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Janapatla RP, Chen CL, Dudek A, Li HC, Yang HP, Su LH, Chiu CH. Serotype transmission dynamics and reduced incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease caused by different serotypes after implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions during COVID-19 pandemic. Eur Respir J 2021; 58:13993003.00978-2021. [PMID: 34289978 PMCID: PMC8311280 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00978-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
To block the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), a number of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are being implemented. Taiwan successfully controlled coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mainly through NPIs that were centred on facial masking, enhanced hand hygiene, social distancing, international travel controls, effective quarantine and contact-tracing policy [1, 2]. After the first case of COVID-19 was detected on 21 January, 2020, a rise in local demand for surgical masks and N95 respirators was observed and at least 50% of people spontaneously wore a facemask in public places from early February 2020 [3, 4]. Among the total of 799 COVID-19 cases reported in 2020, annual incidence rate of COVID-19 in Taiwan was remarkably low (0.238 per 100 000; n=56) for locally acquired (local) cases and high (3.153 per 100 000; n=743) for internationally acquired (imported) cases (Taiwan CDC, https://data.cdc.gov.tw/en/dataset). It is perceived that NPIs that are currently being implemented to reduce COVID-19 should also prevent both acquisition and transmission of other viral and bacterial respiratory tract infections [5–9]. In this observational study we examined the monthly incidence rates of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and serotype distribution in age groups at high risk and from high pneumococcal transmission settings between January 2020 and February 2021. The differential serotype transmission dynamics revealed by various levels of reduction in IPD caused by different serotypes was discussed. Significant reduction in the incidence rates of both vaccine and non-vaccine serotype invasive pneumococcal disease among children and adults during the COVID-19 pandemic were observed after the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventionshttps://bit.ly/36CAute
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Prasad Janapatla
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chyi-Liang Chen
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Anna Dudek
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chieh Li
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ping Yang
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Lin-Hui Su
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsun Chiu
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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52
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Groves HE, Piché-Renaud PP, Peci A, Farrar DS, Buckrell S, Bancej C, Sevenhuysen C, Campigotto A, Gubbay JB, Morris SK. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and other seasonal respiratory virus circulation in Canada: A population-based study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2021; 1:100015. [PMID: 34386788 PMCID: PMC8285668 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2021.100015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in implementation of public health measures worldwide to mitigate disease spread, including; travel restrictions, lockdowns, messaging on handwashing, use of face coverings and physical distancing. As the pandemic progresses, exceptional decreases in seasonal respiratory viruses are increasingly reported. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on laboratory confirmed detection of seasonal non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses in Canada. METHODS Epidemiologic data were obtained from the Canadian Respiratory Virus Detection Surveillance System. Weekly data from the week ending 30th August 2014 until the week ending the 13th March 2021 were analysed. We compared trends in laboratory detection and test volumes during the 2020/2021 season with pre-pandemic seasons from 2014 to 2019. FINDINGS We observed a dramatically lower percentage of tests positive for all seasonal respiratory viruses during 2020-2021 compared to pre-pandemic seasons. For influenza A and B the percent positive decreased to 0•0015 and 0•0028 times that of pre-pandemic levels respectively and for RSV, the percent positive dropped to 0•0169 times that of pre-pandemic levels. Ongoing detection of enterovirus/rhinovirus occurred, with regional variation in the epidemic patterns and intensity. INTERPRETATION We report an effective absence of the annual seasonal epidemic of most seasonal respiratory viruses in 2020/2021. This dramatic decrease is likely related to implementation of multi-layered public health measures during the pandemic. The impact of such measures may have relevance for public health practice in mitigating seasonal respiratory virus epidemics and for informing responses to future respiratory virus pandemics. FUNDING No additional funding source was required for this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen E. Groves
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1 × 8, Canada,Corresponding author. Helen E. Groves, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | | | - Adriana Peci
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Daniel S. Farrar
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1 × 8, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Aaron Campigotto
- Division of microbiology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1 × 8, Canada
| | - Jonathan B. Gubbay
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1 × 8, Canada,Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada,University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Shaun K. Morris
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1 × 8, Canada,University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
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53
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Yang B, Yang KD. Immunopathogenesis of Different Emerging Viral Infections: Evasion, Fatal Mechanism, and Prevention. Front Immunol 2021; 12:690976. [PMID: 34335596 PMCID: PMC8320726 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.690976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Different emerging viral infections may emerge in different regions of the world and pose a global pandemic threat with high fatality. Clarification of the immunopathogenesis of different emerging viral infections can provide a plan for the crisis management and prevention of emerging infections. This perspective article describes how an emerging viral infection evolves from microbial mutation, zoonotic and/or vector-borne transmission that progresses to a fatal infection due to overt viremia, tissue-specific cytotropic damage or/and immunopathology. We classified immunopathogenesis of common emerging viral infections into 4 categories: 1) deficient immunity with disseminated viremia (e.g., Ebola); 2) pneumocytotropism with/without later hyperinflammation (e.g., COVID-19); 3) augmented immunopathology (e.g., Hanta); and 4) antibody-dependent enhancement of infection with altered immunity (e.g., Dengue). A practical guide to early blocking of viral evasion, limiting viral load and identifying the fatal mechanism of an emerging viral infection is provided to prevent and reduce the transmission, and to do rapid diagnoses followed by the early treatment of virus neutralization for reduction of morbidity and mortality of an emerging viral infection such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betsy Yang
- Department of Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Kuender D. Yang
- DIvision of Medical Research, Mackay Children’s Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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54
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Predictability of COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality based on model estimations to establish proactive protocols of countermeasures. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14523. [PMID: 34267295 PMCID: PMC8282607 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93932-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic (SARS-CoV-2) has revealed the need for proactive protocols to react and act, imposing preventive and restrictive countermeasures on time in any society. The extent to which confirmed cases can predict the morbidity and mortality in a society remains an unresolved issue. The research objective is therefore to test a generic model’s predictability through time, based on percentage of confirmed cases on hospitalized patients, ICU patients and deceased. This study reports the explanatory and predictive ability of COVID-19-related healthcare data, such as whether there is a spread of a contagious and virulent virus in a society, and if so, whether the morbidity and mortality can be estimated in advance in the population. The model estimations stress the implementation of a pandemic strategy containing a proactive protocol entailing what, when, where, who and how countermeasures should be in place when a virulent virus (e.g. SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS) or pandemic strikes next time. Several lessons for the future can be learnt from the reported model estimations. One lesson is that COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality in a population is indeed predictable. Another lesson is to have a proactive protocol of countermeasures in place.
