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Gabrielli AF, Glaria AA, Borodina M, Mullen L, Watson CR, Kobokovich A, Wang N. Risk-based management of international sporting events during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bull World Health Organ 2024; 102:608-614. [PMID: 39070599 PMCID: PMC11276152 DOI: 10.2471/blt.23.290034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Mass gatherings include a diverse range of events such as sporting competitions, religious ceremonies, entertainment activities, political rallies and cultural celebrations, which have important implications for population well-being. However, if not managed properly, these events can amplify health risks including those related to communicable diseases, and place undue strain on health systems in host countries and potentially in attendees' home countries, upon their return. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to evaluate the risk factors associated with mass gatherings and the effectiveness of applying mitigation measures during infectious disease emergencies. The pandemic has also allowed event organizers and health officials to identify best practices for mass gathering planning in host countries. To guide decisions about whether to hold, postpone, modify or cancel a mass gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization and its partners developed normative guidance and derivative tools promoting a risk-based approach to mass gathering planning. This approach involves three steps to guide decision-making around mass gatherings: risk evaluation, risk mitigation and risk communication. The approach was applied in the planning and execution of several mass gathering events, including the Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Lessons identified from these large-scale international events offer insights into the planning and implementation of mass gathering events during a pandemic, and the broader impacts of such events on society. These lessons may also further inform and refine planning for future mass gatherings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albis Francesco Gabrielli
- Border Health and Mass Gatherings, Country Readiness and Strenghtening, World Health Organization Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Amaia Artazcoz Glaria
- Border Health and Mass Gatherings, Country Readiness and Strenghtening, World Health Organization Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Maria Borodina
- Border Health and Mass Gatherings, Country Readiness and Strenghtening, World Health Organization Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Mullen
- The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Crystal R Watson
- The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Amanda Kobokovich
- The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Ninglan Wang
- Border Health and Mass Gatherings, Country Readiness and Strenghtening, World Health Organization Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211Geneva 27, Switzerland
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Ibrahim M, Ba-Essa E, Alarouj M, Annabi F, Armstrong DG, Bennakhi A, Ceriello A, Elbarbary N, Khochtali I, Karadeniz S, Naz Masood S, Mimouni S, Shaikh S, Tuomilehto J, Umpierrez GE. Recommendations for management of diabetes and its complications during Hajj (Muslim Pilgrimage) - 2024 update. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2024; 212:111647. [PMID: 38569944 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2024.111647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Hajj is an obligatory duty for all healthy adult Muslims once in the lifetime subjected to the ability. Considering the 10.5 % global prevalence of diabetes coupled with the numbers of Muslims performing the Hajj, ∼ 1.8 million in 2023, it is estimated that Muslims with diabetes performing Hajj may exceed 340,000 this year. During Hajj the pattern and amount of their meal, fluid intake and physical activity are markedly altered. Many people with diabetes insist on doing the Hajj duty, thereby creating a medical challenge for themselves and their health care providers. It is therefore important that medical professionals be aware of the potential risks that may be associated with Hajj. People with diabetes may face many health hazards during Hajj including but not limited to the killer triad which might occur during Hajj: Hypoglycemia, Foot injury and Infections. Many precautions should be taken to prevent and treat these potentially serious complications. Risk stratification, medication adjustments, proper clinical assessment, and education before doing Hajj are crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ebtesam Ba-Essa
- Consultant Internist and Endocrinologist, Alrawdah General hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; Almani General Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Firas Annabi
- Consultant Internist, Endocrinologist, Program Director of Internal Medicine, Islamic Hospital Amman, Jordan
| | | | | | | | - Nancy Elbarbary
- Department of Pediatrics, Diabetes and Endocrinology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ines Khochtali
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia
| | | | | | | | | | - Jaakko Tuomilehto
- Public Health Promotion Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Diabetes Research Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Al-Ansari F, Al-Ansari B, Abdulzahra MS, Rashid H, Hill-Cawthorne GA, Al-Ansari MB, Al-Fatlaw SM, Mawash M, Al Ansari M, Conigrave KM. Managing risk of infectious disease transmission at religious mass gatherings: Insights from survey, COVID-19 PCR, and antibody tests from Arbaeen walkers in 2020. Lung India 2024; 41:185-191. [PMID: 38687229 PMCID: PMC11093134 DOI: 10.4103/lungindia.lungindia_431_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arbaeen in Iraq has been one of the largest mass gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic with 14.5 million attendees in 2020. We set out to assess the prevalence of current or past COVID-19 among 2020 Arbaeen participants, and establish associations between COVID-19 test results, symptoms, and known recent exposure. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study involving participants who joined Arbaeen walk in Iraq in October 2020. COVID-19 PCR and/or rapid antibody test were conducted among consented participants. A short questionnaire was administered. Rapid antibody testing was done onsite. Nasal and throat swab samples were transferred to the laboratory for PCR testing. RESULTS A total of 835 (88.3% male; 11.7% female) participants were recruited. The most common symptom overall was cough (9.6%) followed by sore throat, fever, and loss of taste/smell (6.6%, 5.5%, and 5.0%, respectively). One in five (20.3%) participants reported close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days. Of the 237 participants with a PCR test, 18 (7.6%) were positive. Of the 765 participants with rapid antibody test, 19.3% tested positive for IgM, 39.3% for IgG, and 16.4% for both. Approximately 40% of the participants had evidence of current or past COVID-19 infection based on antibody and PCR. CONCLUSIONS The almost 1 in 10 COVID-19 cases within such a multimillion person gathering, illustrates the difficulty in limiting the participation of infectious individuals in religious mass gatherings. There is a pressing need to explore measures to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases at major mass gathering events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Al-Ansari
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Basma Al-Ansari
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Harunor Rashid
- The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Grant A. Hill-Cawthorne
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Mohammad Mawash
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Mustafa Al Ansari
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine M. Conigrave
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Drug Health Services, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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4
