EPIDEMIOLOGIC PROFILE OF THE INITIAL COVID 19 PATIENTS AT A DESIGNATED COVID HOSPITAL IN SOUTH TAMIL NADU

2021 ◽  
pp. 73-75
Author(s):  
John, Jebamalar ◽  
Manohar, Madhumitha ◽  
Kumaraswamy Uma Suresh Balan
Keyword(s):  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Transmission Probability ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Travel History ◽  
Epidemiologic Profile ◽  
Positive Contact

BACKGROUND:COVID-19, caused by SARS CoV-2 has caused a worldwide pandemic since its origins in December 2019. The spectrum of the disease ranges from asymptomatic infection to severe respiratory illness causing mortality in severe cases. Person to person spread through respiratory droplets appears to be the most common route of spread. AIM & OBJECTIVE:This study aims to assess the demographic prole of COVID-19 patients. In addition, measures of transmission probability are determined using travel history and contact tracing. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study was done at a Government medical college in South Tamil Nadu over four months among patients who were RT-PCR positive for SARS CoV-2. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Aquestionnaire from NCDC for COVID-19 patients was used for collecting demographic and clinical details. Travel history and contact tracing were obtained using telephonic interviews and in person interviews. STATISTICALANALYSIS USED: Data was entered using MS-Excel and analysed using R studio version 3.6.3. RESULTS: Majority of the patients belonged to 20 to 49 years of age. Around 14.6% were symptomatic with fever and sore throat being predominant. Diabetes and hypertension were the most associated comorbidities. A positive contact history was present among 46.58% of the cases. The secondary attack rate was 25.03% and R0 was 2.76 CONCLUSIONS: The absence of a positive contact history and the preponderance of asymptomatic cases seem to contribute to the spread of the disease and impede control efforts. Hence, a multi-pronged approach including community participation, active surveillance systems and legal measures would be of great impact in slowing disease spread.

scholarly journals Face Masks Against COVID-19: An Evidence Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Howard ◽  
Austin Huang ◽  
Zhiyuan Li ◽  
Zeynep Tufekci ◽  
Vladimir Zdimal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Transmission Probability ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Source Control ◽  
Individual Outcomes ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals

The science around the use of masks by the general public to impede COVID-19 transmission is advancing rapidly. Policymakers need guidance on how masks should be used by the general population to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Here,we develop an analytical framework to examine an overlooked aspect of mask usage: masks as source-control targeting egress from the wearer with benefits at the population-level, rather than as PPE used for ingress control for health-care workers with focus on individual outcomes. We consider and synthesize the relevant literature to inform multiple areas: 1) transmission characteristics of COVID-19, 2) filtering characteristics and efficacy of masks, 3) estimated population impacts of widespread community mask use, and 4) sociological considerations for policies concerning mask-wearing. A primary route of transmission of COVID-19 is likely via respiratory droplets, and is known to be transmissible from presymptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Reducing disease spread requires two things: first, limit contacts of infected individuals via physical distancing and other measures, and second, reduce the transmission probability per contact. The preponderance of evidence indicates that mask wearing reduces the transmissibility per contact by reducing transmission of infected droplets in both laboratory and clinical contexts. Public mask wearing is most effective at reducing spread of the virus when compliance is high. The decreased transmissibility could substantially reduce the death toll and economic impact while the cost of the intervention is low. Given the current shortages of medical masks we recommend the adoption of public cloth mask wearing, as an effective form of source control for now, in conjunction with existing hygiene, distancing, and contact tracing strategies. We recommend that public officials and governments strongly encourage the use of widespread face masks in public, including the use of appropriate regulation.

scholarly journals Face Masks Against COVID-19: An Evidence Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Howard ◽  
Austin Huang ◽  
Zhiyuan Li ◽  
Zeynep Tufekci ◽  
Vladimir Zdimal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Transmission Probability ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Source Control ◽  
Individual Outcomes ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
Respiratory Droplets