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55
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Wiese AD, Everson J, Grijalva CG. Social Distancing Measures: Evidence of Interruption of Seasonal Influenza Activity and Early Lessons of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e141-e143. [PMID: 32562538 PMCID: PMC7337694 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Wiese
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jordan Everson
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Carlos G Grijalva
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Dadras O, Alinaghi SAS, Karimi A, MohsseniPour M, Barzegary A, Vahedi F, Pashaei Z, Mirzapour P, Fakhfouri A, Zargari G, Saeidi S, Mojdeganlou H, Badri H, Qaderi K, Behnezhad F, Mehraeen E. Effects of COVID-19 prevention procedures on other common infections: a systematic review. Eur J Med Res 2021; 26:67. [PMID: 34217366 PMCID: PMC8253677 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-021-00539-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) began, necessary measures to prevent virus transmission and reduce mortality have been implemented, including mandatory public use of masks, regular hand-sanitizing and hand-washing, social distancing, avoidance of crowds, remote work, and cancellation of public events. During and after the introduction of COVID-19 lockout, we performed a systematic review of available published literature to investigate the incidence of seasonal influenza and other respiratory viral infections. METHODS PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and the World Health Organization databases and websites were systematically searched for original studies concerning the impact of COVID-19 prevention means and measures on other common respiratory infectious diseases during the pandemic published by March 2021. RESULTS The findings showed that the adherence to health protocols to prevent COVID-19 could help to reduce the incidence of other infectious diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. CONCLUSION The implemented prevention measures and protocols might have reduced the incidence of influenza and some other common respiratory infections. However, controversies exist on this matter and future large population-based studies might provide further information to address these controversies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Dadras
- School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Seyed Ahmad Seyed Alinaghi
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirali Karimi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrzad MohsseniPour
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Farzin Vahedi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Pashaei
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Mirzapour
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ghazal Zargari
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Solmaz Saeidi
- Department of Nursing, Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, Khalkhal, Iran
| | | | - Hajar Badri
- School of Health, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Kowsar Qaderi
- Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Farzane Behnezhad
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Mehraeen
- Department of Health Information Technology, Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, 1419733141 Khalkhal, Iran
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Ullrich A, Schranz M, Rexroth U, Hamouda O, Schaade L, Diercke M, Boender TS. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated non-pharmaceutical interventions on other notifiable infectious diseases in Germany: An analysis of national surveillance data during week 1-2016 - week 32-2020. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2021; 6:100103. [PMID: 34557831 PMCID: PMC8454829 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and associated non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) affect healthcare seeking behaviour, access to healthcare, test strategies, disease notification and workload at public health authorities, but may also lead to a true change in transmission dynamics. We aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic and NPIs on other notifiable infectious diseases under surveillance in Germany. METHODS We included 32 nationally notifiable disease categories with case numbers >100/year in 2016-2019. We used quasi-Poisson regression analysis on a weekly aggregated time-series incorporating trend and seasonality, to compute the relative change in case numbers during week 2020-10 to 2020-32 (pandemic/NPIs), in comparison to week 2016-01 to 2020-09. FINDINGS During week 2020-10 to 2020-32, 216,825 COVID-19 cases, and 162,942 (-35%) cases of other diseases, were notified. Case numbers decreased across all ages and notification categories (all p<0•05), except for tick-borne encephalitis, which increased (+58%). The number of cases decreased most for respiratory diseases (from -86% for measles, to -12% for tuberculosis), gastro-intestinal diseases (from -83% for rotavirus gastroenteritis, to -7% for yersiniosis) and imported vector-borne diseases (-75% dengue fever, -73% malaria). The less affected infections were healthcare associated pathogens (from -43% infection/colonisation with carbapenem-non-susceptible Acinetobacter, to -28% for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus invasive infection) and sexually transmitted and blood-borne diseases (from -28% for hepatitis B, to -12% for syphilis). INTERPRETATION During the COVID-19 pandemic a drastic decrease of notifications for most infectious diseases and pathogens was observed. Our findings suggest effects of NPIs on overall disease transmission that require further investigation. FUNDING The Robert Koch Institute is the National Public Health Institute of Germany, and is an institute within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ullrich
- Robert Koch Institute, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Madlen Schranz
- Robert Koch Institute, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ute Rexroth
- Robert Koch Institute, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Osamah Hamouda
- Robert Koch Institute, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Schaade
- Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michaela Diercke
- Robert Koch Institute, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - T Sonia Boender
- Robert Koch Institute, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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Ng TC, Cheng HY, Chang HH, Liu CC, Yang CC, Jian SW, Liu DP, Cohen T, Lin HH. Comparison of Estimated Effectiveness of Case-Based and Population-Based Interventions on COVID-19 Containment in Taiwan. JAMA Intern Med 2021; 181:913-921. [PMID: 33821922 PMCID: PMC8025126 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.1644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Taiwan is one of the few countries with initial success in COVID-19 control without strict lockdown or school closure. The reasons remain to be fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE To compare and evaluate the effectiveness of case-based (including contact tracing and quarantine) and population-based (including social distancing and facial masking) interventions for COVID-19 in Taiwan. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This comparative effectiveness study used a stochastic branching process model using COVID-19 epidemic data from Taiwan, an island nation of 23.6 million people, with no locally acquired cases of COVID-19 reported for 253 days between April and December 2020. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Effective reproduction number of COVID-19 cases (the number of secondary cases generated by 1 primary case) and the probability of outbreak extinction (0 new cases within 20 generations). For model development and calibration, an estimation of the incubation period (interval from exposure to symptom onset), serial interval (time between symptom onset in an infector-infectee pair), and the statistical distribution of the number of any subsequent infections generated by 1 primary case was calculated. RESULTS This study analyzed data from 158 confirmed COVID-19 cases (median age, 45 years; interquartile range, 25-55 years; 84 men [53%]). An estimated 55% (95% credible interval [CrI], 41%-68%) of transmission events occurred during the presymptomatic stage. In our estimated analysis, case detection, contact tracing, and 14-day quarantine of close contacts (regardless of symptoms) was estimated to decrease the reproduction number from the counterfactual value of 2.50 to 1.53 (95% CrI, 1.50-1.57), which would not be sufficient for epidemic control, which requires a value of less than 1. In our estimated analysis, voluntary population-based interventions, if used alone, were estimated to have reduced the reproduction number to 1.30 (95% CrI, 1.03-1.58). Combined case-based and population-based interventions were estimated to reduce the reproduction number to below unity (0.85; 95% CrI, 0.78-0.89). Results were similar for additional analyses with influenza data and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this comparative effectiveness research study, the combination of case-based and population-based interventions (with wide adherence) may explain the success of COVID-19 control in Taiwan in 2020. Either category of interventions alone would have been insufficient, even in a country with an effective public health system and comprehensive contact tracing program. Mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic requires the collaborative effort of public health professionals and the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta-Chou Ng
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Yuan Cheng
- Epidemic Intelligence Center, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Han Chang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City, Taipei
| | - Cheng-Chieh Liu
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chi Yang
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Wan Jian
- Epidemic Intelligence Center, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Ping Liu
