Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in hospitalized hemodialysis patients: an epidemiologic and genomic investigation

We performed an epidemiological investigation and SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing to define the source and scope of an outbreak in a cluster of hospitalized patients. Lack of appropriate respiratory hygiene led to SARS-CoV-2 transmission to patients and healthcare workers during a single hemodialysis session, highlighting the importance of infection prevention precautions.

Trends in non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI) related community practice for the prevention of COVID-19 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected Ethiopia since March 13, 2020, when the first case was detected in Addis Ababa. Since then, the incidence of cases has continued to increase day by day. As a result, the health sector has recommended universal preventive measures to be practiced by the public. However, studies on adherence to these preventive measures are limited. Objective To monitor the status of preventive practices of the population related to hand washing, physical distancing, and respiratory hygiene practices at selected sites within the city of Addis Ababa. Methods Weekly cross-sectional non-participatory observations were done during the period of April-June, 2020. Data was collected using the Open Data Kit (ODK) tool in ten public sites involving eight public facilities targeted for individual observations. Ten individuals were randomly observed at each facility over two days a week at peak hours of public services. WHO operational definitions of the preventive behaviors were adopted for this study. Observations were conducted anonymously at gates or entrances of public facilities and places. Results A total of 12,056 individual observations with 53% males and 82% in an estimated age range of 18–50 years age group were involved in this study. There was an increase in the practice of respiratory hygiene from 14% in week one to 77% in week 10, while those of hand hygiene and physical distancing changed little over the weeks from their baseline of 24% and 34%, respectively. Overall, respiratory hygiene demonstrated an increased rate of 6% per week, while hand hygiene and physical distancing had less than a 1% change per week, Females and the estimated age group of 18–50 years had practice changes in respiratory hygiene with no difference in hand hygiene and physical distancing practices. Respiratory hygiene took about six weeks to reach a level of 77% from its baseline of 24%, making an increment of about 9% per week. Conclusion The public practice of respiratory hygiene improved threefold whereas hand hygiene and physical distancing revealed no change. Regularly sustained public mobilization and mass education are required to sustain the achievements gained in respiratory hygiene and further hand hygiene and physical distancing.

Love Thy Neighbour? Perceived Community Abidance and Private Compliance to COVID-19 Norms in India

To arrest the spread of COVID-19 infection, strict adherence to frequent hand washing and respiratory hygiene protocols have been recommended. While these measures involve private effort, they provide health gains along with collective community benefits and hence are likely to be driven by pro-social motives like altruism and reciprocity. Using data from 934 respondents collected from April till May 2020 across India, we assess if changes in perceived community compliance can predict changes in individual compliance behaviour. We observe statistically significant and positive relationship between the two, even after accounting for observable and omitted variable bias allowing us to view the results from a plausible causal lens. Further, we find subsequent lockdowns having a detrimental effect on individual compliance though the gains from higher perceived community compliance seem to offset this loss. We also find positive perceptions about community can be particularly effective for people with pre-existing co-morbidities. Our findings underscore the need for multi-level behavioural interventions involving local actors and community institutions to sustain private compliance during the pandemic. We suggest these interventions need to be specially targeted for individuals with chronic ailments and emphasize on community behavioural practices in public messaging. JEL Codes: I12, I18, I19, I31

What We Learnt After Looking Back At the Community Pharmacists’ Experiences Worldwide in COVID-19 Pandemic

Community pharmacists are key players in COVID-19 response. Community pharmacies are often the first port of call for people who are feeling ill. They are well placed within their communities to offer advice and reinforce essential messages about hand and respiratory hygiene and physical distancing. There are no approved clinical practice guidelines for COVID-19, and pharmacies must therefore play their part in helping to contain the spread of false claims and misinformation circulating in their communities.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding COVID-19 among doctors of Janakpur, Nepal

Background and Objectives: COVID-19 is a global pandemic. Practicing hand and respiratory hygiene is important at all times and is the best way to protect others and oneself from COVID-19. People’s behavior plays important role in control of any infectious disease. Knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of a person determines the adherence to the control measures. As doctors are the frontline warriors in this pandemic, an online survey as conducted among the doctors of Janakpur for the assessment of their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COVID-19. Material and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional online survey using self-administered Questionnaire designed after proper literature survey. The survey was conducted from 4th August, 2020 to 20th August, 2020. Results: Overall knowledge about the various aspects of COVID-19 among the doctors of Janakpur was 81.25%. A positive attitude was noted among 78.12% of the respondents. However, majority (90.6%) of the doctors thought that the country is not prepared to handle the pandemic. Good practice to prevent and treat COVID-19 was shown by 84.37% of the doctors. Conclusion: Doctors of Janakpur show good knowledge, a positive attitude and good practice on various aspects of COVID-19. A significant positive correlation exists between knowledge, attitude and practice among them.

