Invasive meningococcal disease with fatal outcome in a Swiss student visiting Berlin

Abstract Background Enhanced surveillance for confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) was introduced in the Netherlands in 2003, in which reference laboratory data (NRLBM) are linked with notification data (OSIRIS). The quality of surveillance information is important for public health decision making. Our objective was to describe the system and evaluate it for data completeness and timeliness. Methods Cases reported in the surveillance system from 2004 to 2016 were included. For the notification data, we used information on serogroup, vaccination status, mortality, and country of infection as indicators for record completeness. Notification times to regional and national level were calculated using the reported dates available in the notification database.  Results A total of 2,123 cases were reported in the years 2004-2016, of which 1.968 (93%) were reported by the reference laboratory and 1.995 (94%) in the notification system. Of all cases, 1.840 cases (87%) were reported in both systems and could be linked. The serogroup was known in 86% of the notified cases, and was significantly higher (94%) in the years 2013-2016. Information on vaccination status, mortality and country of infection was available in 88%, 99% and 97% of notified cases, respectively. Regional notification of cases occurred within one working day for 86% of cases and 98% were notified nationally within three days.  Conclusions A well performing IMD surveillance system was demonstrated and serogroup completeness has improved over the years. Underlining the need for reporting to both the clinical and laboratory surveillance system remains important to further improve the overall performance in supporting public health response and vaccination policy.

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Evaluation of the surveillance system for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in the Netherlands, 2004 – 2016

10.21203/rs.2.513/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Diederik A.H. Brandwagt ◽

Arie van der Ende ◽

Helma (W.) L.M. Ruijs ◽

Hester E. de Melker ◽

Mirjam J. Knol

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

The Netherlands ◽

Meningococcal Disease ◽

Surveillance System ◽

National Level ◽

Vaccination Status ◽

Invasive Meningococcal Disease ◽

Reference Laboratory ◽

Public Health Response ◽

Notification Data

Abstract Background Enhanced surveillance for confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) was introduced in the Netherlands in 2003, in which reference laboratory data (NRLBM) are linked with notification data (OSIRIS). The quality of surveillance information is important for public health decision making. Our objective was to describe the system and evaluate it for data completeness and timeliness. Methods Cases reported in the surveillance system from 2004 to 2016 were included. For the notification data, we used information on serogroup, vaccination status, mortality, and country of infection as indicators for record completeness. Notification times to regional and national level were calculated using the reported dates available in the notification database.  Results A total of 2,123 cases were reported in the years 2004-2016, of which 1.968 (93%) were reported by the reference laboratory and 1.995 (94%) in the notification system. Of all cases, 1.840 cases (87%) were reported in both systems and could be linked. The serogroup was known in 86% of the notified cases, and was significantly higher (94%) in the years 2013-2016. Information on vaccination status, mortality and country of infection was available in 88%, 99% and 97% of notified cases, respectively. Regional notification of cases occurred within one working day for 86% of cases and 98% were notified nationally within three days.  Conclusions A well performing IMD surveillance system was demonstrated and serogroup completeness has improved over the years. Underlining the need for reporting to both the clinical and laboratory surveillance system remains important to further improve the overall performance in supporting public health response and vaccination policy.

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Evaluation of the surveillance system for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in the Netherlands, 2004 – 2016

10.21203/rs.2.513/v2 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Diederik A.H. Brandwagt ◽

Arie van der Ende ◽

Helma (W.) L.M. Ruijs ◽

Hester E. de Melker ◽

Mirjam J. Knol

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

The Netherlands ◽

Meningococcal Disease ◽

Surveillance System ◽

National Level ◽

Vaccination Status ◽

Invasive Meningococcal Disease ◽

Reference Laboratory ◽

Public Health Response ◽

Notification Data

Abstract Background Enhanced surveillance for confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) was introduced in the Netherlands in 2003, in which reference laboratory data (NRLBM) are linked with notification data (OSIRIS). The quality of surveillance information is important for public health decision making. Our objective was to describe the system and evaluate it for data completeness and timeliness. Methods Cases reported in the surveillance system from 2004 to 2016 were included. For the notification data, we used information on serogroup, vaccination status, mortality, and country of infection as indicators for record completeness. Notification times to regional and national level were calculated using the reported dates available in the notification database.  Results A total of 2,123 cases were reported in the years 2004-2016, of which 1.968 (93%) were reported by the reference laboratory and 1.995 (94%) in the notification system. Of all cases, 1.840 cases (87%) were reported in both systems and could be linked. The serogroup was known in 86% of the notified cases, and was significantly higher (94%) in the years 2013-2016. Information on vaccination status, mortality and country of infection was available in 88%, 99% and 97% of notified cases, respectively. Regional notification of cases occurred within one working day for 86% of cases and 98% were notified nationally within three days.  Conclusions A well performing IMD surveillance system was demonstrated and serogroup completeness has improved over the years. Underlining the need for reporting to both the clinical and laboratory surveillance system remains important to further improve the overall performance in supporting public health response and vaccination policy.