- Epidemic Intelligence Center, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan.,National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ted Cohen
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases and the Public Health Modelling Unit, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Hsien-Ho Lin
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan.,Global Health Program, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan
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59
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Tan HMJ, Tan MS, Chang ZY, Tan KT, Ee GLA, Ng CCD, Hwang YKW, Koh YLE, Low YPS, Tan NC. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the health-seeking behaviour of an Asian population with acute respiratory infections in a densely populated community. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1196. [PMID: 34158019 PMCID: PMC8219514 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11200-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of various non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) as the Singapore government escalated containment efforts from DORSCON Orange to Circuit Breaker. NPI include mandatory mask wearing, hand hygiene, social distancing, and closure of schools and workplaces. Considering the similar mode of transmission of COVID-19 and other pathogens related to acute respiratory infections (ARI), the effects of NPI could possibly lead to decreased ARI attendances in the community. This study aims to determine the year-on-year and weekly changes of ARI attendances across a cluster of polyclinics following the implementation of NPI. Methods The effect of the nation-wide measures on the health-seeking behaviour of the study population was examined over three periods: (1) 9 weeks prior to the start of Circuit Breaker (DORSCON Orange period), (2) 8 weeks during the Circuit Breaker, and (3) 9 weeks after easing of Circuit Breaker. Data on ARI attendances for the corresponding periods in 2019 were also extracted for comparison and to assess the seasonal variations of ARI. The average weekly workday ARI attendances were compared with those of the preceding week using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results ARI attendances dropped steadily throughout the study period and were 50–80% lower than in 2019 since Circuit Breaker. They remained low even after Circuit Breaker ended. Positivity rate for influenza-like illnesses samples in the community was 0.0% from the last week of Circuit Breaker to end of study period. Conclusions NPI and public education measures during DORSCON Orange and Circuit Breaker periods appear to be associated with the health-seeking behaviour of the public. Changing levels of perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits and barriers, and widespread visual cues based on the Health Belief Model may account for this change. Understanding the impact of NPI and shifts in the public’s health-seeking behaviour will be relevant and helpful in the planning of future pandemic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwee Mian Jane Tan
- SingHealth Polyclinics, 167 Jalan Bukit Merah Connection One (Tower 5), #15-10, Singapore, 150167, Singapore. .,SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Program, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Mui Suan Tan
- SingHealth Polyclinics, 167 Jalan Bukit Merah Connection One (Tower 5), #15-10, Singapore, 150167, Singapore.,SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Program, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zi Ying Chang
- SingHealth Polyclinics, 167 Jalan Bukit Merah Connection One (Tower 5), #15-10, Singapore, 150167, Singapore.,SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Program, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kee Tung Tan
- SingHealth Polyclinics, 167 Jalan Bukit Merah Connection One (Tower 5), #15-10, Singapore, 150167, Singapore.,SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Program, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Guan Liang Adrian Ee
- SingHealth Polyclinics, 167 Jalan Bukit Merah Connection One (Tower 5), #15-10, Singapore, 150167, Singapore.,SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Program, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chee Chin David Ng
- SingHealth Polyclinics, 167 Jalan Bukit Merah Connection One (Tower 5), #15-10, Singapore, 150167, Singapore.,SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Program, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ying Khee William Hwang
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore, 169610, Singapore.,SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi Ling Eileen Koh
- SingHealth Polyclinics, 167 Jalan Bukit Merah Connection One (Tower 5), #15-10, Singapore, 150167, Singapore
| | - Yan Ping Sarah Low
- SingHealth Polyclinics, 167 Jalan Bukit Merah Connection One (Tower 5), #15-10, Singapore, 150167, Singapore
| | - Ngiap Chuan Tan
- SingHealth Polyclinics, 167 Jalan Bukit Merah Connection One (Tower 5), #15-10, Singapore, 150167, Singapore.,SingHealth Duke-NUS Family Medicine Academic Clinical Program, Singapore, Singapore
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Pierce A, Haworth-Brockman M, Marin D, Rueda ZV, Keynan Y. Changes in the incidence of seasonal influenza in response to COVID-19 social distancing measures: an observational study based on Canada's national influenza surveillance system. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2021; 112:620-628. [PMID: 34047965 PMCID: PMC8161713 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-021-00509-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection that presents a significant annual burden to Canadians and the Canadian healthcare system. Social distancing measures that were implemented to control the 2019-2020 novel coronavirus outbreak were investigated for their ability to lessen the incident cases of seasonal influenza. METHODS We conducted an ecological study using data from Canada's national influenza surveillance system to investigate whether social distancing measures to control COVID-19 reduced the incident cases of seasonal influenza. Data taken from three separate time frames facilitated analysis of the 2019-2020 influenza season prior to, during, and following the implementation of COVID-19-related measures and enabled comparisons with the same time periods during three preceding flu seasons. The incidence, which referred to the number of laboratory-confirmed cases of specific influenza strains, was of primary focus. Further analysis determined the number of new laboratory-confirmed influenza or influenza-like illness outbreaks. RESULTS Our results indicate a premature end to the 2019-2020 influenza season, with significantly fewer cases and outbreaks being recorded following the enactment of many COVID-19 social distancing policies. The incidence of influenza strains A (H3N2), A (unsubtyped), and B were all significantly lower at the tail end of the 2019-2020 influenza season as compared with preceding seasons (p = 0.0003, p = 0.0007, p = 0.0019). CONCLUSION Specific social distancing measures and behaviours may serve as effective tools to limit the spread of influenza transmission moving forward, as they become more familiar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Pierce
- National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Margaret Haworth-Brockman
- National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Diana Marin
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Zulma V Rueda
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Yoav Keynan
- National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. .,Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. .,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. .,Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
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Setia R, Dogra M, Handoo A, Yadav R, Thangavel GP, Rahman AE. Use of face mask by blood donors during the COVID-19 pandemic: Impact on donor hemoglobin concentration: A bane or a boon. Transfus Apher Sci 2021; 60:103160. [PMID: 34217601 PMCID: PMC8152240 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2021.103160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 virus has caused the world's deadliest pandemic. Early April 2020, the Delhi Government made it compulsory for people to wear face masks while going outdoors to curb disease spread. Prolonged use of surgical masks during the pandemic has been reported to cause many adverse effects. Intermittent hypoxia has been shown to activate erythropoietin (EPO leading to increased hemoglobin mass. AIM To analyze whether face mask induced intermittent hypoxia has any effect on the hemoglobin levels of healthy blood donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed donor data from 1st July 2019-31st December 2020 for hemoglobin distribution across hemoglobin ranges and donor deferral on basis of hemoglobin. Study population was divided into two cohorts Group 1- (1st July 2019-31 st March 2020): before implementation of mandatory face masks Group 2- (1st April 2020-31 st December 2020): after implementation of mandatory face masks RESULTS: Mean Hb of blood donors in Group 2 (15.01 ± 1.1 g/dl) was higher than Group1 (14.49 ± 1.15 g/dl), (p < 0.0001). 47.1 % group2 donors had Hb of 16.1-18 g/dl compared to group1 (38.4 %). 52.9 % group 2 donors had Hb between 12.5-15 g/dl compared to 61.6 % Group 1 (p < 0.05). Deferral due to anemia was lesser in group 2 compared to group 1 (p < 0.00001). Group 2 had significantly higher deferral due to high Hb (>18 gm/dl) was than Group 1 (p = 0.0039). CONCLUSION This study including 19504 blood donors spanning over one and a half year shows that prolonged use of face mask by blood donors may lead to intermittent hypoxia and consequent increase in hemoglobin mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasika Setia
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, BLK Superspecialty Hospital, India.
| | - Mitu Dogra
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, BLK Superspecialty Hospital, India.
| | - Anil Handoo
- Department of Hematology, BLK Superspecialty Hospital, India.
| | - Ramesh Yadav
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, BLK Superspecialty Hospital, India.
