also not statistically significant, p = 0.18. During lockdown, the percentage of women delivering at Mpilo Central Hospital who were booked at the hospital fell from a mean of 41.6% (SD ± 1.1) to 35.8% (SD ± 4.3) which was statistically significant, p = 0.03. There was no significant change, however, in maternal mortality or severe maternal morbidity (such as post-partum haemorrhage (PPH), uterine rupture, and severe preeclampsia/eclampsia), stillbirth rate or special care baby unit admission. There was an increase in the mean total number of early neonatal deaths (ENND) (mean 18.7 (SD ± 2.9) versus 24.0 (SD ± 4.6), but this was not statistically significant, p = 0.32. Conclusions Overall, maternity services at Mpilo showed resilience during the lockdown period, with no significant change in maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes, with the same number of man-hours worked before and during the lockdown Maternal and perinatal outcomes should continue to be monitored to assess the impact of Covid-19 and the lockdown measures as the pandemic in Zimbabwe unfolds. Further studies would be beneficial to explore women’s experiences and understand how bookings and deliveries at local clinics changed during this time.

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Continuous elevation of procalcitonin in cirrhosis combined with hepatic carcinoma: a case report

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-020-05684-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Juan Lu ◽

Chun-lei Chen ◽

Jian-di Jin ◽

Jun Chen ◽

Cheng-bo Yu

Keyword(s):

Liver Disease ◽

Bacterial Infection ◽

Severe Infection ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Decompensated Cirrhosis ◽

Hepatic Carcinoma ◽

Multiple Loci ◽

Before And After ◽

Severe Cirrhosis ◽

End Stage

Abstract Background Serum levels of procalcitonin (PCT) are considered a useful biomarker for the diagnosis of bacterial infection or inflammation. There are few reports of high PCT levels in end-stage liver disease regardless of bacterial infection. Here, we present a case of extremely high PCT levels (> 100 ng/mL) in a patient with severe cirrhosis combined with hepatic carcinoma. Case presentation A 65-year-old man developed end-stage cirrhosis with hepatic carcinoma. Radiographic imaging showed a massive hepatocellular carcinoma with multiple loci lack of indications of resection. Hence, transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization was performed three times over a period of 4 months. Before and after interventional therapies, the biochemistry laboratory results were only slightly abnormal except for persistently high PCT concentrations (> 100 ng/mL), irrespective of the evidence for bacterial infection or sepsis. Conclusions This case suggests that continuously high levels of PCT (> 100 ng/mL) may be present in advanced liver disease, particularly in complex situations such as decompensated cirrhosis and liver cancer, in the absence of severe infection or sepsis. This knowledge could expand the significance of PCT in liver disease.

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Perspective on control options forEchinococcus multiloculariswith particular reference to Japan

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s0031182003003718 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 127 (S1) ◽

pp. S159-S172 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

A. ITO ◽

T. ROMIG ◽

K. TAKAHASHI

Keyword(s):

Close Contact ◽

Integrated Control ◽

Risk Behaviour ◽

Control Measures ◽

Domestic Dogs ◽

Western China ◽

Preventive Strategies ◽

Preventive Chemotherapy ◽

Information Campaigns ◽

Control Options

Following a brief introduction of recent advances in molecular and immunological technology for detection of persons and animals infected withEchinococcus multilocularisand an overview of the current situation of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) in Japan, perspectives on control options are discussed with reference to different epidemiological situations. AE is considered the most serious parasitic zoonosis in temperate and arctic regions of the northern hemisphere. The number of human cases differs drastically among regions. While high numbers of patients are apparently associated with highE. multilocularisprevalence in domestic dogs, e.g. in parts of Alaska and western China, the number of cases is moderate or low in areas where the parasite is mainly transmitted by wild canid species (e.g. in central Europe or temperate North America). However, the severity of the disease, the absence of curative treatment for most cases, the high cost of long-term chemotherapy and the anxiety caused for the population in highly endemic areas call for the development of preventive strategies even in regions where human AE is rare. Furthermore, in view of (1) drastically increasing numbers and infection rates of foxes involved in transmission ofE. multilocularis, and (2) increasingly close contact between humans and foxes e.g. in Europe and Japan, there is considerable concern that AE incidences may in future increase in these regions. Control options depend on a variety of factors including the species of canid principally responsible for transmission and the socio-economic situation in the region. Where domestic dogs (stray or owned) are the principal hosts forE. multilocularis, control options can include those applicable toE. granulosus, i.e. reduction of the number of stray dogs, registration and regular preventive chemotherapy of owned dogs, and information campaigns for the population promoting low-risk behaviour for man and dogs. WhereE. multilocularisis mainly transmitted by wild canids, the situation is far more difficult with preventive strategies still being in trial stage. Integrated control measures could include prevention information campaigns, restricting access of pet animals (dogs and cats) to rodents, chemotherapy of foxes on local or regional scales, and strategies to minimize contacts between people and foxes.

