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Ortelan N, Ferreira AJF, Leite L, Pescarini JM, Souto AC, Barreto ML, Aquino EML. Cloth masks in public places: an essential intervention to prevent COVID-19 in Brazil. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2021; 26:669-692. [PMID: 33605343 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232021262.36702020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that the use of masks is an indispensable protective measure against COVID-19, given the high transmissibility of the new coronavirus through the respiratory system, including by asymptomatic individuals. The use of cloth masks in public places has been established as a protective measure to be adopted alongside social distancing and hand hygiene. This narrative review aims to systematize the scientific evidence that informs the widespread use of cloth masks as a preventive measure against COVID-19 and to describe the evolution of positions contrary to or in favor of its use outside the home, in view of the advance of the new coronavirus pandemic globally. The scientific articles, technical notes, governmental decrees and other documents analyzed indicate that widespread use of masks has the potential to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus. We recommend that the Brazilian government adopt strategies to increase the supply of reusable cloth masks to the public, especially to vulnerable populations and to support studies on the impact of this measure to control the pandemic in the country. Finally, it is imperative to ensure that use of masks does not exacerbate stigmatization of racial groups that already face prejudice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiá Ortelan
- Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Fiocruz Bahia. R. Mundo s/n, Trobogy. 41745-715 Salvador BA Brasil.
| | | | | | - Julia Moreira Pescarini
- Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Fiocruz Bahia. R. Mundo s/n, Trobogy. 41745-715 Salvador BA Brasil.
| | - Ana Cristina Souto
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA). Salvador BA Brasil
| | - Mauricio Lima Barreto
- Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Fiocruz Bahia. R. Mundo s/n, Trobogy. 41745-715 Salvador BA Brasil.
| | - Estela M L Aquino
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA). Salvador BA Brasil
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102
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Lee H, Choi YY, Sohn YJ, Kim YK, Han MS, Yun KW, Kim K, Park JY, Choi JH, Cho EY, Choi EH. Clinical Efficacy of Doxycycline for Treatment of Macrolide-Resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Children. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10020192. [PMID: 33671151 PMCID: PMC7921960 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In areas with high prevalence of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MRMP) pneumonia, treatment in children has become challenging. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of macrolides and doxycycline with regard to the presence of macrolide resistance. We analyzed children with MP pneumonia during the two recent epidemics of 2014–2015 and 2019–2020 from four hospitals in Korea. Nasopharyngeal samples were obtained from children with pneumonia for MP cultures and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Macrolide resistance was determined by the analysis of 23S rRNA gene transition. Time to defervescence and to chest X-ray improvement were analyzed. Of 145 cases, the median age was 5.0 years and MRMP accounted for 59 (40.7%). Among macrolide-susceptible MP (MSMP), 78 (90.7%) were treated with macrolides and 21 (35.6%) in the MRMP group with doxycycline. In MRMP pneumonia, shorter days to defervescence (2 vs. 5 days, p < 0.001) and to chest X-ray improvement (3 vs. 6 days, p < 0.001) in the doxycycline group than in the macrolide group was observed, whereas no differences were observed among children with MSMP pneumonia. Compared to macrolides, treatment with doxycycline resulted in better outcomes with a shorter time to defervescence and to chest X-ray improvement among children with MRMP pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunju Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (H.L.); (K.W.Y.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea;
| | - Youn Young Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (Y.Y.C.); (Y.J.S.); (Y.K.K.)
| | - Young Joo Sohn
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (Y.Y.C.); (Y.J.S.); (Y.K.K.)
| | - Ye Kyung Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (Y.Y.C.); (Y.J.S.); (Y.K.K.)
| | - Mi Seon Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Korea;
| | - Ki Wook Yun
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (H.L.); (K.W.Y.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (Y.Y.C.); (Y.J.S.); (Y.K.K.)
| | - Kyungmin Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea;
| | - Ji Young Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul 06973, Korea;
| | - Jae Hong Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju 63241, Korea;
| | - Eun Young Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Korea;
| | - Eun Hwa Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (H.L.); (K.W.Y.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (Y.Y.C.); (Y.J.S.); (Y.K.K.)