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Marriott D, Beresford R, Mirdad F, Stark D, Glanville A, Chapman S, Harkness J, Dore GJ, Andresen D, Matthews GV. Concomitant Marked Decline in Prevalence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Other Respiratory Viruses Among Symptomatic Patients Following Public Health Interventions in Australia: Data from St Vincent's Hospital and Associated Screening Clinics, Sydney, NSW. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:e649-e651. [PMID: 32841316 PMCID: PMC7499558 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Our Australian hospital tested almost 22,000 symptomatic people over 11 weeks for SARS-CoV-2 in a multiplex PCR assay. Following travel bans and physical distancing, SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses diagnoses fell dramatically. Increasing rhinovirus diagnoses as social control measures were relaxed may indirectly indicate an elevated risk of COVID-19 resurgence
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Marriott
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Feras Mirdad
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Damien Stark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Allan Glanville
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Scott Chapman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jock Harkness
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Andresen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gail V Matthews
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Abstract
The current frequency of COVID-19 in a pandemic era ensures that co-infections with a variety of co-pathogens will occur. Generally, there is a low rate of bonafide co-infections in early COVID-19 pulmonary infection as currently appreciated. Reports of high co-infection rates must be tempered by limitations in current diagnostic methods since amplification technologies do not necessarily confirm live pathogen and may be subject to considerable laboratory variation. Some laboratory methods may not exclude commensal microbes. Concurrent serodiagnoses have long been of concern for accuracy in these contexts. Presumed virus co-infections are not specific to COVID-19. The association of influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2 in co-infection has been considerably variable during influenza season. Other respiratory virus co-infections have generally occurred in less than 10% of COVID-19 patients. Early COVID-19 disease is more commonly associated with bacterial co-pathogens that typically represent usual respiratory micro-organisms. Late infections, especially among severe clinical presentations, are more likely to be associated with nosocomial or opportunistic pathogens given the influence of treatments that can include antibiotics, antivirals, immunomodulating agents, blood products, immunotherapy, steroids, and invasive procedures. As anticipated, hospital care carries risk for multi-resistant bacteria. Overall, co-pathogen identification is linked with longer hospital stay, greater patient complexity, and adverse outcomes. As for other viral infections, a general reduction in the use of empiric antibiotic treatment is warranted. Further insight into co-infections with COVID-19 will contribute overall to effective antimicrobial therapies and disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevio Cimolai
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6H3V4 Canada
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Hsieh YP, Yen CF, Wu CF, Wang PW. Nonattendance at Scheduled Appointments in Outpatient Clinics Due to COVID-19 and Related Factors in Taiwan: A Health Belief Model Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4445. [PMID: 33922171 PMCID: PMC8122706 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of hospital visits and attendance at scheduled appointments have dropped significantly. We used the health belief model (in three dimensions) to examine the determinants of non-attendance of scheduled appointments in outpatient clinics due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants in Taiwan (n = 1954) completed an online survey from 10 April 10 to 23 April 2020, which assessed how people perceived and responded to the outbreak of a fast-spreading infectious disease. We performed both univariate and multivariate logistic regression to examine the roles of cognitive, affective, and behavioral health belief constructs in nonattendance at scheduled appointments. The results indicated that individuals who perceived high confidence in coping with COVID-19 were less likely to miss or cancel their doctor's appointments, whereas individuals who reported high anxiety and practiced more preventive health behaviors, including avoiding crowded places, washing hands more often, and wearing a mask more often, were more likely to miss or cancel their appointments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-heterosexual participants had a lower rate of nonattendance at scheduled appointments compared with heterosexual ones. The study results increase our understanding of the patients' cognitive health beliefs, psychological distress, and health behaviors when assessing adherence to medical appointments during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ping Hsieh
- Department of Social Work, College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA;
| | - Cheng-Fang Yen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (C.-F.Y.); (C.-F.W.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Fen Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (C.-F.Y.); (C.-F.W.)
| | - Peng-Wei Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (C.-F.Y.); (C.-F.W.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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65
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Sohn S, Hong K, Chun BC. Decreased seasonal influenza during the COVID-19 pandemic in temperate countries. Travel Med Infect Dis 2021; 41:102057. [PMID: 33836237 PMCID: PMC8022512 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sangho Sohn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwan Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Program in Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Chul Chun
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Program in Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Impact of nonpharmaceutical interventions on laboratory detections of influenza A and B in Canada. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 47:142-148. [PMID: 34012338 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v47i03a04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background The first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case was reported in Canada on January 25, 2020. In response to the imminent outbreak, many provincial and territorial health authorities implemented nonpharmaceutical public health measures to curb the spread of disease. "Social distancing" measures included restrictions on group gatherings; cancellation of sports, cultural and religious events and gatherings; recommended physical distancing between people; school and daycare closures; reductions in non-essential services; and closures of businesses. Objectives To evaluate the impact of the combined nonpharmaceutical interventions imposed in March 2020 on influenza A and B epidemiology by comparing national laboratory surveillance data from the intervention period with 9-year historical influenza season control data. Methods We obtained epidemiologic data on laboratory influenza A and B detections and test volumes from the Canadian national influenza surveillance system for the epidemiologic period December 29, 2019 (epidemiologic week 1) through May 2, 2020 (epidemiologic week 18). COVID-19-related social distancing measures were implemented in Canada from epidemiologic week 10 of this period. We compared influenza A and B laboratory detections and test volumes and trends in detection during the 2019-20 influenza season with those of the previous nine influenza seasons for evidence of changes in epidemiologic trends. Results While influenza detections the week prior to the implementation of social distancing measures did not differ statistically from the previous nine seasons, a steep decline in positivity occurred between epidemiologic weeks 10 and 14 (March 8-April 4, 2020). Both the percent positive on week 14 (p≤0.001) and rate of decline between weeks 10 and 14 (p=0.003) were significantly different from mean historical data. Conclusion The data show a dramatic decrease in influenza A and B laboratory detections concurrent with social distancing measures and nonpharmaceutical interventions in Canada. The impact of these measures on influenza transmission may be generalizable to other respiratory viral illnesses during the study period, including COVID-19.
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67
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Huang C, Lu Y, Wang L, Hua Y, Xu J, Wei X, Zhang Z, Zhang J. Change in mortality rates of respiratory disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. Expert Rev Respir Med 2021; 15:1083-1088. [PMID: 33787428 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2021.1908891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored the change in mortality rates of respiratory disease during the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS Death data of registered residents of Suzhou from 2014 to 2020 were collected and the weekly mortality rates due to respiratory disease and all deaths were analyzed. The differences in mortality rates during the pandemic and the same period in previous years were compared. RESULTS Before the pandemic, the crude mortality rate (CMR) and standardized mortality rate (SMR) of Suzhou residents including respiratory disease, were not much different from those in previous years. During the emergency period, the CMR of Suzhou residents was 180.2/100,000 and the SMR was 85.5/100,000, decreasing by 9.1% and 14.6%, respectively; the CMR of respiratory disease was 16.4/100,000 and the SMR was 6.8/100,000, down 41.4% and 44.9%, respectively. Regardless of the mortality rates of all deaths or respiratory disease, the rates were higher in males than in females, although males had aslightly greater decrease in all deaths during the emergency period compared with females, and the opposite was true for respiratory disease. CONCLUSION During the pandemic, the death rate of residents decreased, especially that due to respiratory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Huang
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linchi Wang
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yujie Hua
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianrong Xu
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiaolin Wei
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengji Zhang
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Suzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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68
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Nawrocki J, Olin K, Holdrege MC, Hartsell J, Meyers L, Cox C, Powell M, Cook CV, Jones J, Robbins T, Hemmert A, Ginocchio CC. The Effects of Social Distancing Policies on Non-SARS-CoV-2 Respiratory Pathogens. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab133. [PMID: 34322558 PMCID: PMC7989184 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The initial focus of the US public health response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was the implementation of numerous social distancing policies. While COVID-19 was the impetus for imposing these policies, it is not the only respiratory disease affected by their implementation. This study aimed to assess the impact of social distancing policies on non-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) respiratory pathogens typically circulating across multiple US states. Methods Linear mixed-effect models were implemented to explore the effects of 5 social distancing policies on non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory pathogens across 9 states from January 1 through May 1, 2020. The observed 2020 pathogen detection rates were compared week by week with historical rates to determine when the detection rates were different. Results Model results indicate that several social distancing policies were associated with a reduction in total detection rate, by nearly 15%. Policies were associated with decreases in pathogen circulation of human rhinovirus/enterovirus and human metapneumovirus, as well as influenza A, which typically decrease after winter. Parainfluenza viruses failed to circulate at historical levels during the spring. The total detection rate in April 2020 was 35% less than the historical average. Many of the pathogens driving this difference fell below the historical detection rate ranges within 2 weeks of initial policy implementation. Conclusions This analysis investigated the effect of multiple social distancing policies implemented to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory pathogens. These findings suggest that social distancing policies may be used as an impactful public health tool to reduce communicable respiratory illness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Charles Cox
- BioFire Diagnostics, LLC, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | | | - Jay Jones
- BioFire Diagnostics, LLC, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Tom Robbins
- BioFire Diagnostics, LLC, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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69
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Tsai MC. Developing a sustainability strategy for Taiwan's tourism industry after the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248319. [PMID: 33705479 PMCID: PMC7951935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 around the world has caused great damage to the global economy. The tourism industry is among the worst-hit industries. How to focus on visitors who are most helpful to the tourism industry and develop sustainable strategy of operation is a very important question for after the epidemic is over. This study applied two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) and principal component analysis (PCA) to investigate past statistics from the Tourism Bureau and explore the shopping patterns of tourists who travel to Taiwan. The focus will be on tourists from major countries such as China, Japan, and Southeast Asian countries. According to the analysis of tourists from different countries, the money spent by tourists from different countries is concentrated on different items, and there are subitems that they particularly like to purchase. For the analysis of the purpose of coming to Taiwan, some tourism areas worth developing (such as medical treatment and leisure) are also presented in the research results. Based on these results, and according to the sustainable development goals, specific recommendations for the sustainability strategy of operation are made as a reference for the government and relevant industries. This research also broadens the scope of application of DEA and points out a different direction for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chi Tsai
- Department of Business Administration, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City, Dashu District, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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70
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Lin SF, Lai CC, Chao CM, Tang HJ. Impact of COVID-19 preventative measures on dengue infections in Taiwan. J Med Virol 2021; 93:4063-4064. [PMID: 33140860 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Feng Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Lai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Tainan Branch, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ming Chao
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Jen Tang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
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Proactive and blended approach for COVID-19 control in Taiwan. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 538:238-243. [PMID: 33220926 PMCID: PMC7831726 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.10.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become the greatest threat to human society in a century. To better devise control strategies, policymakers should adjust policies based on scientific evidence in hand. Several countries have limited the epidemics of COVID-19 by prioritizing containment strategies to mitigate the impacts on public health and healthcare systems. However, asymptomatic/pre-symptomatic transmission of COVID-19 complicated traditional symptom-based approaches for disease control. In addition, drastic population-based interventions usually have significant societal and economic impacts. Therefore, in Taiwan, the containment strategies consisted of the more extended case-based interventions (e.g., case detection with enhanced surveillance and contact tracing with active monitoring and quarantine of close contacts) and more targeted population-based interventions (e.g., face mask use in recommended settings and risk-oriented border control with corresponding quarantine requirement). The success of the blended approach emphasizes not only the importance of evidence-supported policymaking but also the coordinated efforts between the government and the people.