The science around the use of masks by the general public to impede COVID-19 transmission is advancing rapidly. Policymakers need guidance on how masks should be used by the general population to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In this narrative review, we develop an analytical framework to examine mask usage, considering and synthesizing the relevant literature to inform multiple areas: population impact; transmission characteristics; source control; PPE; sociological considerations; and implementation considerations. A primary route of transmission of COVID-19 is via respiratory droplets, and is known to be transmissible from presymptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Reducing disease spread requires two things: first, limit contacts of infected individuals via physical distancing and other measures, and second, reduce the transmission probability per contact. The preponderance of evidence indicates that mask wearing reduces the transmissibility per contact by reducing transmission of infected droplets in both laboratory and clinical contexts. Public mask wearing is most effective at reducing spread of the virus when compliance is high. The decreased transmissibility could substantially reduce the death toll and economic impact while the cost of the intervention is low. Given the current shortages of medical masks we recommend the adoption of public cloth mask wearing, as an effective form of source control, in conjunction with existing hygiene, distancing, and contact tracing strategies. Because many respiratory droplets become smaller due to evaporation, we recommend increasing focus on a previously overlooked aspect of mask usage: mask-wearing by infectious people ("source control") with benefits at the population-level, rather than mask-wearing by susceptible people, such as health-care workers, with focus on individual outcomes. We recommend that public officials and governments strongly encourage the use of widespread face masks in public, including the use of appropriate regulation.

scholarly journals Face Masks Against COVID-19: An Evidence Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Howard ◽  
Austin Huang ◽  
Zhiyuan Li ◽  
Zeynep Tufekci ◽  
Vladimir Zdimal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Transmission Probability ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Source Control ◽  
Public Officials ◽  
Effective Form ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals ◽  
The Cost

The science around the use of masks by the general public to impede COVID-19 transmission is advancing rapidly. Policymakers need guidance on how masks should be used by the general population to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we synthesize the relevant literature to inform multiple areas: 1) transmission characteristics of COVID-19, 2) filtering characteristics and efficacy of masks, 3) estimated population impacts of widespread community mask use, and 4) sociological considerations for policies concerning mask-wearing. A primary route of transmission of COVID-19 is likely via small respiratory droplets, and is known to be transmissible from presymptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Reducing disease spread requires two things: first, limit contacts of infected individuals via physical distancing and contact tracing with appropriate quarantine, and second, reduce the transmission probability per contact by wearing masks in public, among other measures. The preponderance of evidence indicates that mask wearing reduces the transmissibility per contact by reducing transmission of infected droplets in both laboratory and clinical contexts. Public mask wearing is most effective at stopping spread of the virus when compliance is high. The decreased transmissibility could substantially reduce the death toll and economic impact while the cost of the intervention is low. Thus we recommend the adoption of public cloth mask wearing, as an effective form of source control, in conjunction with existing hygiene, distancing, and contact tracing strategies. We recommend that public officials and governments strongly encourage the use of widespread face masks in public, including the use of appropriate regulation.

scholarly journals A Correlation of Kidney Changes and Sars Cov 2 in Covid Positive Patients –A Review Article

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Punit Gupta ◽  
◽  
Sulakshna D ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Spontaneous Recovery ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Case Finding ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Shortness Of Breath ◽  
Seriously Ill ◽  
Dialysis Staff

COVID-19, a respiratory illness caused by a newly discovered coronavirus, has become a pandemic affecting over 1.9 million people with over 130,000 deaths in 210 countries.Some people become infected with the virus but do not develop symptoms. When they appear, symptoms are non-specific, with fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, and headache being the most common. Symptoms are usually mild and benign in a vast majority (>80%) and recede gradually, leading to a full spontaneous recovery. A small number become seriously ill, develop difficulty in breathing and complications related to other organs. They may require hospitalization and a smaller subset need ICU care. The mortality is relatively higher in the latter group. This risk goes up in the elderly and those with co-orbidities (such ashypertension, diabetes, cardiac disease, kidney failure). Still, it is essential to emphasize that everybody is at risk for severe disease (including the relatively young and healthy dialysis staff). The strategy of physical distancing, case finding, contact tracing and quarantine/isolation of positive cases and high-risk contacts is critical to controlling the spread of this infection. This strategy is being implemented through nationwide lockdown during the period of intense transmission. Still, physical distancing is likely to remain in force after the end of the current lockdown to prevent disease spread.

scholarly journals An evidence review of face masks against COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. e2014564118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Howard ◽  
Austin Huang ◽  
Zhiyuan Li ◽  
Zeynep Tufekci ◽  
Vladimir Zdimal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Transmission Probability ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Source Control ◽  
Individual Outcomes ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals

