scholarly journals Q fever in the Netherlands: an update on the epidemiology and control measures

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
W van der Hoek ◽  
F Dijkstra ◽  
B Schimmer ◽  
P M Schneeberger ◽  
P Vellema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Dairy Goat ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Source Of Infection

Since the steady rise in human cases which started in 2007, Q fever has become a major public health problem in the Netherlands with 2,357 human cases notified in the year 2009. Ongoing research confirms that abortion waves on dairy goat farms are the primary source of infection for humans, primarily affecting people living close (under 5 km) to such a dairy goat farm. To reverse the trend of the last three years, drastic measures have been implemented, including the large-scale culling of pregnant goats on infected farms.

scholarly journals Detection of Coxiella burnetii DNA on Small-Ruminant Farms during a Q Fever Outbreak in the Netherlands

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (6) ◽  
pp. 1652-1657 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. de Bruin ◽  
R. Q. J. van der Plaats ◽  
L. de Heer ◽  
R. Paauwe ◽  
B. Schimmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Coxiella Burnetii ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Dairy Goat ◽  
Environmental Matrices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bulk Milk

ABSTRACTDuring large Q fever outbreaks in the Netherlands between 2007 and 2010, dairy goat farms were implicated as the primary source of human Q fever. The transmission ofCoxiella burnetiito humans is thought to occur primarily via aerosols, although available data onC. burnetiiin aerosols and other environmental matrices are limited. During the outbreak of 2009, 19 dairy goat farms and one dairy sheep farm were selected nationwide to investigate the presence ofC. burnetiiDNA in vaginal swabs, manure, surface area swabs, milk unit filters, and aerosols. Four of these farms had a positive status during theCoxiella burnetiibulk milk monitoring program in 2009 and additionally reported abortion waves in 2008 or 2009. Eleven farms were reported as having positive bulk milk only, and five selected (control) farms had a bulk milk-negative status in 2009 and no reported Q fever history. Screening by quantitative PCR (qPCR) revealed that on farms with a history of abortions related toC. burnetiiand, to a lesser extent, on farms positive by bulk milk monitoring, generally higher proportions of positive samples and higher levels ofC. burnetiiDNA within positive samples were observed than on the control farms. The relatively high levels ofC. burnetiiDNA in surface area swabs and aerosols sampled in stables of bulk milk-positive farms, including farms with a Q fever-related abortion history, support the hypothesis that these farms can pose a risk for the transmission ofC. burnetiito humans.

scholarly journals Shifting priorities in the aftermath of a Q fever epidemic in 2007 to 2009 in the Netherlands: from acute to chronic infection

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
W van der Hoek ◽  
P M Schneeberger ◽  
T Oomen ◽  
M C Wegdam-Blans ◽  
F Dijkstra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
Dairy Goat ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Chronic Q Fever ◽  
Acute Q Fever

From 2007 to 2009, the Netherlands faced large seasonal outbreaks of Q fever, in which infected dairy goat farms were identified as the primary sources. Veterinary measures including vaccination of goats and sheep and culling of pregnant animals on infected farms seem to have brought the Q fever problem under control. However, the epidemic is expected to result in more cases of chronic Q fever among risk groups in the coming years. In the most affected area, in the south of the country, more than 12% of the population now have antibodies against Coxiella burnetii. Questions remain about the follow-up of acute Q fever patients, screening of groups at risk for chronic Q fever, screening of donors of blood and tissue, and human vaccination. There is a considerable ongoing research effort as well as enhanced veterinary and human surveillance.

scholarly journals Sustained intensive transmission of Q fever in the south of the Netherlands, 2009

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (19) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Schimmer ◽  
F Dijkstra ◽  
P Vellema ◽  
P M Schneeberger ◽  
V Hackert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Sharp Increase ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
High Density ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Dairy Goat ◽  
Multidisciplinary Research ◽  
Additional Control ◽  
Mandatory Vaccination

The Netherlands is again facing a sharp increase in Q fever notifications, after the unprecedented outbreaks of 2007 and 2008. The most affected province of Noord Brabant has a high density of large dairy goat farms, and farms with abortion waves have been incriminated. Mandatory vaccination of small ruminants has started and should have an effect in 2010. A large multidisciplinary research portfolio is expected to generate better knowledge about transmission and additional control measures.