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Evaluation of the surveillance system for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in the Netherlands, 2004–2016

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-019-4513-2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Diederik A. H. Brandwagt ◽

Arie van der Ende ◽

Wilhelmina L. M. Ruijs ◽

Hester E. de Melker ◽

Mirjam J. Knol

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

The Netherlands ◽

Meningococcal Disease ◽

Surveillance System ◽

National Level ◽

Vaccination Status ◽

Invasive Meningococcal Disease ◽

Reference Laboratory ◽

Public Health Response ◽

Notification Data

Abstract Background Enhanced surveillance for confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) was introduced in the Netherlands in 2003, in which reference laboratory data (NRLBM) are linked with notification data (OSIRIS). The quality of surveillance information is important for public health decision making. Our objective was to describe the system and evaluate it for data completeness and timeliness. Methods Cases reported in the surveillance system from 2004 to 2016 were included. For the notification data, we used information on serogroup, vaccination status, mortality, and country of infection as indicators for record completeness. Notification times to regional and national level were calculated using the reported dates available in the notification database. Results A total of 2123 cases were reported in the years 2004–2016, of which 1.968 (93%) were reported by the reference laboratory and 1.995 (94%) in the notification system. Of all cases, 1.840 cases (87%) were reported in both systems and could be linked. The serogroup was known in 86% of the notified cases, and was significantly higher (94%) in the years 2013–2016. Information on vaccination status, mortality and country of infection was available in 88, 99 and 97% of notified cases, respectively. Regional notification of cases occurred within one working day for 86% of cases and 98% were notified nationally within three days. Conclusions A well performing IMD surveillance system was demonstrated and serogroup completeness has improved over the years. Underlining the need for reporting to both the clinical and laboratory surveillance system remains important to further improve the overall performance in supporting public health response and vaccination policy.

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European public health policies for managing contacts of invasive meningococcal disease cases better harmonised in 2013 than in 2007

Eurosurveillance ◽

10.2807/1560-7917.es.2016.21.5.30125 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 21 (5) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Sabine Vygen ◽

Wiebke Hellenbrand ◽

Pawel Stefanoff ◽

Germaine Hanquet ◽

Sigrid Heuberger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Meningococcal Disease ◽

Health Management ◽

European Countries ◽

Invasive Meningococcal Disease ◽

Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Published Evidence ◽

Chi Squared ◽

Public Health Management

In 2007, a European survey identified variation in country policies on public health management of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). In 2009–10, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) published evidence-based guidance on IMD. We therefore surveyed again European countries to describe policies for managing IMD cases and contacts in 2013. We asked national IMD public health experts from 32 European countries to complete a questionnaire focusing on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for IMD contacts and meningococcal vaccination. Proportions in 2007 and 2013 were compared using the chi-squared test. All 32 countries responded, with responses from two regions for Belgium and Italy; half stated having used ECDC guidance to update national recommendations. PEP was recommended to close contacts in 33 of 34 countries/regions, mainly ciprofloxacin for adults (29/32 countries) and rifampicin for children (29/32 countries). ECDC guidance for managing IMD contacts in airplanes was strictly followed by five countries/regions. Twenty-three countries/regions participated in both surveys. Compared with 2007, in 2013, more countries/regions recommended i) ceftriaxone for children (15/23 vs 6/20; p = 0.03), ii) PEP for all children in the same preschool group (8/23 vs 17/23; p = 0.02). More countries/regions recommended evidence-based measures for IMD public health management in 2013 than 2007. However, some discrepancies remain and they call for further harmonisation.