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Alahmari AA, Khan AA, Alamri FA, Almuzaini YS, Habash AK, Jokhdar H. Healthcare policies, precautionary measures and outcomes of mass gathering events in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: Expedited review. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17 Suppl 1:27-33. [PMID: 37059635 PMCID: PMC10049799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, several countries suspended or restricted mass gathering (MG) events to mitigate the risk of superspreading events. Prohibiting MGs aimed to lessen the likelihood of highly infectious persons coming into close contact with many others. Now that the world has opened its doors wide and removed most of precautionary measures, many questions arise. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current evidence regarding the policies and regulations that were implemented for the safe return of MG events. Besides, we highlighted the impact of the return of MG events during 2021 on the trajectory of COVID-19 spread. Canceling MG events can carry religious, societal, economic, and public negative consequences necessitating the safe return of these events. The experience with the COVID-19 pandemic was the foundation for the recommendations for the safe conduction of MG events during the pandemic by international public health bodies. When policymakers adequately applied precautionary measures and strategic approaches, we witnessed the safe holding of huge MG events without aggravating the COVID-19 situation or increasing the number of new cases beyond the capacity and readiness of the national healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Alahmari
- Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anas A Khan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad A Alamri
- Global Centre of Mass Gatherings Medicine, Family Medicine, Primary Health Centre, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Yasir S Almuzaini
- Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alia K Habash
- Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani Jokhdar
- Deputyship of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Adamu AM, Onoja AB, Ugbodu VE, Bala RS, Maina M, Salisu US, Pewan SB, David E, Malgwi A, Adamu C, Adeiza A, Herbert M, Horwood P, Adegboye O. Investigating Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus seropositivity in camels and human behavioural risks in an abattoir in Nigeria. Epidemiol Infect 2024; 152:e29. [PMID: 38299329 PMCID: PMC10894886 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268824000189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an emerging viral pathogen with pandemic potential that is often misdiagnosed. Case fatality in low-resource settings could be up to 40% due to close contact between animals and humans. A two-year cross-sectional study was conducted in Fagge abattoir, Kano State, Nigeria, to estimate the seropositivity of CCHFV in camels using a commercial multi-species competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A closed-ended questionnaire was administered to the abattoir workers to assess their awareness, mitigation, and behavioural practices associated with CCHF. Of the 184 camels tested, 179 (97%) were seropositive for CCHFV (95% confidence interval (CI): 93.77, 99.11). The median (interquartile range (IQR)) age of respondents was 41 (35-52), with 62% having no education. Respondents had little knowledge about CCHFV and the concept of zoonotic disease. In this study, the high estimated prevalence of antibodies to CCHFV in camels highlights the heightened risk of transmission of CCHFV in Nigeria. Similarly, a concerning lack of knowledge and inadequate preventive practices, alongside a prevalence of high-risk behaviours associated with CCHF among abattoir workers, were noted in this study. Thus, there is an urgent need for comprehensive public health education and collaborative One Health strategies to avert the threats of spillover events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Musa Adamu
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Victoria Ehinor Ugbodu
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Meshach Maina
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Maiduguri, Borno, Nigeria
| | - Usman Shehu Salisu
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria
| | | | - Emmanuel David
- Nigerian Field and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Arhyel Malgwi
- Nigerian Field and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Cornelius Adamu
- One Health (Man-Imal) Nantes College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Abdulrahman Adeiza
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Megan Herbert
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Paul Horwood
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Oyelola Adegboye
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory Australia
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Ninsiima M, Wanyana MW, Kiggundu T, King P, Lubwama B, Migisha R, Bulage L, Kadobera D, Ario AR. Syndromic surveillance during 2022 Uganda Martyrs' commemoration. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002068. [PMID: 38271379 PMCID: PMC10810525 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Mass gatherings frequently include close, prolonged interactions between people, which presents opportunities for infectious disease transmission. Over 20,000 pilgrims gathered at Namugongo Catholic and Protestant shrines to commemorate 2022 Uganda Martyr's Day. We described syndromes suggestive of key priority diseases particularly COVID-19 and viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) among visiting pilgrims during May 25-June 5, 2022. We conducted a survey among pilgrims at the catholic and protestant shrines based on signs and symptoms for key priority diseases: COVID-19 and VHF. A suspected COVID-19 case was defined as acute respiratory illness (temperature greater 37.5°C and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory infection such as cough or shortness of breath) whereas a suspected VHF case was defined as fever >37.5°C and unexplained bleeding among pilgrims who visited Namugongo Catholic and Protestant shrines from May 25 to June 5, 2022. Pilgrims were sampled systematically at entrances and demarcated zonal areas to participate in the survey. Additionally, we extracted secondary data on pilgrims who sought emergency medical services from Health Management Information System registers. Descriptive analysis was conducted to identify syndromes suggestive of key priority diseases. Among 1,350 pilgrims interviewed, 767 (57%) were female. The mean age was 37.9 (±17.9) years. Nearly all pilgrims 1,331 (98.6%) were Ugandans. A total of 236 (18%) reported ≥1 case definition symptom and 42 (3%) reported ≥2 symptoms. Thirty-nine (2.9%) were suspected COVID-19 cases and three (0.2%) were suspected VHF cases from different regions of Uganda. Among 5,582 pilgrims who sought medical care from tents, 628 (11.3%) had suspected COVID-19 and one had suspected VHF. Almost one in fifty pilgrims at the 2022 Uganda Martyrs' commemoration had at least one symptom of COVID-19 or VHF. Intensified syndromic surveillance and planned laboratory testing capacity at mass gatherings is important for early detection of public health emergencies that could stem from such events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackline Ninsiima
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mercy W. Wanyana
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Thomas Kiggundu
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick King
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bernard Lubwama
- Division of Integrated Epidemiology and Surveillance, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Migisha
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lilian Bulage
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Daniel Kadobera
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alex Riolexus Ario
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
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7