- Correspondence:
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103
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An influenza A (H3N2) virus outbreak in the Kingdom of Cambodia during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 103:352-357. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.11.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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104
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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: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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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105
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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: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [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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106
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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: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [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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107
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Elrick MJ, Pekosz A, Duggal P. Enterovirus D68 molecular and cellular biology and pathogenesis. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100317. [PMID: 33484714 PMCID: PMC7949111 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) has advanced from a rarely detected respiratory virus to a widespread pathogen responsible for increasing rates of severe respiratory illness and acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in children worldwide. In this review, we discuss the accumulating data on the molecular features of EV-D68 and place these into the context of enterovirus biology in general. We highlight similarities and differences with other enteroviruses and genetic divergence from own historical prototype strains of EV-D68. These include changes in capsid antigens, host cell receptor usage, and viral RNA metabolism collectively leading to increased virulence. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of EV-D68 infection on the biology of its host cells, and how these changes are hypothesized to contribute to motor neuron toxicity in AFM. We highlight areas in need of further research, including the identification of its primary receptor and an understanding of the pathogenic cascade leading to motor neuron injury in AFM. Finally, we discuss the epidemiology of the EV-D68 and potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Elrick
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - Andrew Pekosz
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Priya Duggal
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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108
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Oster Y, Michael-Gayego A, Rivkin M, Levinson L, Wolf DG, Nir-Paz R. Decreased prevalence rate of respiratory pathogens in hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: possible role for public health containment measures? Clin Microbiol Infect 2020; 27:S1198-743X(20)30762-X. [PMID: 33352303 PMCID: PMC7833997 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yonatan Oster
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ayelet Michael-Gayego
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mila Rivkin
- Clinical Virology Unit, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Leonid Levinson
- Clinical Virology Unit, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dana G Wolf
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Clinical Virology Unit, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ran Nir-Paz
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
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109
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Steffen R, Lautenschlager S, Fehr J. Travel restrictions and lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic-impact on notified infectious diseases in Switzerland. J Travel Med 2020; 27:5912954. [PMID: 33152761 PMCID: PMC7543597 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taaa180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Based on notification data the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown in Switzerland was assessed. While the incidence of tick-borne encephalitis almost doubled as compared to 2016-2019, a reduction in all other infectious diseases was recorded. The lowest reduction rates (<25%) were noted for legionellosis, hepatitis A, chlamydia infection and gonorrhoea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Steffen
- Department of Public and Global Health, Division of Infectious Diseases, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Traveller's Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephan Lautenschlager
- Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Clinics, City Hospitals Waid and Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Fehr
- Department of Public and Global Health, Division of Infectious Diseases, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Traveller's Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
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110
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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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111
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Lin CF, Huang YH, Cheng CY, Wu KH, Tang KS, Chiu IM. Public Health Interventions for the COVID-19 Pandemic Reduce Respiratory Tract Infection-Related Visits at Pediatric Emergency Departments in Taiwan. Front Public Health 2020; 8:604089. [PMID: 33392141 PMCID: PMC7772199 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.604089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objective: Public health interventions such as social distancing, wearing surgical or N95 masks, and handwashing are effective in significantly reducing the risk of infection. The purpose of this article is to analyze the effect of public health interventions on respiratory tract infection-related visits to pediatric emergency departments during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. Method: Pediatric emergency department visits between January 1 2020 and April 30 2020 were included for trend analysis and compared to the same period during the past 3 years. The datasets were retrieved from Taiwan National Infectious Disease Statistics System and Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Respiratory tract infections with other diagnoses