scholarly journals Surveillance of varicella and herpes zoster in Slovenia, 1996 – 2005

2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Socan ◽  
M Blaško
Keyword(s):  
Herpes Zoster ◽  
School Children ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
School Calendar ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Notifiable Diseases ◽  
Case Based

In Slovenia, varicella and herpes zoster infections are case-based mandatorily notifiable diseases. We present surveillance data for a period of ten years (1996 - 2005). Incidences of varicella ranged from 456 to 777 per 100 000 population in all age groups. As many as 75% of varicella cases reported were in pre-school children, with children aged three and four years being most affected. The incidence of varicella increased between October and January and was lowest in August and September; the seasonal pattern matches patterns in the school calendar. Herpes zoster was declared a reportable disease in 1995. In 2005, 1627 cases were notified (81.3/100 000). Female cases outnumbered male. The highest incidence of herpes zoster was noted in elderly individuals over 70 years of age. Complications, such as zoster meningitis and meningoencephalitis, were rarely reported (3.05/1 000 000).

Seasonal pattern and genotype distribution of sapovirus infection in Japan, 2003–2009

2011 ◽  
Vol 140 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. K. DEY ◽  
O. PHATHAMMAVONG ◽  
T. D. NGUYEN ◽  
A. THONGPRACHUM ◽  
W. CHAN-IT ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cold Season ◽  
Viral Gastroenteritis ◽  
Genotype Distribution ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
The Family ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Predominant Strain

SUMMARYSapovirus, a member of the family Caliciviridae, is one of the major causative agents of viral gastroenteritis affecting all age groups. A total of 3232 faecal specimens collected from infants and children with gastroenteritis in five different regions of Japan during 2003–2009 were examined for sapovirus by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Sapoviruses were detected in 131 (4·05%) patients with the peak observed mainly in the cold season (November–March) in Japan during 2003–2009. During the last 6 years, sapovirus GI/1 was the predominant strain in Japan followed by GIV, GII/3, GII/6, GII/2, GII/12 and GI, respectively.

scholarly journals Objectively assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels among primary school children in Norway: The Health Oriented Pedagogical Project (HOPP)

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (21_suppl) ◽  
pp. 38-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Hai Deng ◽  
Per Morten Fredriksen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Primary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Aims: The objective was to investigate moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels (MVPA) of primary school children at baseline of the Health Oriented Pedagogical Project (HOPP), Norway. Methods: Data on 2123 children aged 6–12 years were included for analysis (75% participation rate). Average minutes per day in MVPA was objectively measured using accelerometry based on seven-day averages. The sample was analysed for age-, sex-, socioeconomic-, and season-related patterns. A linear regression investigated the moderating effect of these factors as well as body mass index and waist circumference. Results: Some 86.5% of the sample had at least 60 min/day MVPA, averaging 90.7 min/day. The main differences in daily averages were between age groups 6½–9 and 10–12 ( p < .05). Boys (95.8 min/day, 95% CI: 94.1–97.5) were more active than girls (85.6 min/day, 95% CI: 83.9–87.2) in all age groups ( p < .0001). MVPA was lower by 3.5 min ( p < .0001) per additional year of age in the linear regression (R2 = 0.176) and was reduced by 20 min less per day in MVPA in the winter months compared with the summer months ( p < .0001). Conclusions: Physical activity levels are already in decline from 6–7 years old and are likely to continue to decline into adolescence. Interventions must therefore focus on primary school children.

scholarly journals Fluorides in groundwater, soil and infused black tea and the occurrence of dental fluorosis among school children of the Gaza Strip

2004 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Shomar ◽  
G. Müller ◽  
A. Yahya ◽  
S. Askar ◽  
R. Sansur
Keyword(s):  
School Children ◽  
Dental Fluorosis ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Black Tea ◽  
Fluoride Ions ◽  
High Positive Correlation ◽  
The Gaza Strip ◽  
Groundwater Wells

The purpose of this study was to determine the fluoride levels in water, soil and tea, and to identify the major fluoride minerals in soil that supply water with fluoride ions. Another aim was to study the prevalence of dental fluorosis in permanent dentition of the school children of the Gaza Strip. Monitoring of fluoride levels in 73 groundwater wells and 20 topsoil samples for the last three years revealed a general trend of increasing from north to south of the Gaza Strip. A linear regression analysis found a correlation coefficient of r=0.93 between the fluoride concentrations in groundwater and soil for the same geographic areas. However, the X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) results showed that none of the four major fluoride minerals were detected in the tested soil samples; the PHREEQC model showed that fluorite (CaF2) was the main donating mineral of fluoride ions to groundwater.A high positive correlation was found between fluoride concentrations in groundwater and occurrence of dental fluorosis. Among 353 school children of the five geographic areas of the Gaza Strip the prevalence of dental fluorosis was 60%, and 40% had no signs of fluorosis in their permanent dentitions. The highest occurrence, 94%, was in Khan Yunis, followed by 82% in Rafah, 68% in the middle area, 29% in Gaza and the lowest occurrence of 9% was in the northern area. These percentages were directly proportional to the average content of fluoride in groundwater of each area: 2.6, 0.9, 1.7, 1.2, and 0.7 ppm, respectively. The exception was Rafah where people drank from new groundwater wells that have been dug in the last 10 years.The occurrence of the disease was due to intake of high amounts of fluorides in drinking water, tea and fish. Communication with population indicated a heavy intake of tea starting from a very young age; not uncommonly tea is put in nursing bottles. No significant correlation was found between prevalence figures and gender or age groups. This high prevalence indicates a need to examine other sources of F including diet.