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Characterizing genetic and antigenic divergence from vaccine strain of influenza A and B viruses circulating in Thailand, 2017-2020. Sci Rep 2021; 11:735. [PMID: 33437008 PMCID: PMC7803983 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80895-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We monitored the circulating strains and genetic variation among seasonal influenza A and B viruses in Thailand between July 2017 and March 2020. The hemagglutinin gene was amplified and sequenced. We identified amino acid (AA) changes and computed antigenic relatedness using the Pepitope model. Phylogenetic analyses revealed multiple clades/subclades of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) were circulating simultaneously and evolved away from their vaccine strain, but not the influenza B virus. The predominant circulating strains of A(H1N1)pdm09 belonged to 6B.1A1 (2017-2018) and 6B.1A5 (2019-2020) with additional AA substitutions. Clade 3C.2a1b and 3C.2a2 viruses co-circulated in A(H3N2) and clade 3C.3a virus was found in 2020. The B/Victoria-like lineage predominated since 2019 with an additional three AA deletions. Antigenic drift was dominantly facilitated at epitopes Sa and Sb of A(H1N1)pdm09, epitopes A, B, D and E of A(H3N2), and the 120 loop and 190 helix of influenza B virus. Moderate computed antigenic relatedness was observed in A(H1N1)pdm09. The computed antigenic relatedness of A(H3N2) indicated a significant decline in 2019 (9.17%) and 2020 (- 18.94%) whereas the circulating influenza B virus was antigenically similar (94.81%) with its vaccine strain. Our findings offer insights into the genetic divergence from vaccine strains, which could aid vaccine updating.
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73
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Partridge E, McCleery E, Cheema R, Nakra N, Lakshminrusimha S, Tancredi DJ, Blumberg DA. Evaluation of Seasonal Respiratory Virus Activity Before and After the Statewide COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place Order in Northern California. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2035281. [PMID: 33492377 PMCID: PMC7835714 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.35281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Public health initiatives that include shelter-in-place orders are expensive and unpopular. Demonstrating the success of these initiatives is essential to justify their systemic or individual cost. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of a shelter-in-place order with lower rates of seasonal respiratory viral activity. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study with interrupted time series analysis obtained monthly counts of respiratory virus testing results at UC Davis Health from August 1, 2014, to July 31, 2020. Patients of all ages underwent testing conducted by the laboratory at UC Davis Health, a referral center for a 65 000-square-mile area that includes 33 counties and more than 6 million Northern California residents. EXPOSURES A statewide shelter-in-place order was instituted on March 19, 2020, restricting residents to their homes except for traveling for essential activities. Large social gatherings were prohibited, schools were closed, and nonessential personnel worked remotely. Those who had to leave their homes were mandated to wear face masks, engage in frequent handwashing, and maintain physical distancing. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Positivity rates of common respiratory viruses within the community served by UC Davis Health. RESULTS A total of 46 128 tests for viral respiratory pathogens over a 6-year period were included in the analysis. For the postexposure period (March 25-July 31), approximately 168 positive test results occurred for the studied organisms in the 2020 virus year, a positivity rate of 9.88 positive results per 100 tests that was much lower than the positivity rate of 29.90 positive results per 100 tests observed for this date range in the previous 5 virus years. In contrast, the positivity rates were similar for the preexposure time frame (August 1-March 24) in the 2020 virus year and for the same time periods in the 5 previous years (30.40 vs 33.68 positive results per 100 tests). In the regression analyses, statistically significant decreases in viral activity were observed in the postexposure period for influenza (93% decrease; incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.07; 95% CI, 0.02-0.33) and for rhinovirus or enterovirus (81% decrease; IRR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.09-0.39) infections. Lower rates of postexposure viral activity were seen for respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenzavirus, coronaviruses, and adenoviruses; however, these associations were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Using interrupted time series analysis of testing for viral respiratory pathogens, this study found that statistically significant lower rates of common community respiratory viruses appeared to be associated with a shelter-in-place order during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Partridge
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - Ellen McCleery
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - Ritu Cheema
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - Natasha Nakra
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - Satyan Lakshminrusimha
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - Daniel J. Tancredi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - Dean A. Blumberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento
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Kumar A, Taitt J, Singh P. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the burden and the pattern of hospitalization from COVID-19 unrelated illnesses among children in barbados – A preliminary report from an ongoing study. INTERNATIONAL ARCHIVES OF HEALTH SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/iahs.iahs_6_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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75
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Fricke LM, Glöckner S, Dreier M, Lange B. Impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions targeted at COVID-19 pandemic on influenza burden - a systematic review. J Infect 2021; 82:1-35. [PMID: 33278399 PMCID: PMC9183207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2020.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To better understand the impact of comprehensive COVID-19 targeted non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on influenza burden worldwide. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search in selected databases (PubMed, WHO COVID-19), preprint servers (medRxiv, bioRxiv) and websites of European Public Health institutes. Documents that compared influenza estimates in the 2019/2020 season with previous seasons were included. Information synthesis was qualitative due to a high heterogeneity in the number and periods of comparative seasons, outcome measures and statistical methods. RESULTS We included 23 records reporting from 15 countries/regions as well as 8 reports from European Public Health agencies. Estimates in the 2019/2020 season based on influenza virus tests (4 out of 7 countries/regions), defined influenza cases (8 out of 9), influenza positivity rate (7 out of 8), and severe complications (1 out of 2) were lower than in former seasons. Results from syndromic indicators, such as influenza-like-illness (ILI), were less clear or even raised (4 out of 7) after the influenza season indicating a misclassification with COVID-19 cases. CONCLUSIONS Evidence synthesis suggests that NPIs targeted at SARS-CoV-2-transmission reduce influenza burden as well. Low threshold NPIs need to be more strongly emphasized in influenza prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Marleen Fricke
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; Hannover Medical School (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Stephan Glöckner
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Maren Dreier
- Hannover Medical School (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Berit Lange
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany.