categories, including fever, asthma, and urinary tract infections, were included for subgroup analysis. Result: A significant decrease of more than 50% in respiratory tract infection-related visits was found from February to April 2020 in the national database. With regard to diagnosis category, the proportion of respiratory tract infections in Kaohsiung Chang Gung Hospital also became significantly lower in 2020 during the months of March (43.4 vs. 37.4%, p = 0.024) and April (40.1 vs. 32.2%, p < 0.001). On the other hand, the proportion of urinary tract infections was significantly higher in 2020 during March (3.7 vs. 5.2%, p = 0.033) and April (3.9 vs. 6.5%, p < 0.001), and that of asthma was also higher in April (1.6 vs. 2.6%, p = 0.025). Furthermore, the intensive care unit admission rate was relatively higher in 2020 from February, with significant differences noted in March (1.3 vs. 2.8%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Due to public health interventions for the COVID-19 pandemic, the transmission of not only COVID-19 but also other air droplet transmitted diseases in children may have been effectively prevented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Fu Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hsien Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yung Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Sun Yet-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Han Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Shu Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - I-Min Chiu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Sun Yet-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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112
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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: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [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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113
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Collateral effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on lung cancer diagnosis in Korea. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:1040. [PMID: 33121456 PMCID: PMC7594984 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07544-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic is predicted to significantly affect patients with lung cancer, owing to its rapid progression and high mortality. Studies on lung cancer diagnosis and treatment during an epidemic are lacking. We analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on lung cancer diagnosis in Korea, where lung cancer incidence continues to rise. Methods The number of newly diagnosed lung cancer cases in three university-affiliated hospitals during the pandemic and their clinical features were compared with lung cancer cases diagnosed during the same period in the past 3 years. The effectiveness of measures taken by the study hospitals to prevent nosocomial transmission was reviewed. Results A total of 612 patients were diagnosed with lung cancer from February through June, 2017–2020. During the pandemic, the number of patients who sought consultation at the division of pulmonology of study hospitals dropped by 16% from the previous year. Responding to the pandemic, the involved hospitals created physically isolated triage areas for patients with acute respiratory infection symptoms. Wide-range screening and preventive measures were implemented, thus minimizing the delay in lung cancer diagnosis. No patient acquired COVID-19 due to hospital exposure. The proportion of patients with stage III–IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) significantly increased (2020: 74.7% vs. 2017: 57.9%, 2018: 66.7%, 2019: 62.7%, p = 0.011). The number of lung cancers diagnosed during this period and the previous year remained the same. Conclusions The proportion of patients with advanced NSCLC increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-020-07544-3.
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114
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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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Tomos I, Kostikas K, Hillas G, Bakakos P, Loukides S. Primary care and COVID-19: cutting the Gordian knot - the Greek experience and algorithm. ERJ Open Res 2020; 6:00468-2020. [PMID: 32904656 PMCID: PMC7456642 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00468-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel human coronavirus that is now named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The disease is mild in most people (∼80%). During the COVID-19 pandemic, in many countries the crisis has quickly overwhelmed the capacities of healthcare systems, leading to major challenges in their ability to respond [1, 2]. In Greece, we managed to control the pandemic by eliminating the number of cases and by keeping mortality rates within acceptable limits. As of 4 July 2020, the National Public Health Organisation reported 3511 cases (55% male) with 192 deaths; 517 patients were hospitalised. 811 (23%) of the total cases were linked to travelling abroad, while 1933 (55.1%) were linked to exposure to a confirmed case. Following extended discussions with primary care physicians and after fully considering our experiences during hospital emergencies, these findings suggest that primary care in Greece may have played a key role in the management of suspected cases of SARS-CoV-2, perhaps relieving the referral hospitals from suspect and mild cases, and critically contributing to our success story during the pandemic. The Greek experience reveals that harmonised collaboration among primary care, secondary facilities, designated hospitals and official authorities results in prompt and accurate management of the pandemic-related crisis of COVID-19https://bit.ly/3eSHVhG
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Tomos
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 2nd Respiratory Medicine Dept, "Attikon" University Hospital, Chaidari, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kostikas
- Respiratory Medicine Dept, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Georgios Hillas
- 5th Respiratory Medicine Dept, Sotiria Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Bakakos
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 1st Respiratory Medicine Dept, "Sotiria" Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Stelios Loukides
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 2nd Respiratory Medicine Dept, "Attikon" University Hospital, Chaidari, Athens, Greece
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