scholarly journals Use of the moving epidemic method (MEM) to assess national surveillance data for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the Netherlands, 2005 to 2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura M Vos ◽  
Anne C Teirlinck ◽  
José E Lozano ◽  
Tomás Vega ◽  
Gé A Donker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Cumulative Number ◽  
Laboratory Surveillance ◽  
Syncytial Virus

Background To control respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes acute respiratory infections, data and methods to assess its epidemiology are important. Aim We sought to describe RSV seasonality, affected age groups and RSV-type distribution over 12 consecutive seasons in the Netherlands, as well as to validate the moving epidemic method (MEM) for monitoring RSV epidemics. Methods We used 2005−17 laboratory surveillance data and sentinel data. For RSV seasonality evaluation, epidemic thresholds (i) at 1.2% of the cumulative number of RSV-positive patients per season and (ii) at 20 detections per week (for laboratory data) were employed. We also assessed MEM thresholds. Results In laboratory data RSV was reported 25,491 times (no denominator). In sentinel data 5.6% (767/13,577) of specimens tested RSV positive. Over 12 seasons, sentinel data showed percentage increases of RSV positive samples. The average epidemic length was 18.0 weeks (95% confidence intervals (CI):  16.3–19.7) and 16.5 weeks (95% CI: 14.0–18.0) for laboratory and sentinel data, respectively. Epidemics started on average in week 46 (95% CI: 45–48) and 47 (95% CI:  46–49), respectively. The peak was on average in the first week of January in both datasets. MEM showed similar results to the other methods. RSV incidence was highest in youngest (0–1 and >1–2 years) and oldest (>65–75 and > 75 years) age groups, with age distribution remaining stable over time. RSV-type dominance alternated every one or two seasons. Conclusions Our findings provide baseline information for immunisation advisory groups. The possibility of employing MEM to monitor RSV epidemics allows prospective, nearly real-time use of surveillance data.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Dental Caries among 13 and 15-Year-Old School Children in an Endemic Fluorosis Area: A Cross-sectional Study

2011 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 447-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Sudhakar ◽  
K Amarendher Reddy ◽  
BR Anuradha ◽  
G Sri Laxmi ◽  
VN Malik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
School Children ◽  
Andhra Pradesh ◽  
Dental Fluorosis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Endemic Fluorosis ◽  
Cross Sectional

ABSTRACT Aim To assess the prevalence of dental caries and dental fluorosis among 13- to 15-year-old school children in Panyam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Materials and methods The cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 school children and were examined for dental fluorosis and dental caries. Results This study shows that male students have a decrease in DMFT (Decayed, missing, filled, teeth) index and increase in Dean's index when compared with females. Among students with 13 to 15 years of age, 13-year-old student has increase in DMFT score when compared with other age groups and 14-year-old students has increase in Dean's score when compared with other age group students. Conclusion The prevalence of dental caries decreased with the increase of fluorosis among the students examined. Clinical significance Patients with dental fluorosis show a decreased prevalence of dental caries. How to cite this article Anuradha BR, Sri Laxmi G, Sudhakar P, Malik VN, Reddy KA, Reddy SN, Prasanna AL. Prevalence of Dental Caries among 13 and 15-Year-Old School Children in an Endemic Fluorosis Area: A Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2011;12(6):447-450.

scholarly journals Varicella disease after introduction of varicella vaccine in the US, 1995-2000

2002 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Noah
Keyword(s):  
Herpes Zoster ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Varicella Vaccine ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Routine Immunisation ◽  
The Us

Chickenpox is now one of the last of the infectious diseases of childhood that remain mostly uncontrolled. An effective vaccine has been available for many years but has not been used for routine immunisation in many countries. This is because the effect of giving the vaccine in early life on the subsequent development of herpes zoster is not known; high immunisation rates are important to ensure that the age distribution does not shift towards older age groups in whom the disease is more serious; and the disease is generally considered innocuous, especially in childhood when about 95% of infections occur.

scholarly journals Tuberculosis in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence between Saudis and Non-Saudis from 2013 to 2018 with a special concern about regions of the KSA