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76
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Freeman CM, Rank MA, Bolster LaSalle CM, Grys TE, Lewis JC. Effectiveness of Physical Distancing: Staying 6 Feet Over to Put Respiratory Viruses 6 Feet Under. Mayo Clin Proc 2021; 96:148-151. [PMID: 33413811 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Community transmission of severe acute respiratory illness Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Arizona was noted in March 2020. It was our hypothesis that the associated implementation of physical distancing and masking led to a decline in circulation and detection of common respiratory viruses. Nasopharyngeal swabs processed with the Biofire, Film Array respiratory panel at Mayo Clinic Arizona were reviewed from January 1, 2017, to July 31, 2020. A total of 13,324 nasopharyngeal swabs were analyzed. Between April and July 2017- 2019 (Period A) a mean of 262 tests were performed monthly, falling to 128 for the corresponding months of 2020 (Period B). A reduction in the monthly mean number of positive tests (Period A 71.5; Period B 2.8) and mean positivity rate (Period A 25.04%; Period B 2.07%) was observed. Rhinovirus/enterovirus was the most prevalent virus, with a monthly mean of 21.6 cases (30.2% of positives) for Period A and 2 cases (72.7% of positives) for Period B. Positivity for a second virus occurred in a mean of 2.1 positive tests (3.3%) in Period A but was absent in Period B. Implementation of distancing and masking coincides with a marked reduction in respiratory virus detection and likely circulation. Data from the fall/winter of 2020 will help clarify the potential role for distancing and masking as a mitigation strategy, not only for SARS-CoV-2 but also in the seasonal battle against common respiratory viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew A Rank
- Division of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
| | | | - Thomas E Grys
- Division of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
| | - John C Lewis
- Division of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
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77
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Kies KD, Thomas AS, Binnicker MJ, Bashynski KL, Patel R. Decrease in Enteroviral Meningitis - An Unexpected Benefit of COVID-19 Mitigation? Clin Infect Dis 2020; 73:e2807-e2809. [PMID: 33354704 PMCID: PMC7799197 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteroviral meningitis is seasonal, typically exhibiting a rise in prevalence in late summer/early fall. Based on clinical microbiology laboratory testing data of cerebrospinal fluid, the expected August/September/October peak in enteroviral meningitis did not occur in 2020, possibly related to COVID-19 mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kami D Kies
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Amber S Thomas
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Matthew J Binnicker
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Kelli L Bashynski
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Robin Patel
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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78
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Chan CP, Wong NS, Leung CC, Lee SS. Positive impact of measures against COVID-19 on reducing influenza in the Northern Hemisphere. J Travel Med 2020; 27:5848137. [PMID: 32463445 PMCID: PMC7313776 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taaa087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chin Pok Chan
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2/F Postgraduate Education Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ngai Sze Wong
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2/F Postgraduate Education Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Chiu Leung
- Hong Kong Tuberculosis, Chest and Heart Diseases Association, 266 Queen's Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shui Shan Lee
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2/F Postgraduate Education Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
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79
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Lei H, Xu M, Wang X, Xie Y, Du X, Chen T, Yang L, Wang D, Shu Y. Nonpharmaceutical Interventions Used to Control COVID-19 Reduced Seasonal Influenza Transmission in China. J Infect Dis 2020; 222:1780-1783. [PMID: 32898256 PMCID: PMC7499620 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To suppress the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese government has implemented a set of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Because COVID-19 and influenza have similar means of transmission, it is hypothesized that NPIs targeting COVID-19 may also affect influenza transmission. In this study, the extent to which NPIs targeting COVID-19 have affected seasonal influenza transmission was explored. Indicators of seasonal influenza activity in the epidemiological year 2019/20 were compared with those in 2017/18 and 2018/19. Results show that the incidence rate of seasonal influenza reduced by 64% in 2019/20 (p&0.001). These findings suggest that NPIs aimed at controlling COVID-19 significantly reduced the seasonal influenza transmission in China. (105 words)
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lei
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Modi Xu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Xie
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangjun Du
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Chen
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Yang
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Dayan Wang
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Yuelong Shu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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80
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Olsen SJ, Azziz-Baumgartner E, Budd AP, Brammer L, Sullivan S, Pineda RF, Cohen C, Fry AM. Decreased influenza activity during the COVID-19 pandemic-United States, Australia, Chile, and South Africa, 2020. Am J Transplant 2020; 20:3681-3685. [PMID: 33264506 PMCID: PMC7753605 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Transplant recipients are among the groups for whom the updated recommendations for 2020–2021 influenza vaccination should generally be considered essential, notably in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja J. Olsen
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Correspondence Sonja J. Olsen, Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
| | - Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Alicia P. Budd
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lynnette Brammer
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sheena Sullivan
- Doherty Department, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rodrigo F. Pineda
- Virology Department, Public Health Institute of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cheryl Cohen
- Center for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa,Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alicia M. Fry
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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81
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Kuo SC, Tsou HH, Wu HY, Hsu YT, Lee FJ, Shih SM, Hsiung CA, Chen WJ. Nonpolio Enterovirus Activity during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Taiwan, 2020. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 27. [PMID: 33261719 PMCID: PMC7774568 DOI: 10.3201/eid2701.203394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In Taiwan, lower nonpolio enterovirus activity during the coronavirus disease pandemic in 2020 compared with 2014-2019 might be attributable to adherence to nonpharmaceutical interventions. The preventable fraction among unexposed persons indicated that 90% of nonpolio enterovirus activity might have been prevented during 2014-2019 by adopting the same measures enforced in 2020.
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82
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Liu M, Deng L, Wang D, Jiang T. Influenza activity during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 in Chinese mainland. BIOSAFETY AND HEALTH 2020; 2:206-209. [PMID: 32905055 PMCID: PMC7462755 DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) might circulate in the following seasons, it is essential to understand how COVID-19 influences other respiratory diseases, especially influenza. In this study, we analyzed the influenza activity from mid-November 2019 to March 2020 in Chinese mainland and found that the influenza season ended much earlier than previous seasons for all subtypes and lineages, which may have resulted from the circulation of COVID-19 and measures such as travel control and personal protection. These findings provide rudimentary knowledge of the co-circulation patterns of the two types of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Liu
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Lizong Deng
- Center for Systems Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005; Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dayan Wang
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Taijiao Jiang
- Center for Systems Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005; Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
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83
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Lai CC, Chen CM, Liao KM, Chao CM, Chan KS, Yu WL. A mysterious surge of aspergillosis among non-SARS-CoV-2 patients during COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2020; 54:156-158. [PMID: 33309227 PMCID: PMC7706424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Cheng Lai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Tainan Branch, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Ming Chen
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Ming Liao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Chiali, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ming Chao
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Khee-Siang Chan
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Liang Yu
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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84
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Lai CC, Chen SY, Yen MY, Lee PI, Ko WC, Hsueh PR. The impact of COVID-19 preventative measures on airborne/droplet-transmitted infectious diseases in Taiwan. J Infect 2020; 82:e30-e31. [PMID: 33249105 PMCID: PMC7690307 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2020.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Cheng Lai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Tainan Branch, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shey-Ying Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Quality Management, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Muh-Yong Yen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Taipei City Hospital, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Ing Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ren Hsueh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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85
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Cheng W, Yu Z, Liu S, Sun W, Ling F, Pan J, Chen E. Successful interruption of seasonal influenza transmission under the COVID-19 rapid response in Zhejiang Province, China. Public Health 2020; 189:123-125. [PMID: 33221646 PMCID: PMC7574928 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2020.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) introduced to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) also interrupted the transmission of influenza. Study design This is a descriptive epidemiological study. Methods Data on changes in the number of reported influenza cases, number of influenza-like illness (ILI) visits, ILI percentage and influenza virus positivity were compared between the first 18 weeks of 2020 and the same period of 2019. Results The changes in the weekly average number of influenza cases were statistically significant between 2020 and 2019 (−4319 vs −525 per week; P < 0.05). The slopes of regression lines for the number of ILI visits were also statistically significant between 2020 and 2019 (−911 vs −98 per week; P < 0.05). Conclusions This study found that the prevalence of influenza was substantially decreased when NPIs were implemented for the containment of COVID-19. The prevalence of influenza was substantially decreased when non-pharmaceutical interventions were implemented for the containment of coronavirus disease 2019. Changes in the weekly average number of influenza cases were statistically significant between 2020 and 2019 (−4319 vs −525 per week; P < 0.05). Changes in the number of influenza-like illness visits were also statistically significant between 2020 and 2019 (−911 vs −98 per week; P < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- W Cheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Z Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - S Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - W Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - F Ling
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - J Pan
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China.