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Murari A, Gelfusa M, Craciunescu T, Gelfusa C, Gaudio P, Bovesecchi G, Rossi R. Effects of environmental conditions on COVID-19 morbidity as an example of multicausality: a multi-city case study in Italy. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1222389. [PMID: 37965519 PMCID: PMC10642182 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1222389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), broke out in December 2019 in Wuhan city, in the Hubei province of China. Since then, it has spread practically all over the world, disrupting many human activities. In temperate climates overwhelming evidence indicates that its incidence increases significantly during the cold season. Italy was one of the first nations, in which COVID-19 reached epidemic proportions, already at the beginning of 2020. There is therefore enough data to perform a systematic investigation of the correlation between the spread of the virus and the environmental conditions. The objective of this study is the investigation of the relationship between the virus diffusion and the weather, including temperature, wind, humidity and air quality, before the rollout of any vaccine and including rapid variation of the pollutants (not only their long term effects as reported in the literature). Regarding them methodology, given the complexity of the problem and the sparse data, robust statistical tools based on ranking (Spearman and Kendall correlation coefficients) and innovative dynamical system analysis techniques (recurrence plots) have been deployed to disentangle the different influences. In terms of results, the evidence indicates that, even if temperature plays a fundamental role, the morbidity of COVID-19 depends also on other factors. At the aggregate level of major cities, air pollution and the environmental quantities affecting it, particularly the wind intensity, have no negligible effect. This evidence should motivate a rethinking of the public policies related to the containment of this type of airborne infectious diseases, particularly information gathering and traffic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Murari
- Consorzio RFX (CNR, ENEA, INFN, Università di Padova, Acciaierie Venete SpA), Padua, Italy
- Istituto per la Scienza e la Tecnologia dei Plasmi, CNR, Padua, Italy
| | - Michela Gelfusa
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Teddy Craciunescu
- National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Măgurele, Romania
| | - Claudio Gelfusa
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Gaudio
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Bovesecchi
- Department of Enterprise Engineering, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Rossi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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8
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Phalippou L, Zhang D. The cost of mass gatherings during a pandemic. SSM Popul Health 2023; 23:101460. [PMID: 37441004 PMCID: PMC10291856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In June 2020, the U.S., unlike other regions of the world, faced a surge in cases of COVID-19. Immediately prior to this wave of cases, the largest mass protests in U.S. history took place. We show that when holding other factors constant, COVID-19 cases increased most in places where more demonstrations occurred. We exploit variation in rainfall during the protest period as an exogenous source of variation in attendance. We find that good weather coincides with both more people protesting and more subsequent COVID-19 cases and deaths. Mass gatherings during a pandemic thus lead to more contraction and fatalities of COVID-19, and we quantify these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Phalippou
- Said Business School, University of Oxford, Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HP, UK
| | - Dayin Zhang
- School of Business, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 975 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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9
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Igarashi Y, Yoshikawa T, Morita Y, Imai T, Yoshikawa E, Hasegawa K, Kanai S, Kikkawa K, Kobayashi Y, Ogikubo Y, Wada K. [A case report of COVID-19 preventive measures at an academic meeting of the Japan Society for Occupational Health]. SANGYO EISEIGAKU ZASSHI = JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2023; 65:212-217. [PMID: 36123049 DOI: 10.1539/sangyoeisei.2022-019-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Igarashi
- Infection Control Team of The 94th Japan Society for Occupational Health
- Disaster Occupational Health Center, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Toru Yoshikawa
- Infection Control Team of The 94th Japan Society for Occupational Health
- National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan
| | - Yusaku Morita
- Infection Control Team of The 94th Japan Society for Occupational Health
- Nippon Steel Corporation
| | - Teppei Imai
- Infection Control Team of The 94th Japan Society for Occupational Health
- OH Support Company
| | - Etsuko Yoshikawa
- Infection Control Team of The 94th Japan Society for Occupational Health
- Japanese Red Cross College of Nursing
| | - Kohei Hasegawa
- Infection Control Team of The 94th Japan Society for Occupational Health
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Shinshu University
| | - Shinichiro Kanai
- Infection Control Team of The 94th Japan Society for Occupational Health
- Department of Infection Control, Shinshu University Hospital
| | - Keizo Kikkawa
- Infection Control Team of The 94th Japan Society for Occupational Health
- Seiko Epson Corporation, Toyoshina Plant Health Support Office
| | - Yoshikiyo Kobayashi
- Infection Control Team of The 94th Japan Society for Occupational Health
- Nagano City Public Health Office
| | - Yuuko Ogikubo
- Infection Control Team of The 94th Japan Society for Occupational Health
- Yodakubo Hospital
| | - Koji Wada
- Infection Control Team of The 94th Japan Society for Occupational Health
- Department of Public Health, International University of Health and Welfare, School of Medicine
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10
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Ganegoda NC, Perera SSN. Chaos of COVID-19 Superspreading Events: An Analysis Via a Data-driven Approach. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/09720634221150964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Superspreading has become a key mechanism of COVID-19 transmission which creates chaos. The classical approach of compartmental models may not sufficiently reflect the epidemiological situation amid superspreading events (SSEs). We perform a data-driven approach and recognise the deterministic chaos of confirmed cases. The first derivative ( ≈difference of total confirmed cases) and the second derivative ( ≈difference of the first derivative) are used upon SSEs to showcase the chaos. Varying solution trajectories, sensitivity and numerical unpredictability are the chaotic characteristics discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. C. Ganegoda
- Department of Mathematics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - S. S. N. Perera
- Department of Mathematics, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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11
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Malki-Epshtein L, Adzic F, Roberts BM, Hathway EA, Iddon C, Mustafa M, Cook M. Measurement and rapid assessment of indoor air quality at mass gathering events to assess ventilation performance and reduce aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2. BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERING RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY : BSER & T 2023; 44:113-133. [PMID: 38603254 PMCID: PMC9760526 DOI: 10.1177/01436244221137995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
