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Public Health and Viruses
Published in Patricia G. Melloy, Viruses and Society, 2023
As epidemiologists and other scientists gather data during a disease outbreak, they may begin to communicate recommended changes in public health measures to government officials. However, public health recommendations, such as mask wearing, can be confusing to the public if the recommendation changes, even slightly, over time. In addition, it takes a while to change culture, and mask wearing may not be readily adopted by the whole population from the start. Countries in East Asia that have had experience with SARS seemed to have adjusted their culture more quickly to COVID-19 public health measures like masks (Kwon 2020). However, more than two years into the pandemic, and millions of deaths later, somehow the message of mask wearing to prevent the spread of a respiratory virus has not been embraced by all.
Emergency Implementation Science
Published in Frances Rapport, Robyn Clay-Williams, Jeffrey Braithwaite, Implementation Science, 2022
A number of implementation science studies are using implementation science concepts with traditional observational and mixed method designs to document and evaluate how service delivery units and systems responded to the pandemic. This research will be useful for future infectious disease outbreaks. Our EIS action evaluation of the response of Stockholm healthcare to the COVID-19 pandemic illustrates some aspects of this sub-discipline and an action evaluation partnership approach (Ovretveit 2002). This is suited to emergency implementation and, in some ways, is similar to Learning Health System approaches and some quality improvement in its research and feedback to decision-makers using data collected by the health system (Etheredge 2007, Institute of Medicine 2007, Langly et al. 1997).
Out of Nowhere
Published in Rae-Ellen W. Kavey, Allison B. Kavey, Viral Pandemics, 2020
Rae-Ellen W. Kavey, Allison B. Kavey
Over the past 30 years, three basic methods for detecting infection and/or disease with Ebola virus have been developed for use in clinical laboratory settings: serologic tests that detect host antibodies generated against the virus; antigen tests that detect viral proteins; and molecular tests that detect viral RNA sequences. In the early years, serologic tests were used to confirm the cause of disease outbreaks because antiviral antibodies persist for years following infection. However, the variable onset of antibody responses during acute illness makes serology much less useful in the acute setting. Antigen detection and molecular tests are very effective for acute diagnosis as virus levels in the blood typically rise to high levels as soon as symptoms begin. No tests reliably detect Ebola virus prior to the onset of symptoms.
Combating malaria in Kenya through collaborative population health education: a systematic review and pilot case study
Published in Infectious Diseases, 2023
Hester Lacey, Nityanand Jain, Mai Sugimoto, Masako Shimato, Ieva Reine, Kevin Oria
Food and water insecurity in the context of climate change weakens both the health of the population and the economy, resulting in a reduced capacity to cope with the increased burden of disease and a reduction in the resources available to support health systems [17]. Inequalities in access to safe drinking water, hygiene facilities, and adequate sanitation have a clear impact on malaria transmission, morbidity, and mortality [18]. Inequitable access to public health education also contributes to poor knowledge about malaria and other communicable diseases. Limited recognition of symptoms and a lack of understanding of measures to prevent the spread of malaria have promoted inappropriate care-seeking behaviours in rural indigenous communities [19]. This, in turn, perpetuates the spread and persistence of endemic disease outbreaks.
Responses to infectious disease outbreaks in supported living environments for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders: a scoping review
Published in International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 2023
E. A. Fitzgerald, M. Freeman, M. Rianto, B. Di Rezze
This research has developed and presented responses implemented during infectious disease outbreaks in the literature. The research highlights the potential susceptibility, severity and impact of an outbreak in supported living environments for this specific population. The findings bring attention to the need of specific policy development and implementation for the population of individuals with NDD in supported living environments. This includes improved research into the effects of vaccination and medication for individuals with NDD, improved isolation measures, and an improved approach to combatting infectious diseases in relation to the underlying conditions that may impact the severity of the disease. Moreover, future studies should focus on the impact of COVID-19 in current response protocols to determine the implications for health and safety of individuals with NDD in supported living environments.
Endemic mycoses: epidemiology and diagnostic strategies
Published in Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy, 2020
Andrés Tirado-Sánchez, Gloria M. González, Alexandro Bonifaz
Blastomycosis most frequently affects immunocompetent people; however, immunocompromised individuals can also become infected and are more likely to develop severe forms of blastomycosis [90]. Blastomycosis causes pneumonia, often direct inoculation of soft tissue may develop the cutaneous disease. Infections can disseminate hematogenously, most commonly to the skin (Figure 4), bone, and the central nervous system [90]. In addition to sporadic disease, outbreaks occasionally occur, often involving large numbers of affected individuals. Outbreaks of common origin have included rural and urban scenarios [91]. These have generally required disruption of the soil by anthropogenic activities such as construction and excavation or outdoor activities such as boating, camping, and hunting. Incidence or mortality rates increase among Black, Asian, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Aboriginal Canadians [90,91].