MEASLES OUTBREAK IN A RURAL AREA OF A DEVELOPING COUNTRY: A CASE CONTROL STUDY

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 197-201
Author(s):  
Mir M Hassan Bullo ◽  
Mirza Amir Baig ◽  
Jawad Faisal Malik ◽  
Ejaz Ahmad Khan ◽  
Muazam Abbas Ranjha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Maculopapular Rash ◽  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
District Health ◽  
Active Case

Background: Measles is highly contagious vaccine preventable disease (VPD), and a major public health problem considered as leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries like Pakistan. An outbreak of measles was reported in Sharifabad Islamabad on 15th of April 2017, and an investigation was launched to assess the magnitude of outbreak, evaluate risk factors and recommend control measures. Methods: A comprehensive house to house active case search along with vaccine coverage survey was conducted from April 19-22, 2017. A case was defined as "onset of maculopapular rash with fever in a resident of Sharifabad with at least one of the following signs/ symptoms, Coryza, Conjunctivitis, Cough, Otitis media or Pneumonia present in between 19 March to 22nd April 2017". Four age & sex matched controls were selected from the neighborhood. Data was collected through interview method using structured questionnaire and vaccination coverage was determined by using Epi survey form. Blood samples were sent for laboratory confirmation. Results: A total of eight cases were identified through active case finding while three were reported by local practitioner. Mean age of cases were 20 months (range 8-36 months). Severely affected age-group was 1-2 years with attack rate of 46%. Around two-third (64%) of cases and a few (16%) of controls were unvaccinated against measles. Contact with measles patient [OR 25.2, CI 3.9-160.1, P=0.00], unvaccinated children [OR 9.2 CI 2.12-40.4, P=0.000], social misconception regarding vaccination [OR 7.8 CI 1.42-42.6, P=0.00], and distance from healthcare facility [OR 5.7 CI 1.15-28.35, P=0.02] were significant risk factors. Vaccine efficacy was 90%. Conclusion: Main reasons of the outbreak were contact with the cases, and low vaccination status. We recommended comprehensive measles vaccination and community awareness sessions. On our recommendations district health authority Islamabad carried out mop up of whole area.

Healthcare-Associated Infections: Not Only a Clinical Burden, But a Forensic Point of View

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 658-664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Di Paolo ◽  
Luigi Papi ◽  
Paolo Malacarne ◽  
Federica Gori ◽  
Emanuela Turillazzi
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Medicine ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Open Communication ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) occur when patients receiving treatment in a health care setting develop an infection. They represent a major public health problem, requiring the integration of clinical medicine, pathology, epidemiology, laboratory sciences, and, finally, forensic medicine. Methods: The determination of cause of death is fundamental not only in the cases of presumed malpractice to ascertain the causal link with any negligent behavior both of health facilities and of individual professionals, but also for epidemiological purposes since it may help to know the global burden of HCAIs, that remains undetermined because of the difficulty of gathering reliable diagnostic data. A complete methodological approach, integrating clinical data by means of autopsy and histological and laboratory findings aiming to identify and demonstrate the host response to infectious insult, is mandatory in HCAIs related deaths. Results: Important tasks for forensic specialists in hospitals and health services centers are the promotion of transparency and open communication by health-care workers on the risk of HCAIs, thus facilitating patients’ engagement and the implementation of educational interventions for professionals aimed to improve their knowledge and adherence to prevention and control measures. Conclusion: HCAIs are a major problem for patient safety in every health-care facility and system around the world and their control and prevention represent a challenging priority for healthcare institution and workers committed to making healthcare safer. Clinicians are at the forefront in the war against HCAIs, however, also forensic pathologists have a remarkable role.

scholarly journals Trajectories and Determinants of Physical Activity during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Population-Based Study of Middle-Aged and Elderly Individuals in The Netherlands