To assess risk factors for COVID-19 transmission and address the closure of mass gathering events since March 2020, the UK Government ran the Events Research Programme (ERP), following which it reopened live events in sports, music, and culture in July 2021. We report the rapid post-occupancy evaluation of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and associated long-range airborne transmission risk conducted in the Environmental Study of the ERP. Ten large venues around the UK were monitored with CO2 sensors at a high spatial and temporal resolution during 90 events. An IAQ Index based on CO2 concentration was developed, and all monitored spaces were classified in bands from A to G based on their average and maximum CO2 concentrations from all events. High resolution monitoring and the IAQ Index depicted the overall state of ventilation at live events, and allowed identification of issues with ventilation effectiveness and distribution, and of spaces with poor ventilation and the settings in which long-range airborne transmission risk may be increased. In numerous settings, CO2 concentrations were found to follow patterns relating to event management and specific occupancy of spaces around the venues. Good ventilation was observed in 90% of spaces monitored for given occupancies. Practical applications: High-resolution monitoring of indoor CO2 concentrations is necessary to detect the spatial variation of indoor air quality (IAQ) in large mass gathering event venues. The paper summarises COVID-19 ventilation guidance for buildings and defines a methodology for measurement and rapid assessment of IAQ during occupancy at live events that can be implemented by venue managers. Comparisons of the CO2 concentrations measured during the events identified the spaces at high risk of long-range transmission of airborne pathogens. Building operators should be mindful of the ventilation strategies used relative to the total occupancy in different spaces and the occupant's activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liora Malki-Epshtein
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Filipa Adzic
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ben M Roberts
- Building Energy Research Group, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | | | | | | | - Malcolm Cook
- Building Energy Research Group, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
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12
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Herrera-Plasencia PM, Enoki-Miñano E, Ruiz-Barrueto MYA. [Risks, contamination and prevention against COVID-19 in dental work: a review]. Rev Salud Publica (Bogota) 2023; 22:560-565. [PMID: 36753227 DOI: 10.15446/rsap.v22n5.86065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In April 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic caused more than one million infections and 54 600 deaths to date around the world. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 is rapid, and its transmission is through droplets of saliva, hence its importance in dentistry. OBJECTIVE Identify the main risks, transmission routes and prevention measures against COVID-19. METHODS A review of the scientific literature of the last two years on the subject was carried out in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Research Gate databases. The descriptors used were: "coronavirus", "COVID-19", "dental", "dentistry", "oral", "stomatology", and "aerosol". 350 articles were found, but 50 were selected for their topicality, relationship, and focus. The transmission of the COVID-19 is carried out mainly through saliva drops, aerosols and fomites. The virus can subsist for a time on the environment and surfaces. Dentists are health workers who are at risk of contagion because several of their procedures release aerosols. The biosecurity in the exercise of this profession must be strict and extreme, also the cleaning and disinfection of the environment and contact surfaces. CONCLUSIONS In the dental profession the potential risk of contamination among operators, assistants and patients is high. Knowing the causative agent and the disease allows you to reduce the possibility of contagion. The dentist must consider patients as suspects to COVID-19 and apply biosecurity at all levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika Enoki-Miñano
- EE: OD. M.Sc. Estomatología. Ph.D. Estomatología. Universidad César Vallejo. Piura, Perú.
| | - Miguel Y A Ruiz-Barrueto
- MR: Biólogo microbiólogo M.Sc ciencias. Ph.D. Ciencias Biomédicas. Universidad César Vallejo. Piura, Perú.
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13
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Zhu P, Tan X, Wang M, Guo F, Shi S, Li Z. The impact of mass gatherings on the local transmission of COVID-19 and the implications for social distancing policies: Evidence from Hong Kong. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279539. [PMID: 36724151 PMCID: PMC9891527 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mass gatherings provide conditions for the transmission of infectious diseases and pose complex challenges to public health. Faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, governments and health experts called for suspension of gatherings in order to reduce social contact via which virus is transmitted. However, few studies have investigated the contribution of mass gatherings to COVID-19 transmission in local communities. In Hong Kong, the coincidence of the relaxation of group gathering restrictions with demonstrations against the National Security Law in mid-2020 raised concerns about the safety of mass gatherings under the pandemic. Therefore, this study examines the impacts of mass gatherings on the local transmission of COVID-19 and evaluates the importance of social distancing policies. With an aggregated dataset of epidemiological, city-level meteorological and socioeconomic data, a Synthetic Control Method (SCM) is used for constructing a 'synthetic Hong Kong' from over 200 Chinese cities. This counterfactual control unit is used to simulate COVID-19 infection patterns (i.e., the number of total cases and daily new cases) in the absence of mass gatherings. Comparing the hypothetical trends and the actual ones, our results indicate that the infection rate observed in Hong Kong is substantially higher than that in the counterfactual control unit (2.63% vs. 0.07%). As estimated, mass gatherings increased the number of new infections by 62 cases (or 87.58% of total new cases) over the 10-day period and by 737 cases (or 97.23%) over the 30-day period. These findings suggest the necessity of tightening social distancing policies, especially the prohibition on group gathering regulation (POGGR), to prevent and control COVID-19 outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Zhu
- Urban Governance and Design Thrust, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, Hong Kong
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- * E-mail:
| | - Xinying Tan
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | | | - Fei Guo
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis
| | - Shuai Shi
- University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Zhizhao Li
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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14
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Fallah A, Sedighian H, Behzadi E, Havaei SA, Kachuei R, Imani Fooladi AA. The role of serum circulating microbial toxins in severity and cytokine storm of COVID positive patients. Microb Pathog 2023; 174:105888. [PMID: 36402345 PMCID: PMC9671676 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105888] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is a global problem nowadays, causing health difficulty with increasing mortality rates, which doesn't have a verified treatment. SARS-CoV-2 infection has various pathological and epidemiological characteristics, one of them is increased amounts of cytokine production, which in order activate an abnormal unrestricted response called "cytokine storm". This event contributes to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which results in respiratory failure and pneumonia and is the great cause of death associated with Covid-19. Endotoxemia and the release of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (endotoxins) from the lumen into the bloodstream enhance proinflammatory cytokines. SARS-CoV-2 can straightly interplay with endotoxins via its S protein, leading to the extremely elevating release of cytokines and consequently increase the harshness of Covid-19. In this review, we will discuss the possible role of viral-bacterial interaction that occurs through the transfer of bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the intestine into the bloodstream, exacerbating the severity of Covid-19 and cytokine storms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Fallah