| | - E Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China.
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86
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Abstract
This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Grech
- Department of Pediatrics, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Sarah Cuschieri
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
| | - Charmaine Gauci
- Health Regulations, Office of the Superintendence of Public Health, Pietà, Malta
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87
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Wu HJ, Ko NY, Lin WL, Ko WC, Lee NY, Chen PL. Mandatory mask-wearing policy and universal anti-viral treatment mitigate influenza outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2020; 54:117-119. [PMID: 33214081 PMCID: PMC7832639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Huei-Jiuan Wu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Ying Ko
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Liang Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Infection Control Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Yao Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Infection Control Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Lin Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Infection Control Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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88
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Adlhoch C, Pebody R. What to expect for the influenza season 2020/21 with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the World Health Organization European Region. Euro Surveill 2020; 25:2001816. [PMID: 33094719 PMCID: PMC7651872 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2020.25.42.2001816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Adlhoch
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Richard Pebody
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
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89
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Ong CWM, Migliori GB, Raviglione M, MacGregor-Skinner G, Sotgiu G, Alffenaar JW, Tiberi S, Adlhoch C, Alonzi T, Archuleta S, Brusin S, Cambau E, Capobianchi MR, Castilletti C, Centis R, Cirillo DM, D'Ambrosio L, Delogu G, Esposito SMR, Figueroa J, Friedland JS, Ho BCH, Ippolito G, Jankovic M, Kim HY, Rosales Klintz S, Ködmön C, Lalle E, Leo YS, Leung CC, Märtson AG, Melazzini MG, Najafi Fard S, Penttinen P, Petrone L, Petruccioli E, Pontali E, Saderi L, Santin M, Spanevello A, van Crevel R, van der Werf MJ, Visca D, Viveiros M, Zellweger JP, Zumla A, Goletti D. Epidemic and pandemic viral infections: impact on tuberculosis and the lung: A consensus by the World Association for Infectious Diseases and Immunological Disorders (WAidid), Global Tuberculosis Network (GTN), and members of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Study Group for Mycobacterial Infections (ESGMYC). Eur Respir J 2020; 56:2001727. [PMID: 32586885 PMCID: PMC7527651 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01727-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Major epidemics, including some that qualify as pandemics, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), HIV, influenza A (H1N1)pdm/09 and most recently COVID-19, affect the lung. Tuberculosis (TB) remains the top infectious disease killer, but apart from syndemic TB/HIV little is known regarding the interaction of viral epidemics and pandemics with TB. The aim of this consensus-based document is to describe the effects of viral infections resulting in epidemics and pandemics that affect the lung (MERS, SARS, HIV, influenza A (H1N1)pdm/09 and COVID-19) and their interactions with TB. A search of the scientific literature was performed. A writing committee of international experts including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Public Health Emergency (ECDC PHE) team, the World Association for Infectious Diseases and Immunological Disorders (WAidid), the Global Tuberculosis Network (GTN), and members of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Mycobacterial Infections (ESGMYC) was established. Consensus was achieved after multiple rounds of revisions between the writing committee and a larger expert group. A Delphi process involving the core group of authors (excluding the ECDC PHE team) identified the areas requiring review/consensus, followed by a second round to refine the definitive consensus elements. The epidemiology and immunology of these viral infections and their interactions with TB are discussed with implications for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of airborne infections (infection control, viral containment and workplace safety). This consensus document represents a rapid and comprehensive summary on what is known on the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Wei Min Ong
- Dept of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore
- These authors contributed equally
- Members of ESGMYC
| | - Giovanni Battista Migliori
- Servizio di Epidemiologia Clinica delle Malattie Respiratorie, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Tradate, Italy
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Mario Raviglione
- Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Giovanni Sotgiu
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Dept of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Jan-Willem Alffenaar
- Sydney Pharmacy School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Members of ESGMYC
| | - Simon Tiberi
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Division of Infection, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- Members of ESGMYC
| | - Cornelia Adlhoch
- Public Health Emergency Team, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Public Health Emergency team co-authors
| | - Tonino Alonzi
- Translational Research Unit, Epidemiology and Preclinical Research Dept, "L. Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI), IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sophia Archuleta
- Dept of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sergio Brusin
- Public Health Emergency Team, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Public Health Emergency team co-authors
| | - Emmanuelle Cambau
- AP-HP-Lariboisiere, Bacteriologie, Laboratory Associated to the National Reference Centre for Mycobacteria, IAME UMR1137, INSERM, University of Paris, Paris, France
- Members of ESGMYC
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Laboratory of Virology, Epidemiology and Preclinical Research Dept, "L. Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI), IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Concetta Castilletti
- Laboratory of Virology, Epidemiology and Preclinical Research Dept, "L. Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI), IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosella Centis
- Servizio di Epidemiologia Clinica delle Malattie Respiratorie, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Tradate, Italy
| | - Daniela M Cirillo
- Emerging Bacterial Pathogens Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Members of ESGMYC
| | | | - Giovanni Delogu
- Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
- Mater Olbia Hospital, Olbia, Italy
- Members of ESGMYC
| | - Susanna M R Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children's Hospital, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Jon S Friedland
- St George's, University of London, London, UK
- Members of ESGMYC
| | - Benjamin Choon Heng Ho
- Tuberculosis Control Unit, Dept of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Giuseppe Ippolito
- Scientific Direction, "L. Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI), IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mateja Jankovic
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb and Clinic for Respiratory Diseases, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Members of ESGMYC
| | - Hannah Yejin Kim
- Sydney Pharmacy School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Senia Rosales Klintz
- Public Health Emergency Team, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Public Health Emergency team co-authors
| | - Csaba Ködmön
- Public Health Emergency Team, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Public Health Emergency team co-authors
| | - Eleonora Lalle
- Laboratory of Virology, Epidemiology and Preclinical Research Dept, "L. Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI), IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Yee Sin Leo
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore
| | - Chi-Chiu Leung
- Hong Kong Tuberculosis, Chest and Heart Diseases Association, Wanchai, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anne-Grete Märtson
- Dept of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Saeid Najafi Fard
- Translational Research Unit, Epidemiology and Preclinical Research Dept, "L. Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI), IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasi Penttinen
- Public Health Emergency Team, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Public Health Emergency team co-authors
| | - Linda Petrone
- Translational Research Unit, Epidemiology and Preclinical Research Dept, "L. Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI), IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Petruccioli
- Translational Research Unit, Epidemiology and Preclinical Research Dept, "L. Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI), IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Saderi
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Dept of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Miguel Santin
- Dept of Infectious Diseases, Bellvitge University Hospital-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Dept of Clinical Science, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Members of ESGMYC
| | - Antonio Spanevello
- Division of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Tradate, Italy
- Dept of Medicine and Surgery, Respiratory Diseases, University of Insubria, Varese-Como, Italy
| | - Reinout van Crevel
- Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Dept of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Members of ESGMYC
| | - Marieke J van der Werf
- Public Health Emergency Team, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Public Health Emergency team co-authors
| | - Dina Visca
- Division of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Tradate, Italy
- Dept of Medicine and Surgery, Respiratory Diseases, University of Insubria, Varese-Como, Italy
| | - Miguel Viveiros
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Members of ESGMYC
| | | | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Dept of Infection, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Delia Goletti