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 3832
Author(s):  
Amy Hofman ◽  
Marlou A. M. Limpens ◽  
Tosca O. E. de Crom ◽  
Mohammad Arfan Ikram ◽  
Annemarie I. Luik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Population Based ◽  
World Health ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Health Organization

Physical inactivity is a major public health problem, and there are concerns this might have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to identify distinct trajectories of physical activity over a 6-week period after the first restrictive measures and to explore determinants of these trajectories in a population-based cohort of middle-aged and elderly in the Netherlands (n = 5777). We observed that at least 59% of participants did not meet the World Health Organization recommendations for physical activity. Using latent class trajectory analyses over three time points, we identified five distinct trajectories, including four steady trajectories at different levels (very low, low, medium and high) and one increasing trajectory. Using multinomial logistic regression analyses, we observed that, compared to the ‘steadily high’ trajectory, participants in the ‘steadily very low’ trajectory were more often older, lower educated, reporting poorer physical health, more depressive symptoms, consuming a less healthy diet, smoking, and lower alcohol use, and were less often retired. A similar pattern of determinants was seen for those in the increasing trajectory, albeit with smaller effect sizes. Concluding, we observed low levels of physical activity that generally remained during the pandemic. The determinants we described can help identify groups that require additional preventive interventions.

Environmental Vector Control Practices among Households of Patients with Dengue Fever during the Epidemic of 2018 in Kerala, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (02) ◽  
pp. 48-52
Author(s):  
Chintha Sujatha ◽  
Reshma Rajan Sudha ◽  
Sreejith Lalitha Krishnankutty ◽  
Prajitha Kannamkottapilly Chandrasekharan
Keyword(s):  
Vector Control ◽  
Dengue Fever ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breeding Habitats

BACKGROUND Dengue fever is a major public health problem in Kerala. Vector control measures practiced at household level is the most cost-effective way of controlling dengue. This study aims to assess environmental measures of vector control practised among households of suspected or confirmed dengue patients in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. METHODS A cross sectional study was done among households of patients diagnosed with dengue fever and reported in Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) in Thiruvananthapuram district from June to December 2018. Investigators interviewed the household members and made direct observations to collect data on vector control practices using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 108 houses were surveyed. Potential breeding habitats were found in 58 (53.7 %) houses. Aedes larva was found in containers from four (3.7 %) houses. Dry day observance was not regular with only 5 (4.6 %) houses practicing it weekly. Waste management practiced was proper in 47 (43.5 %) houses. Community level pre monsoon preparedness for epidemics was done in the vicinity of 53 (49.1 %) houses and it was found to be a protective factor against presence of breeding habitats in and around houses (p = 0.013). Low education (p = 0.012) and low occupational status (p = 0.017) were found to be significant risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Even during an epidemic, with occurrence of infections in the family, only half of the households are practising adequate vector control methods. Community level interventions and targeted information education campaign will help improve practice of environmental methods of vector control in dengue. KEYWORDS Dengue, Vector Control, Aedes Control, Environmental Methods, Community Interventions

scholarly journals Clinico-epidemiology, malacology and community awareness of Schistosoma mansoni in Haradenaba and Dertoramis kebeles in Bedeno district, eastern Ethiopia

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 205031211878674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jemal Mohammed ◽  
Fitsum Weldegebreal ◽  
Zelalem Teklemariam ◽  
Habtamu Mitiku
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Eastern Ethiopia ◽  
Community Awareness ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Schistosoma mansoni is a major public health problem. Different studies reported unidentified sites in Ethiopia with variable prevalence and intensity, but there is no report from this study area. Objective: To assess the clinico-epidemiology, malacology, risk factors, and community awareness of S. mansoni in Haradenaba and Dertoramis kebeles in the Bedeno district, eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1011 study participants in 413 systematically selected households from Haradenaba and Dertoramis kebeles from 30 June 2016 to 30 July 2017. Data were collected by using pretested, structured questionnaires, clinical examinations, and stool examinations. Stool samples were processed by the Kato-Katz method and examined microscopically. Snails were collected by scooping from water contact points. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 16 statistical software. Result: The overall prevalence of S. mansoni was 35.7%. Heavy-intensity infection was detected in 8.9% of the study participants. Results included: participants who were unaware about the possible source of infection (adjusted odds ratio: 2.95; 95% confidence interval: 1.25, 7.95), modes of transmission (adjusted odds ratio: 5.51; 95% confidence interval: 3.52, 12.51), prevention (adjusted odds ratio: 4.01; 95% confidence interval: 2.00, 8.75) about schistosomiasis/bilharziasis were more likely infected with S. mansoni than those who were aware. Participants who swim or bathe in the river were more likely infected with S. mansoni than those who do not (adjusted odds ratio: 6.41; 95% confidence interval: 3.15, 11.25). Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were collected from all water bodies in Haradenaba and Dertoramis, but they did not shed schistosome cercaria in the laboratory. Conclusion: S. mansoni infection is found in high magnitude in these study areas, despite not being previously reported. A majority of the study participants had low awareness about the source of infection, mode of transmission, and prevention methods of schistosomiasis. Efforts should be made to improve community awareness about transmission and prevention of schistosomiasis.