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamid Sedighian
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Behzadi
- Academy of Medical Sciences of the I.R. of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Asghar Havaei
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Reza Kachuei
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Imani Fooladi
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding author. 14359-44711, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Mercier A, Méheut A, Alidjinou EK, Lazrek M, Faure K, Hober D, Engelmann I. Respiratory virus detection in returning travelers and pilgrims from the Middle East. Travel Med Infect Dis 2023; 51:102482. [PMID: 36280020 PMCID: PMC9584832 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia are commonly infected with respiratory viruses. Since the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2012, patients with acute respiratory symptoms returning from an endemic area can be suspected to be infected by this virus. METHODS 98 patients suspected to have MERS-CoV infection from 2014 to 2019 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Upper and lower respiratory tract samples were tested by real-time RT-PCR for the detection of MERS-CoV and other respiratory viruses. Routine microbiological analyses were also performed. Patient data were retrieved from laboratory and hospital databases retrospectively. RESULTS All patients with suspected MERS-CoV infection travelled before their hospitalization. Most frequent symptoms were cough (94.4%) and fever (69.4%). 98 specimens were tested for MERS-CoV RNA and none of them was positive. Most frequently detected viruses were Enterovirus/Rhinovirus (40/83; 48.2%), Influenzavirus A (34/90; 37.8%) and B (11/90; 12.2%), H-CoV (229E and OC43 10/83; 12% and 7/83; 8.4%, respectively). CONCLUSION From 2014 to 2019, none of 98 patients returning from endemic areas was MERS-CoV infected. However, infections with other respiratory viruses were frequent, especially with Enterovirus/Rhinoviruses and Influenzaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambroise Mercier
- Univ Lille, CHU Lille, Laboratoire de Virologie ULR3610, F-59037, Lille, France
| | - Antoine Méheut
- CHU Lille, Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Lille, France, F-59037, Lille, France
| | | | - Mouna Lazrek
- Univ Lille, CHU Lille, Laboratoire de Virologie ULR3610, F-59037, Lille, France
| | - Karine Faure
- CHU Lille, Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Lille, France, F-59037, Lille, France,Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 - CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000, Lille, France,Service de Maladies Infectieuses, CHU Lille, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Didier Hober
- Univ Lille, CHU Lille, Laboratoire de Virologie ULR3610, F-59037, Lille, France
| | - Ilka Engelmann
- Univ Lille, CHU Lille, Laboratoire de Virologie ULR3610, F-59037, Lille, France,Corresponding author. Laboratoire de Virologie, CHU Montpellier, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, 80 avenue Augustin Fliche, 34295 Montpellier, France
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16
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Sayadi AR, Seyed Bagheri SH, Khodadadi A, Jafari Torababadi R. The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training on serum cortisol levels, depression, stress, and anxiety in type 2 diabetic older adults during the COVID-19 outbreak. J Med Life 2022; 15:1493-1501. [PMID: 36762327 PMCID: PMC9884344 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2021-0437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Old age is rapidly increasing and is linked to with chronic diseases, especially diabetes. Diabetes is associated with increased anxiety, stress, and depression and, in turn, can increase cortisol secretion. To this end, the present research studied the impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training on serum cortisol levels, depression, anxiety, and stress in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) older adults during the COVID-19 epidemic. The participants in this interventional work were 56 older adult patients with type 2 diabetes chosen through systematic random sampling and then randomly divided into control and intervention groups containing equal members. In the intervention group, the participants attended eight mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training sessions. The subjects in the control group received no intervention. Since four patients left the study, only data for 52 patients were collected using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and a demographic and disease information questionnaire. Data were examined with SPSS18 software using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, chi-square test, Fisher test, independent samples t-test, and two-way ANOVA; the significance was p<0.05. Statistically significant differences were observed between the mean scores of anxiety, stress, depression, and cortisol levels in the intervention group (p<0.00001) before, directly after, and three months after the intervention. However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the mentioned variables in the control group. The mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention can improve anxiety, depression, stress, and cortisol levels in older adults suffering from T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Reza Sayadi
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran,Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Seyed Hamid Seyed Bagheri
- Department of Pediatric and Neonatal Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran,Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Ali Khodadadi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran,Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Reza Jafari Torababadi
- Department of Geriatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran,Corresponding Author: Reza Jafari Torababadi, Department of Geriatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. E-mail:
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17
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Yousefian S, Abbasabadi-Arab M, Saberian P, Kolivand P, Mobini A, Amin SM, Sahebi A. Risk Assessment of Arbaeen Mass Gathering in the Covid-19 Pandemic. DIALOGUES IN HEALTH 2022; 1:100061. [PMID: 36785640 PMCID: PMC9613783 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2022.100061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Arbaeen is a religious ceremony held annually with the participation of a large number of pilgrims. During the pandemic of Covid-19, a mass gathering of Arbaeen pilgrims can strengthen the transmission of this disease and put more pressure on the health care system of countries. The aim of the study is to evaluate the risk of Arbaeen ceremony in the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. Materials and methods A mixed method was performed to perform the study using qualitative and quantitative methods. A national risk assessment tool was used that consisted of hazard identification and assessment, scenario development, exposure assessment, vulnerability assessment and risk estimation. The national risk assessment tool was completed through a focused group discussion and the opinions of 20 representatives of the health system and the level of risks were estimated. Data were collected, analyzed, and integrated by the research team. Results Based on the results of risk matrix analysis, factors such as the increase in the number of new cases of COVID-19, the probability of exposure to a new variant of COVID-19, the probability of arrival of a new variant of COVID-19 to the country, the probability of increasing referrals to healthcare facilities (score 16), the probability of getting respiratory diseases, and the environmental contamination (score 12) occupied the red area of the matrix and were found to have the highest risk (unbearable risk), that needs immediate action. Conclusion Preparing for a mass gathering such as Arbaeen is very important in order to reduce the risk of communicable disease, and the first step in improving preparedness is risk assessment and its continuity in the various stages of the ceremony. Therefore, policy makers and planners of such events should conduct risk assessments with the participation of local and national public health authorities regularly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Yousefian