- Translational Research Unit, Epidemiology and Preclinical Research Dept, "L. Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI), IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
- Members of ESGMYC
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90
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Olsen SJ, Azziz-Baumgartner E, Budd AP, Brammer L, Sullivan S, Pineda RF, Cohen C, Fry AM. Decreased Influenza Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic - United States, Australia, Chile, and South Africa, 2020. MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2020; 69:1305-1309. [PMID: 32941415 PMCID: PMC7498167 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6937a6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 349] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
After recognition of widespread community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), by mid- to late February 2020, indicators of influenza activity began to decline in the Northern Hemisphere. These changes were attributed to both artifactual changes related to declines in routine health seeking for respiratory illness as well as real changes in influenza virus circulation because of widespread implementation of measures to mitigate transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Data from clinical laboratories in the United States indicated a 61% decrease in the number of specimens submitted (from a median of 49,696 per week during September 29, 2019-February 29, 2020, to 19,537 during March 1-May 16, 2020) and a 98% decrease in influenza activity as measured by percentage of submitted specimens testing positive (from a median of 19.34% to 0.33%). Interseasonal (i.e., summer) circulation of influenza in the United States (May 17-August 8, 2020) is currently at historical lows (median = 0.20% tests positive in 2020 versus 2.35% in 2019, 1.04% in 2018, and 2.36% in 2017). Influenza data reported to the World Health Organization's (WHO's) FluNet platform from three Southern Hemisphere countries that serve as robust sentinel sites for influenza from Oceania (Australia), South America (Chile), and Southern Africa (South Africa) showed very low influenza activity during June-August 2020, the months that constitute the typical Southern Hemisphere influenza season. In countries or jurisdictions where extensive community mitigation measures are maintained (e.g., face masks, social distancing, school closures, and teleworking), those locations might have little influenza circulation during the upcoming 2020-21 Northern Hemisphere influenza season. The use of community mitigation measures for the COVID-19 pandemic, plus influenza vaccination, are likely to be effective in reducing the incidence and impact of influenza, and some of these mitigation measures could have a role in preventing influenza in future seasons. However, given the novelty of the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of continued community mitigation measures, it is important to plan for seasonal influenza circulation in the United States this fall and winter. Influenza vaccination of all persons aged ≥6 months remains the best method for influenza prevention and is especially important this season when SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus might cocirculate (1).
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91
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Dean P, Zhang Y, Frey M, Shah A, Edmunds K, Boyd S, Schwartz H, Frey T, Stalets E, Schaffzin J, Vukovic AA, Reeves S, Masur T, Kerrey B. The impact of public health interventions on critical illness in the pediatric emergency department during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2020; 1:1542-1551. [PMID: 32838393 PMCID: PMC7436689 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Study objective The impact of public health interventions during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic on critical illness in children has not been studied. We seek to determine the impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 related public health interventions on emergency healthcare utilization and frequency of critical illness in children. Methods This was an interrupted time series analysis conducted at a single tertiary pediatric emergency department (PED). All patients evaluated by a provider from December 31 through May 14 of 6 consecutive years (2015‐2020) were included. Total patient visits (ED and urgent care), shock trauma suite (STS) volume, and measures of critical illness were compared between the SARS‐CoV‐2 period (December 31, 2019 to May 14, 2020) and the same period for the previous 5 years combined. A segmented regression model was used to explore differences in the 3 outcomes between the study and control period. Results Total visits, STS volume, and volume of critical illness were all significantly lower during the SARS‐CoV‐2 period. During the height of public health interventions, per day there were 151 fewer total visits and 7 fewer patients evaluated in the STS. The odds of having a 24‐hour period without a single critical patient were >5 times higher. Trends appeared to start before the statewide shelter‐in‐place order and lasted for at least 8 weeks. Conclusions In a metropolitan area without significant SARS‐CoV‐2 seeding, the pandemic was associated with a marked reduction in PED visits for critical pediatric illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preston Dean
- Division of Emergency Medicine Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA.,Department of Pediatrics University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Yin Zhang
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Mary Frey
- Division of Emergency Medicine Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Ashish Shah
- Division of Emergency Medicine Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA.,Department of Pediatrics University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Katherine Edmunds
- Division of Emergency Medicine Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA.,Department of Pediatrics University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Stephanie Boyd
- Division of Emergency Medicine Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Hamilton Schwartz
- Division of Emergency Medicine Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA.,Department of Pediatrics University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Theresa Frey
- Division of Emergency Medicine Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA.,Department of Pediatrics University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Erika Stalets
- Department of Pediatrics University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati Ohio USA.,Division of Critical Care Medicine Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Joshua Schaffzin
- Department of Pediatrics University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati Ohio USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Adam A Vukovic
- Division of Emergency Medicine Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA.,Department of Pediatrics University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Scott Reeves
- Division of Emergency Medicine Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA.,Department of Pediatrics University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Tonya Masur
- Division of Emergency Medicine Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Benjamin Kerrey
- Division of Emergency Medicine Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati Ohio USA.,Department of Pediatrics University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati Ohio USA
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de Souza Luna LK, Perosa DAH, Conte DD, Carvalho JMA, Alves VRG, Cruz JS, Bellei N. Different patterns of Influenza A and B detected during early stages of COVID-19 in a university hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. J Infect 2020; 81:e104-e105. [PMID: 32445724 PMCID: PMC7240256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2020.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Kleber de Souza Luna
- Laboratório de Virologia Clínica, Rua Pedro de Toledo, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, 781, 15 andar frente, Vila Clementino, 04039-032 Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Dr Ana Helena Perosa
- Laboratório de Virologia Clínica, Rua Pedro de Toledo, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, 781, 15 andar frente, Vila Clementino, 04039-032 Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danielle Dias Conte
- Laboratório de Virologia Clínica, Rua Pedro de Toledo, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, 781, 15 andar frente, Vila Clementino, 04039-032 Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joseane Mayara Almeida Carvalho
- Laboratório de Virologia Clínica, Rua Pedro de Toledo, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, 781, 15 andar frente, Vila Clementino, 04039-032 Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vitória Rodrigues Guimarães Alves
- Laboratório de Virologia Clínica, Rua Pedro de Toledo, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, 781, 15 andar frente, Vila Clementino, 04039-032 Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jessica Santiago Cruz
- Laboratório de Virologia Clínica, Rua Pedro de Toledo, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, 781, 15 andar frente, Vila Clementino, 04039-032 Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nancy Bellei
- Laboratório de Virologia Clínica, Rua Pedro de Toledo, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, 781, 15 andar frente, Vila Clementino, 04039-032 Sao Paulo, Brazil
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93
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Abstract
To determine whether policies to limit transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) hinder spread of other infectious diseases, we analyzed the National Health Insurance database in Taiwan. Rates of other infections were significantly lower after SARS-CoV-2 prevention measures were announced. This finding can be applied to cost-effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 prevention.
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94
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Lai CC, Yu WL. The COVID-19 pandemic and tuberculosis in Taiwan. J Infect 2020; 81:e159-e161. [PMID: 32534000 PMCID: PMC7286835 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2020.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Cheng Lai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Tainan Branch, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Weng-Liang Yu
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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