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Toward a Country-Based Prediction Model of COVID-19 Infections and Deaths Between Disease Apex and End: Evidence From Countries With Contained Numbers of COVID-19

Frontiers in Medicine ◽

10.3389/fmed.2021.585115 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Tianshu Gu ◽

Lishi Wang ◽

Ning Xie ◽

Xia Meng ◽

Zhijun Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Real Data ◽

Control Measures ◽

Actual Number ◽

The Public ◽

The Us ◽

Multiple Regression Models ◽

Before And After ◽

Using Data ◽

High Degree ◽

The Relationship

The complexity of COVID-19 and variations in control measures and containment efforts in different countries have caused difficulties in the prediction and modeling of the COVID-19 pandemic. We attempted to predict the scale of the latter half of the pandemic based on real data using the ratio between the early and latter halves from countries where the pandemic is largely over. We collected daily pandemic data from China, South Korea, and Switzerland and subtracted the ratio of pandemic days before and after the disease apex day of COVID-19. We obtained the ratio of pandemic data and created multiple regression models for the relationship between before and after the apex day. We then tested our models using data from the first wave of the disease from 14 countries in Europe and the US. We then tested the models using data from these countries from the entire pandemic up to March 30, 2021. Results indicate that the actual number of cases from these countries during the first wave mostly fall in the predicted ranges of liniar regression, excepting Spain and Russia. Similarly, the actual deaths in these countries mostly fall into the range of predicted data. Using the accumulated data up to the day of apex and total accumulated data up to March 30, 2021, the data of case numbers in these countries are falling into the range of predicted data, except for data from Brazil. The actual number of deaths in all the countries are at or below the predicted data. In conclusion, a linear regression model built with real data from countries or regions from early pandemics can predict pandemic scales of the countries where the pandemics occur late. Such a prediction with a high degree of accuracy provides valuable information for governments and the public.

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High prevalence of antibodies to the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus in the Norwegian population following a major epidemic and a large vaccination campaign in autumn 2009

Eurosurveillance ◽

10.2807/ese.15.31.19633-en ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 15 (31) ◽

Author(s):

K Waalen ◽

A Kilander ◽

S G Dudman ◽

G H Krogh ◽

T Aune ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pandemic Influenza ◽

Influenza A ◽

H1n1 Virus ◽

Vaccination Campaign ◽

Age Group ◽

Norwegian Population ◽

Influenza A H1n1 ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Substantial Rise ◽

Epidemic Wave

The prevalence of antibodies reactive to the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) was determined in sera collected before the start of the pandemic, during the early phase, and after the main epidemic wave and nationwide vaccination campaign in Norway. A substantial rise in prevalence of antibodies at protective titres, from 3.2% to 44.9%, was observed between August 2009 and January 2010. The highest prevalence, 65.3%, was seen in the age group of 10-19 year-olds.

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Awareness of COVID-19 Before and After Quarantine Based on Crowdsourced Data From Rabigh City, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional and Comparative Study

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.632024 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Mai Aldhahri ◽

Rana Alghamdi

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Online Survey ◽

Control Measures ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Second Stage ◽

Before And After ◽

Prevention And Control Measures ◽

Two Stages ◽

And Control

Background: Infection prevention and control measures are critical for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.Aim: In this study, we aimed to measure and evaluate the level of awareness and knowledge of the prevention, symptoms, and transmission control of COVID-19 before and after quarantine among the residents of Rabigh city and adjacent villages in Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in two stages: the first stage took place before quarantine and the second stage took place after quarantine. The survey was filled out electronically.Results: A total of 448 participants responded and filled out the questionnaires. Females (73.70%) formed the largest number of participants for both stages. The majority of the participants were <30 years old (50.90%) and had a high education level in various sectors and levels (97.1%). It was noticeable that during the first stage, the participants' awareness of COVID-19 symptoms was not very high: 13.62% did not know about the symptoms. However, by the second stage, awareness about symptoms had increased (9.6%).Conclusion: The residents of Rabigh city and the surrounding villages had good levels of knowledge about COVID-19.

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Mass SARS-CoV-2 Testing in a Dormitory-Style Correctional Facility in Arkansas

American Journal of Public Health ◽

10.2105/ajph.2020.306117 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. e1-e10

Author(s):

Lindsay K. Tompkins ◽

Jayleen K. L. Gunn ◽

Blake Cherney ◽

Jason E. Ham ◽

Roberta Horth ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infection Prevention ◽

Close Contact ◽

Correctional Facility ◽

Mitigation Strategies ◽

Control Measures ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Strict Enforcement ◽

Prevention And Control Measures ◽

And Control ◽

Respiratory Specimens

Objectives. To assess SARS-CoV-2 transmission within a correctional facility and recommend mitigation strategies. Methods. From April 29 to May 15, 2020, we established the point prevalence of COVID-19 among incarcerated persons and staff within a correctional facility in Arkansas. Participants provided respiratory specimens for SARS-CoV-2 testing and completed questionnaires on symptoms and factors associated with transmission. Results. Of 1647 incarcerated persons and 128 staff tested, 30.5% of incarcerated persons (range by housing unit = 0.0%–58.2%) and 2.3% of staff tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Among those who tested positive and responded to symptom questions (431 incarcerated persons, 3 staff), 81.2% and 33.3% were asymptomatic, respectively. Most incarcerated persons (58.0%) reported wearing cloth face coverings 8 hours or less per day, and 63.3% reported close contact with someone other than their bunkmate. Conclusions. If testing remained limited to symptomatic individuals, fewer cases would have been detected or detection would have been delayed, allowing transmission to continue. Rapid implementation of mass testing and strict enforcement of infection prevention and control measures may be needed to mitigate spread of SARS-CoV-2 in this setting. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print March 18, 2021: e1–e10. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2020.306117 )

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