- National Medical Emergency Organization, Ministry of Health & Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Abbasabadi-Arab
- National Medical Emergency Organization, Ministry of Health & Medical Education, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding author
| | - Peyman Saberian
- National Medical Emergency Organization, Ministry of Health & Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pirhossein Kolivand
- National Medical Emergency Organization, Ministry of Health & Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Mobini
- National Medical Emergency Organization, Ministry of Health & Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Mehran Amin
- National Medical Emergency Organization, Ministry of Health & Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Sahebi
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
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18
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Khaleghian M, Tizmaghz A, Rezaei-Tavirani M, Abbasi MA, Montazer F, Shabestanipour G, Alamoutifard E, Tayebi A, Olamaeian F. Histopathologic Changes of Appendicitis Stage During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2022; 36:140. [PMID: 36479536 PMCID: PMC9719579 DOI: 10.47176/mjiri.36.140] [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: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We decided to compare the pathology stage of appendicitis in patients referred to Firoozabadi Medical Center before and after the official announcement of the coronavirus outbreak in Iran because we believe that people's fears of COVID-19 are keeping them away from hospitals and it likely causes them to come in later stages of the disease. Therefore, this study aims at investigating the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the stage of appendicitis at presentation. Methods: In this retrospective study, histopathology records of all acute appendicitis patients who underwent an emergency appendectomy in the surgical unit in our institute between December 2019 and April 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The study period was designed to include 2 months before and 2 months after the officially announced onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran on February 20, 2020. All cases of complicated appendicitis (perforated appendicitis, phlegmonous appendix, itis or abscess) were excluded. Descriptive statistics were used to describe our study variables. Furthermore, ordinal logistic regression was used to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and demographic variables on the stage of appendicitis at presentation. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics Version 22. Results: The study was conducted on 170 clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis patients. The odds ratio for gender was equal to 0.45 (0.23, 0.86), which means that women presented at an earlier pathological stage than men ( p = 0.016). Also, patients who had health insurance were 50% less likely to present in later pathological stages than those who did not ( p = 0.024). The COVID-19 outback did not have a significant role in the pathological stage at presentation ( p = 0.235). Conclusion: The number of appendicitis patients was down by about 50% following the outbreak announcement in Iran. Surprisingly, we did not find any significant changes in the distribution pattern of appendicitis pathological staging after the outbreak. Being uninsured and male sex were found to have the most significant roles in delayed hospital presentation and higher pathological stages in patients with acute appendicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Khaleghian
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Adnan Tizmaghz
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
, Corresponding author:
Adnan Tizmaghz,
| | - Majid Rezaei-Tavirani
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Abbasi
- Firoozabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (FCRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Montazer
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Ali Tayebi
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faranak Olamaeian
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Modelling the dynamic relationship between spread of infection and observed crowd movement patterns at large scale events. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14825. [PMID: 36050348 PMCID: PMC9434081 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19081-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how contact patterns arise from crowd movement is crucial for assessing the spread of infection at mass gathering events. Here we study contact patterns from Wi-Fi mobility data of large sports and entertainment events in the Johan Cruijff ArenA stadium in Amsterdam. We show that crowd movement behaviour at mass gathering events is not homogeneous in time, but naturally consists of alternating periods of movement and rest. As a result, contact duration distributions are heavy-tailed, an observation which is not explained by models assuming that pedestrian contacts are analogous to collisions in the kinetic gas model. We investigate the effect of heavy-tailed contact duration patterns on the spread of infection using various random walk models. We show how different types of intermittent movement behaviour interact with a time-dependent infection probability. Our results point to the existence of a crossover point where increased contact duration presents a higher level of transmission risk than increasing the number of contacts. In addition, we show that different types of intermittent movement behaviour give rise to different mass-action kinetics, but also show that neither one of two mass-action mechanisms uniquely describes events.
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20
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Bhat R, Kamath SD, Sequeira N, Raina S, Pai GS, Sukumar D, Martis J. The role of precautions: Organising a medical conference during COVID-19 pandemic-Lessons from IADVL MIDDERMACON 2021. JEADV CLINICAL PRACTICE 2022; 1:264-267. [PMID: 37830035 PMCID: PMC9349629 DOI: 10.1002/jvc2.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background The use of virtual platforms for clinical meetings has become the default approach during this pandemic era. Organising an offline conference during a pandemic is a challenge and is possible if the participating crowd is vaccinated and is willing to follow appropriate pandemic protocols. Objective To determine the feasibility of conducting a conference among mostly vaccinated delegates using standard precautionary protocols. Methods This study was conducted at IADVL MIDDERMACON 2021, held in Mangalore, India, in late October 2021, during the phase of decline of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2. The study population included all conference attendees, including support staff. Details were collected about their vaccination status, comorbidities, and mode of travel to the conference venue. An reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test was done randomly among the attendees for COVID-19 infection. A post-conference assessment and RT-PCR tests were done at the end of 2 weeks to assess the occurrence of infections among study participants. Results A total of 1744 people were present at the venue, of which 576 (33.03%) participated in the study. The percentage of fully vaccinated was 88.88% (512/576). The majority had taken the vaccine Covishield (manufactured by AstraZeneca), that is, 85.06% (490/576). Infection post the conference was reported in 0.195% (1/576). Conclusions Holding large gatherings like medical conferences pose a challenge during a pandemic. However, to increase the benefits of the conference, it is advisable to hold them offline with vaccinated delegates, follow the advice of the conference organising committee, and practise safe precautionary measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Bhat