The science around the use of masks by the public to impede COVID-19 transmission is advancing rapidly. In this narrative review, we develop an analytical framework to examine mask usage, synthesizing the relevant literature to inform multiple areas: population impact, transmission characteristics, source control, wearer protection, sociological considerations, and implementation considerations. A primary route of transmission of COVID-19 is via respiratory particles, and it is known to be transmissible from presymptomatic, paucisymptomatic, and asymptomatic individuals. Reducing disease spread requires two things: limiting contacts of infected individuals via physical distancing and other measures and reducing the transmission probability per contact. The preponderance of evidence indicates that mask wearing reduces transmissibility per contact by reducing transmission of infected respiratory particles in both laboratory and clinical contexts. Public mask wearing is most effective at reducing spread of the virus when compliance is high. Given the current shortages of medical masks, we recommend the adoption of public cloth mask wearing, as an effective form of source control, in conjunction with existing hygiene, distancing, and contact tracing strategies. Because many respiratory particles become smaller due to evaporation, we recommend increasing focus on a previously overlooked aspect of mask usage: mask wearing by infectious people (“source control”) with benefits at the population level, rather than only mask wearing by susceptible people, such as health care workers, with focus on individual outcomes. We recommend that public officials and governments strongly encourage the use of widespread face masks in public, including the use of appropriate regulation.

scholarly journals Face Masks Against COVID-19: An Evidence Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Howard ◽  
Austin Huang ◽  
Zhiyuan Li ◽  
Zeynep Tufekci ◽  
Vladimir Zdimal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Transmission Probability ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Source Control ◽  
Individual Outcomes ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
Respiratory Droplets

The science around the use of masks by the general public to impede COVID-19 transmission is advancing rapidly. Policymakers need guidance on how masks should be used by the general population to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In this narrative review, we develop an analytical framework to examine mask usage, considering and synthesizing the relevant literature to inform multiple areas: population impact; transmission characteristics; source control; PPE; sociological considerations; and implementation considerations. A primary route of transmission of COVID-19 is via respiratory droplets, and is known to be transmissible from presymptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Reducing disease spread requires two things: first, limit contacts of infected individuals via physical distancing and other measures, and second, reduce the transmission probability per contact. The preponderance of evidence indicates that mask wearing reduces the transmissibility per contact by reducing transmission of infected droplets in both laboratory and clinical contexts. Public mask wearing is most effective at reducing spread of the virus when compliance is high. The decreased transmissibility could substantially reduce the death toll and economic impact while the cost of the intervention is low. Given the current shortages of medical masks we recommend the adoption of public cloth mask wearing, as an effective form of source control, in conjunction with existing hygiene, distancing, and contact tracing strategies. Because many respiratory droplets become smaller due to evaporation, we recommend increasing focus on a previously overlooked aspect of mask usage: mask-wearing by infectious people ("source control") with benefits at the population-level, rather than mask-wearing by susceptible people, such as health-care workers, with focus on individual outcomes. We recommend that public officials and governments strongly encourage the use of widespread face masks in public, including the use of appropriate regulation.

scholarly journals 392. 3D-DOSS – Using Digital Twins and Spatiotemporal Data Mapping for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Investigations

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S298-S298
Author(s):  
Edwin Philip ◽  
Jean Xiang Ying Sim ◽  
Sean Whiteley ◽  
Andrew Hao Sen Fang ◽  
Weien Chow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Hospital Inpatient ◽  
Disease Clusters ◽  
Preparedness Planning

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the importance of contact tracing in outbreak management. Digital technologies have been leveraged to enhance contact tracing in community settings. However, within complex hospital environments, where patient and staff movement and interpersonal interactions are central to care delivery, tools for contact tracing and cluster detection remain limited. We aimed to develop a system to promptly, identify contacts in infectious disease exposures and detect infectious disease clusters. Methods We prototyped a 3D mapping tool 3-Dimensional Disease Outbreak Surveillance System (3D-DOSS), to have a spatial representation of patients in the hospital inpatient locations. Based on the AutoCAD drawings, the hospital physical spaces are built within a game-development software to obtain accurate digital replicas. This concept borrows from the way gamers interact with the virtual world/space, to mimic the interactions in physical space, like the SIMS franchise. Clinical, laboratory and patient movement data is then integrated into the virtual map to develop syndromic and disease surveillance systems. Risk assignment to individuals exposed is through mathematical modeling based on distance coordinates, room type and ventilation parameters and whether the disease is transmitted via contact, droplet or airborne route. Results We have mapped acute respiratory illness (ARI) data for the period September to December 2018. We identified an influenza cluster of 10 patients in November 2018. In a COVID-19 exposure involving a healthcare worker (HCW), we identified 44 primary and 162 secondary contacts who were then managed as per our standard exposure management protocols. MDRO outbreaks could also be mapped. Conclusion Through early identification of at-risk contacts and detection of infectious disease clusters, the system can potentially facilitate interventions to prevent onward transmission. The system can also support security, environmental cleaning, bed assignment and other operational processes. Simulations of novel diseases outbreaks can enhance preparedness planning as health systems that had been better prepared have been more resilient in this current pandemic. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