Visits on ‘lamb-viewing days’ at a sheep farm open to the public was a risk factor for Q fever in 2009

2011 ◽  
Vol 140 (5) ◽  
pp. 858-864 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. WHELAN ◽  
B. SCHIMMER ◽  
A. DE BRUIN ◽  
M. ROBERT-DU RY VAN BEEST HOLLE ◽  
W. VAN DER HOEK ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Q Fever ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Dairy Goat ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Dairy Sheep ◽  
The Public ◽  
Sheep Farm ◽  
Acute Q Fever ◽  
And Control

SUMMARYBetween February and May 2009, 347 laboratory-confirmed cases of acute Q fever were reported in a southern municipal health service region in The Netherlands. Commercial dairy-goat farms were implicated and control measures were initially targeted there. A preliminary investigation also implicated a non-dairy sheep farm, open to the public on ‘lamb-viewing days’. This study tested the association between visiting the non-dairy sheep farm and developing Q fever in residents of the region between February and May 2009. A case-control study of 146 cases and 431 address-matched controls was conducted. Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed the association between visiting to the sheep farm and Q fever disease (matched odds ratio 43, 95% confidence interval 9–200). Other risk factors were being a smoker, having a past medical history and being aged >40 years. Vaccination of sheep and goats on farms open to the public should help to reduce the number of future human cases.

scholarly journals The prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in ticks and animals in Slovenia

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nataša Knap ◽  
Diana Žele ◽  
Urška Glinšek Biškup ◽  
Tatjana Avšič-Županc ◽  
Gorazd Vengušt
Keyword(s):  
Coxiella Burnetii ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Animal Blood ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Specific Antibodies ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
History Of ◽  
Pathogen Dna

Abstract Background The obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii causes globally distributed zoonotic Q fever. Ruminant livestock are common reservoirs of C. burnetii. Coxiella burnetii are shed in large numbers in the waste of infected animals and are transmitted by inhalation of contaminated aerosols. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of C. burnetii infection in domestic animals and ticks in areas of Slovenia associated with a history of Q fever outbreaks. Results A total of 701 ticks were collected and identified from vegetation, domestic animals and wild animals. C. burnetii DNA was detected in 17 out of 701 (2.4%) ticks. No C. burnetii DNA was found in male ticks. Ticks that tested positive in the PCR-based assay were most commonly sampled from wild deer (5.09%), followed by ticks collected from domestic animals (1.16%) and ticks collected by flagging vegetation (0.79%). Additionally, 150 animal blood samples were investigated for the presence of C. burnetii-specific antibodies and pathogen DNA. The presence of pathogen DNA was confirmed in 14 out of 150 (9.3%) blood samples, while specific antibodies were detected in sera from 60 out of 150 (40.4%) animals. Conclusions Our results indicate that ticks, although not the primary source of the bacteria, are infected with C. burnetii and may represent a potential source of infection for humans and animals. Ticks collected from animals were most likely found to harbor C. burnetii DNA, and the infection was not lost during molting. The persistence and distribution of pathogens in cattle and sheep indicates that C. burnetii is constantly present in Slovenia.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document