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Addressing lead exposure in children in Georgia: challenges and successes of a multi-agency response

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.145 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

E Ruadze ◽

I Khonelidze ◽

L Sturua ◽

P Lauriola ◽

H Crabbe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Blood Concentration ◽

Tracking System ◽

Action Plan ◽

Blood Lead ◽

Relevant Information ◽

State Intervention ◽

Intervention Programme ◽

Public Health Action ◽

Pb Exposure

Abstract The national response for reducing lead (Pb) exposure in Georgia is coordinated by the National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC&PH) and implemented as a multi-agency (CDC, UNICEF, WHO, University of Emory) response. Given concerns about the extent of Pb exposure, in 2018 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) of representative samples of children have been conducted to study several demographic and health aspects, including a study of the prevalence of blood Pb levels among 2 to 7 years old children (n = 1578). This survey was conducted in collaboration with the Italian Instituto Superiore di Sanita' (ISS), UNICEF and NCDC. The laboratory analyses were conducted at ISS in Italy. Initial results showed that in 41% of all children, blood Pb concentration was ≥ 5 µg/dl, a challenge which motivated public agencies to establish an initial public health action plan to assess environmental samples (paint, dust, water, soil, selected food items such as spices and imported sweets) in families where Pb concentrations were ≥ 10 µg/dL. A State intervention programme, monitoring Pb blood concentration among MICS children and their family members, provided relevant information on exposed households and led to a reduction of Pb blood concentration across the most exposed households. In collaboration with Public Health England, NCDC has conducted a small Pb isotope ratio study aimed at identifying the most relevant sources of Pb exposure contributing to elevated blood Pb in MICS children. It is expected that these data will support the design of more detailed public health interventions to reduce exposure to key sources of Pb, thus leading to further reduction of Pb-induced health effects in Georgia. In addition, this experience will clarify elements of an ongoing monitoring of environmental factors such as an Environmental Public Health Tracking system, to support national capacity to manage the risks to public health. Key messages Environmental health response requires extensive research and multi-agency approach. If State implements adequate intervention it is possible to reduce blood lead (Pb) level.

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Public health management of invasive meningococcal disease in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, 2012: adherence to guidance and estimation of resources required as determined in a survey of local health authorities

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-015-1693-6 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lukas Murajda ◽

Elisabeth Aichinger ◽

Guenter Pfaff ◽

Wiebke Hellenbrand

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Meningococcal Disease ◽

Health Management ◽

Invasive Meningococcal Disease ◽

Local Health ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Local Health Authorities ◽

Public Health Management

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Containing SARS-CoV-2 in Belize

Caribbean Medical Journal ◽

10.48107/cmj.2020.08.002 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Kyle Habet ◽

Diomne Habet ◽

Gliselle Marin

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Early Intervention ◽

Population Density ◽

Central America ◽

National Level ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Limited Resources ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Caribbean Country ◽

Community Transmission

Belize is a small Caribbean country in Central America with limited resources in public health. Amidst a global pandemic, urgent attention was given to mitigating the spread of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in order to prevent a public health catastrophe. Early intervention on a national level was key to preventing the importation of cases and subsequent community transmission. Limiting the conglomeration of people, implementation of curfews, closures of school and universities, government-mandated social distancing, and extensive contact tracing may have mitigated the exponential spread of COVID-19. Mandatory mask-wearing in public may have helped to prevent spread between asymptomatic carriers to susceptible individuals. A low population density may have also contributed to containing the virus.

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A review of infectious disease surveillance to inform public health action against the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

10.31235/osf.io/uwdr6 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

David Larsen ◽

Rachel E. Dinero ◽

Elizabeth Asiago-Reddy ◽

Hyatt Green ◽

Sandra Lane ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Infectious Disease ◽

Disease Surveillance ◽

Behavioral Interventions ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Public Health Action ◽

Infectious Disease Surveillance ◽

Genetic Sequencing ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Infected People

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic exposed the inadequacy of infectious disease surveillance throughout the US and other countries. Isolation and contact tracing to identify all infected people are key public health interventions necessary to control infectious disease outbreaks. However, these activities are dependent upon the surveillance platform to identify infections quickly. A robust surveillance platform can also reinforce community adherence to behavioral interventions such as social distancing. In situations where contact tracing is feasible, all suspected cases and contacts of confirmed cases must be tested for a SARS-CoV-2 infection and effectively isolated. At the community level wastewater surveillance can identify areas where transmission is or is not occurring, and genetic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 can help to elucidate the intensity of transmission independent of the number of known cases and hospitalizations. State and county public health departments should improve the infectious disease surveillance platform whilst the public is practicing social distancing. These enhanced surveillance activities are necessary to contain the epidemic once the curve has been sufficiently flattened in highly burdened areas, and to prevent escalation in areas where transmission is minimal.

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