An Epidemiological Analysis of COVID-19 Confirmed Cases, Reported at National Institute of Health, Pakistan (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ambreen Chaudhry
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Travel History ◽  
Disease Epidemiology ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Multi Center Study ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is a zoonotic disease of novel origin that posed a continuous threat to health worldwide after taking the shape of the pandemic. An understanding of disease epidemiology is supportive in timely preventive and control measures as well as contact tracing and curbing surveillance activities. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 confirmed cases reported at the National Institute of Health Pakistan and elements of its spread in Pakistan. METHODS A retrospective record review was conducted at the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad, Pakistan from January 25 to April 4, 2020. Univariate and bivariate analysis was done with 95% CI and p<0.05. RESULTS A total of 14,422 samples of suspected COVID-19 cases were received with a positivity rate of 9% (n=1348). Among all 70% (n=939) were male. The median age was 41years of age (range: 01-99Years). Among all, 19% were from 30-39 years old followed by 50-59 years old (17%). Children remained the least affected by 3% (n=35). Of the total reported cases, 55% (n=735) have reported the travel history within the last 14 days. Among these travelers’ international travelers were 23% (n=166) and domestic travelers were 77% (n=569). Travel history including both international and domestic remained significantly associated with the different age groups and Young adults remained more vulnerable to COVID-19 (P=0.03). Fever, SOB, and Cough remained the most significantly associated (P<0.05) in all age groups. CONCLUSIONS A higher incidence of COVID-19 among elderly men suggests robust quarantine measures for this target population. An escalating incidence of local transmission needs strict social distancing and hygiene practices to help flatten the curve. An extensive multi-center study is also recommended for a full understanding of disease dynamics.

scholarly journals Phylogenomics reveals viral sources, transmission, and potential superinfection in early-stage COVID-19 patients in Ontario, Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Calvin P. Sjaarda ◽  
Nazneen Rustom ◽  
Gerald A. Evans ◽  
David Huang ◽  
Santiago Perez-Patrigeon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Travel History ◽  
Infectious Disease Surveillance ◽  
Viral Genomes ◽  
Heterozygous Variant ◽  
Sequencing Platforms

AbstractThe emergence and rapid global spread of SARS-CoV-2 demonstrates the importance of infectious disease surveillance, particularly during the early stages. Viral genomes can provide key insights into transmission chains and pathogenicity. Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from thirty-two of the first SARS-CoV-2 positive cases (March 18–30) in Kingston Ontario, Canada. Viral genomes were sequenced using Ion Torrent (n = 24) and MinION (n = 27) sequencing platforms. SARS-CoV-2 genomes carried forty-six polymorphic sites including two missense and three synonymous variants in the spike protein gene. The D614G point mutation was the predominate viral strain in our cohort (92.6%). A heterozygous variant (C9994A) was detected by both sequencing platforms but filtered by the ARTIC network bioinformatic pipeline suggesting that heterozygous variants may be underreported in the SARS-CoV-2 literature. Phylogenetic analysis with 87,738 genomes in the GISAID database identified global origins and transmission events including multiple, international introductions as well as community spread. Reported travel history validated viral introduction and transmission inferred by phylogenetic analysis. Molecular epidemiology and evolutionary phylogenetics may complement contact tracing and help reconstruct transmission chains of emerging diseases. Earlier detection and screening in this way could improve the effectiveness of regional public health interventions to limit future pandemics.

scholarly journals How detection ranges and usage stops impact digital contact tracing effectiveness for COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantin D. Pandl ◽  
Scott Thiebes ◽  
Manuel Schmidt-Kraepelin ◽  
Ali Sunyaev
Keyword(s):  
Disease Spread ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Behavioral Characteristics ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Detection Range ◽  
Proximity Detection ◽  
Effective Technology ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Effectiveness And Efficiency ◽  
The Impact

AbstractTo combat the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries around the globe have adopted digital contact tracing apps. Various technologies exist to trace contacts that are potentially prone to different types of tracing errors. Here, we study the impact of different proximity detection ranges on the effectiveness and efficiency of digital contact tracing apps. Furthermore, we study a usage stop effect induced by a false positive quarantine. Our results reveal that policy makers should adjust digital contact tracing apps to the behavioral characteristics of a society. Based on this, the proximity detection range should at least cover the range of a disease spread, and be much wider in certain cases. The widely used Bluetooth Low Energy protocol may not necessarily be the most effective technology for contact tracing.

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