- Department of DermatologyFather Muller Medical CollegeMangaloreKarnatakaIndia
| | - Suvidha D. Kamath
- Department of DermatologyFather Muller Medical CollegeMangaloreKarnatakaIndia
| | | | - Sunil Raina
- Department of Community MedicineDr. R P Government Medical CollegeTandaHimachal PradeshIndia
| | - Ganesh S. Pai
- DERMA‐CARE Skin and Cosmetology CentreMangaloreKarnatakaIndia
| | - Dandakeri Sukumar
- Department of DermatologyFather Muller Medical CollegeMangaloreKarnatakaIndia
| | - Jacintha Martis
- Department of DermatologyFather Muller Medical CollegeMangaloreKarnatakaIndia
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21
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Adzic F, Roberts BM, Hathway EA, Kaur Matharu R, Ciric L, Wild O, Cook M, Malki-Epshtein L. A post-occupancy study of ventilation effectiveness from high-resolution CO 2 monitoring at live theatre events to mitigate airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2022; 223:109392. [PMID: 35937085 PMCID: PMC9339161 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Mass-gathering events were closed around the world in 2020 to minimise the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Emerging research on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 emphasised the importance of sufficient ventilation. This paper presents the results of an indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring study over 82 events in seven mechanically ventilated auditoria to support the UK government Events Research Programme. Indoor carbon dioxide concentration was measured at high resolution before, during, and after occupancy to allow for assessment of the ventilation systems. Generally, good indoor air quality was measured in all auditoria, with average IAQ found to be excellent or very good for 70% of spaces. In some auditoria, spatial variation in IAQ was identified, indicating poor mixing of the air. In addition, surface and air samples were taken and analysed for the presence of bacteria by culture and SARS-CoV-2 using RT-qPCR in one venue. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected on a small number of surfaces at very low copy numbers, which are unlikely to pose an infection risk. Under the ventilation strategies and occupancy levels investigated, it is likely that most theatres pose a low risk of long-range transmission of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Adzic
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, UK
| | - Ben M Roberts
- Building Energy Research Group, School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, Loughborough University, UK
| | | | - Rupy Kaur Matharu
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, UK
| | - Lena Ciric
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, UK
| | - Oliver Wild
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, UK
| | - Malcolm Cook
- Building Energy Research Group, School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, Loughborough University, UK
| | - Liora Malki-Epshtein
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, UK
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22
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The Statistical Analysis to Find Correlation Between Mass Gathering Event and COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak: The Prayagraj Magh Mela 2021 Experience. PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES INDIA SECTION A-PHYSICAL SCIENCES 2022. [PMCID: PMC9244045 DOI: 10.1007/s40010-022-00795-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Magh mela, a smaller form of Kumbh mela, organize every year in Prayagraj. With the emergence of novel corona virus, there is worldwide discussion to find out the effective way to organize or cancel the mass gathering events. The present study assesses the challenges in organization of mass gathering events like Magh mela held at Prayagraj, India in 2021. The correlation between increased cases of COVID-19 and Magh mela-2021 has been highlighted through statistical analysis and growth curves using the available data. The study finds that there is a correlation between the Magh mela-2021 mass gathering event and increased rate of COVID-19 infections. After the Magh mela 2021, the average daily increase in the COVID-19 cases started to increase. It was found 4.25%, 6.28% and 2.73% in India, Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj, respectively.
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23
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Zhang Z, Liu C, Nunkoo R, Sunnassee VA, Chen X. Rethinking Lockdown Policies in the Pre-Vaccine Era of COVID-19: A Configurational Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127142. [PMID: 35742409 PMCID: PMC9223109 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The significance of lockdown policies for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic is widely recognized. However, most studies have focused on individual lockdown measures. The effectiveness of lockdown policy combinations has not been examined from a configurational perspective. This research applies fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to examine different lockdown policy combinations associated with high-epidemic situations in 84 countries. A high-epidemic situation can occur through three different “weak-confined” patterns of lockdown policy combinations. The findings demonstrate that a combination of lockdown policies is more successful than any single lockdown policy, whereas the absence of several key measures in policy combinations can lead to a high-epidemic situation. The importance of international travel controls can become obscured when they are the only measures adopted, and a high-epidemic situation can still arise where restrictions are placed on international travel but not on public transport or when workplaces are closed but schools remain open.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziang Zhang
- School of Geography, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China;
| | - Chao Liu
- Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Robin Nunkoo
- Department of Management, University of Mauritius, Reduit MU 80837, Mauritius;
- School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa
- Griffith Institute for Tourism, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
- Copenhagen Business School, Porcelaenshaven 18A, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Vivek A. Sunnassee
- Westminster Business School, University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LS, UK;
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- School of Humanities, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou 213001, China;
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A Perspective towards Multi-Hazard Resilient Systems: Natural Hazards and Pandemics. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14084508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The concept of resilience has been used extensively across the sciences in engineering and the humanities. It is applied to ecology, medicine, economics, and psychology. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed an extraordinary challenge to the resilience of healthcare systems, communities, and nations and has profoundly altered our previous day-to-day operations. This paper presents a discussion of the definitions and characteristics of resilient systems. Scenarios are utilized to qualitatively explore key relationships, responses, and paths for recovery across different system types. The purpose is to develop an integrated approach that can accommodate simultaneous threats to system resilience, in particular, impacts from a natural hazard in conjunction with COVID-19. This manuscript is the first to advocate for more in-depth and quantitative research utilizing transdisciplinary approaches that can accommodate considerations across our built environment and healthcare system infrastructures in pursuit of designing systems that are resilient to both natural hazards and pandemic impacts.