MARKETING ANALYSIS OF THE MARKET OF DISINFECTANTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

В данной статье представлен анализ рынка дезинфицирующих средств в Республике Казахстан. Определены доли отечественных и зарубежных производителей, количество дезинфицирующих средств, представленных на рынке. Выделены лидирующие страны производители, а также фармацевтические организации в Республике Казахстан. В результате исследований было выявлено, что дезинфицирующие средства отечественного производства составляют 15,52% рынка, иностранные - 84,48%. This article presents the analysis of the market of disinfectants in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The shares of domestic and foreign manufacturers, the number of disinfectants presented in the market are determined. The leading countries manufacturers, as well as pharmaceutical organizations in the Republic of Kazakhstan are highlighted. As a result of the research, it was found that disinfectants of domestic production account for 15.52% of the market, foreign - 84.48%. Relevance. At the beginning of 2020, the world is facing a pandemic of coronavirus. It is a potentially severe acute respiratory infection [1], which is a dangerous disease that can occur both in mild and severe forms [2]. The virus is transmitted via airborne droplets with the virus sprayed into the air when coughing, sneezing or talking, or by contact with surfaces, followed by infection in the eyes, nose or mouth. The most vulnerable places are public places, transport, markets, etc. The main measure against the spread of infection is compliance with the rules of personal and respiratory hygiene [3]. But, in addition to this, the disinfection of rooms and surfaces should be carried out. The rapid spread of infection has increased the demand for disinfectants. The most important problem is the development of optimal production of domestic products, since the products of other countries occupy a signicant part of the market.Objective: to analyze the market of disinfectants in Kazakhstan.Objectives:- To consider the producing countries;- determine the dynamics of registered disinfectants from 2016 to 2020;- to compare the market value of the most demanded disinfectants;- determine the percentage of dosage forms.Research materials. Register of disinfection, disinsection and deratization means with certificate of state registration in the Republic of Kazakhstan; Register of state registration certicates of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

COVID-19 and ophthalmology- Challenges and mitigation of disease

The SARS-CoV-2 infection has become a global health crisis with an uprising trend of infection and death in the world. Considering the contagious nature and the human to human transmission of the disease, it is utmost important to follow the infection control measures in the ophthalmic practice. The pink eye or conjunctivitis is the associated symptom reported along with the respiratory illness and fever in patients of COVID-19. So the triage policy, using noncontact procedures, understanding the risk factors of the disease, postponement of routine ophthalmic patient’s visit, following respiratory hygiene, hand hygiene, using personal protective equipment (PPE) are some of the measures to keep the infection in control are explained in this article. The surface disinfection, equipment disinfection are also important considering the environmental contamination nature of the disease. So in order to minimize the infection every ophthalmologist should work as per the guidelines and measures and work with the local designated infection control authorities.

Applying Behavioral Science in Combating COVID-19 at the Workplace: A Narrative Review

In the absence of a vaccine, the adoption of responsible behavior is critical to the fight against COVID-19. Practicing preventive etiquettes such as hand washing, hand disinfection, wearing a face mask, practicing physical distancing, disinfection of surfaces and objects can help curb the transmission of the virus at the workplace. This paper focuses on interventions and behaviors required to curb the spread of COVID-19 at workplaces. We undertook a detailed multi-disciplinary literature search on the following topics: hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, physical distancing, quarantine and isolation, disinfection of objects and surfaces, behavior change, and health crisis communication. We identified interventions that are effective for preventing the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) at workplaces. These findings present very useful non-clinical interventions for preventing COVID-19 in the work environment.

Essentials in saline pharmacology for nasal or respiratory hygiene in times of COVID-19

Purpose Nasal irrigation or nebulizing aerosol of isotonic or hypertonic saline is a traditional method for respiratory or nasal care. A recent small study in outpatients with COVID-19 without acute respiratory distress syndrome suggests substantial symptom resolution. We therefore analyzed pharmacological/pharmacodynamic effects of isotonic or hypertonic saline, relevant to SARS-CoV-2 infection and respiratory care. Methods Mixed search method. Results Due to its wetting properties, saline achieves an improved spreading of alveolar lining fluid and has been shown to reduce bio-aerosols and viral load. Saline provides moisture to respiratory epithelia and gels mucus, promotes ciliary beating, and improves mucociliary clearance. Coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 damage ciliated epithelium in the nose and airways. Saline inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero cells; possible interactions involve the viral ACE2-entry mechanism (chloride-dependent ACE2 configuration), furin and 3CLpro (inhibition by NaCl), and the sodium channel ENaC. Saline shifts myeloperoxidase activity in epithelial or phagocytic cells to produce hypochlorous acid. Clinically, nasal or respiratory airway care with saline reduces symptoms of seasonal coronaviruses and other common cold viruses. Its use as aerosol reduces hospitalization rates for bronchiolitis in children. Preliminary data suggest symptom reduction in symptomatic COVID-19 patients if saline is initiated within 48 h of symptom onset. Conclusions Saline interacts at various levels relevant to nasal or respiratory hygiene (nasal irrigation, gargling or aerosol). If used from the onset of common cold symptoms, it may represent a useful add-on to first-line interventions for COVID-19. Formal evaluation in mild COVID-19 is desirable as to establish efficacy and optimal treatment regimens.