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
The Impact

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the largest Arab countries with a moderate annual problem of tuberculosis that is either pulmonary or extra-pulmonary. TB is still one of the most significant health troubles in the KSA, affecting different nationalities (Saudis, non-Saudis), ages, provinces, and genders. The control of TB still faces some challenges in different provinces of the KSA. Data were collected, arranged, analyzed and presented in tables and figures. In this retrospective study, we appraised TB surveillance data for the period between 2013 (1434H) and 2018 (1439H). Data were handled using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 23. Data were checked for normality using Shapiro-Wilk normality test at 0.05 levels to determine whether they are parametric or nonparametric. Chi-squared, Kruskal Wallis, and analysis of variance tests were used to evaluate trends at a significance level of p< 0.05. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM-SPSS version 23 for Mac OS. We appraised TB surveillance data for the period between 2013 (1434H) and 2018 (1439H). The data included the region of the country (province), age, sex, and nationality (Saudis, non-Saudis). The study evaluated the impact of TB on various nationalities (Saudis and non-Saudis), age groups (0-14, 15-34, 35-55, more than 55 years old), and genders (males and females). Non-Saudis had a higher incidence rate than Saudis in 2013-2018. The number of cases and incidence rates of TB recorded in males between 2013 to 2018 were about two to three times greater than estimates for females. The Makkah, Riyadh, and Jeddah regions attract enormous numbers of non-Saudi migrant workers, who account for ~60% of all TB cases in the KSA. Assessing the main TB risk factors contributing to high TB rates in non-Saudi workers is essential. Furthermore, periodical accurate studies, including evidence-based studies for optimum surveillance, avoidance, spread risk, inspection, control procedures and treatment of TB, should be conducted. These assessments would lead to evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of KSA-NTP’s TB action plan.

scholarly journals Prevalence and risk factors for myopia among school children in Aba, Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Uchenna C. Atowa ◽  
Alvin J. Munsamy ◽  
Samuel O. Wajuihian
Keyword(s):  
School Children ◽  
Refractive Error ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Significant Difference

Aim: To study the prevalence of myopia among school children in Aba, Nigeria.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in public and private (primary and secondary) schools. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used for selecting participants aged between 8 and 15 years from 12 schools in Aba, Nigeria. Data were analysed for 1197 children who underwent a comprehensive eye examination. The children were divided according to the following criteria: age groups (group 1 [8–11 years] or group 2 [12–15 years]), gender (male or female), level of education (primary or secondary) and type of school (public or private). Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent refraction (SER) ≤ -0.50 D in the poorer eye.Results: The prevalence of myopia was estimated to be 2.7%. Of the 96 children with refractive error, 78.1% were uncorrected. In using logistic regression analysis, risk of developing myopia was associated with older age groups (odds ratio [OR]: 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16–9.11; p < 0.010) and higher level of education (OR: 1.73; 95% CI, 1.05–2.86; p < 0.030). There was no significant difference in myopia prevalence between male and female children (p = 0.89).Conclusion: Although the prevalence of myopia and overall prevalence of refractive error in school children in Aba were low, the high prevalence of uncorrected refractive error is a significant public health problem. An effective and sustainable children’s vision screening programme is needed to prevent visual impairment and blindness.

scholarly journals Epidemic conjunctivitis in Germany, 2004

2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 7-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Schrauder ◽  
D Altmann ◽  
G Laude ◽  
H Claus ◽  
K Wegner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Local Health ◽  
National Surveillance ◽  
Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis ◽  
German Armed Forces ◽  
Laboratory Confirmation ◽  
Future Challenges

Epidemic conjunctivitis can be associated with viral or bacterial pathogens, whereas epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is caused mainly by adenoviruses type 8,19 and 37. In Germany, the incidence of adenovirus conjunctivitis cases increased from 0.2 per 100 000 inhabitants (in 2001 and 2002) eventually to 0.5 in 2003 and 0.8 in 2004. The detection of adenovirus in conjunctival swabs is notifiable to the local health departments. Data about cases with positive conjunctival swabs are then transmitted to the Robert Koch-Institut. Quality control of data takes place and national surveillance data of confirmed cases with adenovirus conjunctivitis are published. From January to April 2004 the national surveillance system captured an outbreak with 1024 cases (131 laboratory confirmed). Analysis of the national surveillance data showed that in March 2004 the group primarily affected by epidemic keratoconjunctivitis was young men between 18 -29 years old followed by an increased number of notifications from women in the same age group. Meanwhile the German Armed Forces experienced an outbreak of conjunctivitis, almost exclusively without laboratory confirmation, affecting 6378 soldiers. Despite the small number of laboratory confirmed cases it became clear from the analysis of the national surveillance data that person-to-person transmission between young men and similar age groups of the population did occur. Whether the outbreak started within the garrisons of the German Armed Forces or whether it was triggered within these accommodations, there is clearly a need for the national and the military public health institutions to work together on guidelines to handle future challenges.

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