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Lee M, Lim H, Xavier MS, Lee EY. "A Divine Infection": A Systematic Review on the Roles of Religious Communities During the Early Stage of COVID-19. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:866-919. [PMID: 34405313 PMCID: PMC8370454 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01364-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this systematic review was to summarize the roles that religious communities played during the early stage of COVID-19 pandemic. Seven databases were searched and a total of 58 articles in English published between February 2020 and July 2020 were included in evidence synthesis. The findings of the literature showed diverse influences of religion as a double-edged sword in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Religious communities have played detrimental and/or beneficial roles as a response to COVID-19 pandemic. A collaborative approach among religious communities, health science, and government is critical to combat COVID-19 crisis and future pandemics/epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikyung Lee
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, KHS 307, 28 Division St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Heejun Lim
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, KHS 307, 28 Division St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Merin Shobhana Xavier
- School of Religion, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Gender Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Eun-Young Lee
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, KHS 307, 28 Division St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
- Department of Gender Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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Tao S, Bragazzi NL, Wu J, Mellado B, Kong JD. Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to assess the impact of nonpharmaceutical interventions on the second wave of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic across the world. Sci Rep 2022; 12:944. [PMID: 35042945 PMCID: PMC8766477 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04731-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present paper, we aimed to determine the influence of various non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) enforced during the first wave of COVID-19 across countries on the spreading rate of COVID-19 during the second wave. For this purpose, we took into account national-level climatic, environmental, clinical, health, economic, pollution, social, and demographic factors. We estimated the growth of the first and second wave across countries by fitting a logistic model to daily-reported case numbers, up to the first and second epidemic peaks. We estimated the basic and effective (second wave) reproduction numbers across countries. Next, we used a random forest algorithm to study the association between the growth rate of the second wave and NPIs as well as pre-existing country-specific characteristics. Lastly, we compared the growth rate of the first and second waves of COVID-19. The top three factors associated with the growth of the second wave were body mass index, the number of days that the government sets restrictions on requiring facial coverings outside the home at all times, and restrictions on gatherings of 10 people or less. Artificial intelligence techniques can help scholars as well as decision and policy-makers estimate the effectiveness of public health policies, and implement "smart" interventions, which are as efficacious as stringent ones.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Jianhong Wu
- Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Bruce Mellado
- School of Physics, Institute for Collider Particle Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa
| | - Jude Dzevela Kong
- Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
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Abstract
The aim of the study is to assess the impact of various nationalities, cultures, and religions on the spread of the coronavirus in the human environment. Particular attention was paid to compliance with legal and ethical standards during a pandemic. Different cultures, nationalities, and religions have a significant influence on the development and spread of the coronavirus in the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the tightening of legal standards, it is necessary to ensure: protection of patient confidentiality; of freedom of the expression; accesses to critical information; the opportunities to belong to social organizations and civil society; the accesses to professionals healthcare; ensure equal rights for women and guarantee the right to water and sanitation; continuity of humanitarian aid and targeted economic aid. Travel locks and bans should comply with legal standards; the right to education should be strictly respected. Artificial intelligence can be used in the fight against the crown.
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Shankar PR, Palaian S, Vannal V, Sreeramareddy CT. Non-Pharmacological Infection Prevention and Control Interventions in COVID-19: What Does the Current Evidence Say? Int J Prev Med 2021; 12:174. [PMID: 37663401 PMCID: PMC10472080 DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_604_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), a major global public health emergency has significantly impacted human health and livelihoods. The pandemic continues to spread and treatments and vaccines are at different stages of development. Mass vaccination has been rolled out worldwide. This review article provides a narrative summary of the evidence on various non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) for COVID-19 containment. The authors reviewed the evidence published by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health map of COVID-19 evidence. Additional literature was identified from PubMed and Google Scholar, preprint sites, and news media. The search terms included "Social distancing measures" and "COVID 19", "Non-pharmacological interventions'' and "COVID 19", "COVID-19", "non-pharmacological interventions", "face mask", etc. The strength of the evidence for most studies on NPIs was 'weak to moderate' for restrictive NPIs. Ascertaining the impact of each NPI as a standalone intervention is difficult since NPIs are implemented simultaneously with other measures. Varying testing and reporting strategies across the countries and classification of deaths directly caused by COVID-19 create challenges in assessing the impact of restrictive NPIs on the case numbers and deaths. Evidence on hygiene measures such as face mask is more robust in design providing credible evidence on prevention of COVID-19 infection. Evidence from modeling studies, natural before-after studies, and anecdotal evidence from the strategies adopted by 'role model' countries suggests that continued use of NPIs is the only containment strategy until 'herd immunity' is achieved to reduce the severe disease and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Ravi Shankar
- IMU Centre for Education, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Subish Palaian
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences, Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
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Ag Ahmed MA, Ly BA, Diarra NH, Traore FB, Diarra D, Kande IF, Dembele M, Doumbia S, Alami H. Challenges to the implementation and adoption of physical distancing measures against COVID-19 by internally displaced people in Mali: a qualitative study. Confl Health 2021; 15:88. [PMID: 34863236 PMCID: PMC8642860 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-021-00425-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For almost a decade now, Mali has been facing a security crisis that led to the displacement of thousands of people within the country. Since March 2020, a health crisis linked to the COVID-19 pandemic also surfaced. To overcome this health crisis, the government implemented some physical distancing measures but their adoption proved difficult, particularly among internally displaced people (IDPs). The objective of this study is to identify the challenges relating to the implementation and adoption of physical distancing measures and to determine the main mitigation measures taken by IDPs to adjust to these new policies.
Methods An exploratory qualitative research was conducted in Bamako and Ségou, two of the ten regions of Mali. The study counted 68 participants including 50 IDPs, seven administrative and health authorities, and 11 humanitarian actors. Sampling was guided by the principle of saturation and diversification, and data was collected through semi-structured individual interviews (n = 36) and focus groups (n = eight). Analysis was based on thematic content analysis through NVivo software.
Results The main challenges identified concerning the implementation and adoption of physical distancing measures include the proximity in which IDPs live, their beliefs and values, the lack of toilets and safe water on sites, IDPs habits and economic situation, humanitarian actors’ lack of financial resources and authority, and social pressure from religious leaders. Implemented mitigation measures include the building of new shelters or their compartmentalization, the creation of income-generating activities and food banks, psychosocial support, promoting awareness of IDPs, and nightly police patrols and surveillance to discourage IDPs from going out. Finally, a call for action is suggested for the actors involved in IDPs support and management. Conclusions The study demonstrates the difficulty for IDPs to follow most of the physical distancing measures and informs about the risk of disease spreading among IDPs with its potential consequences. It also shows the inability of mitigation measures to control the outbreak and suggests actions to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ali Ag Ahmed
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium. .,Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomalogy, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali.
| | - Birama Apho Ly
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Niélé Hawa Diarra
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomalogy, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Djeneba Diarra
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomalogy, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Mahamadou Dembele
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomalogy, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Seydou Doumbia
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomalogy, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
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Basit A, Scholz M, Niazi AAK, Qazi TF, Shaukat MZ, Rao ZUR, Mahmood A. Structural Modeling on the Determinants of Effectiveness of SOPs Containing COVID-19 in Mass Gatherings. Front Psychol 2021; 12:755221. [PMID: 34777157 PMCID: PMC8578903 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.755221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The study is aimed to analyze the determinants of the effectiveness of SOPs in mass gatherings for containing COVID-19. The overall design of the study involves a literature review, data collection by field survey, structural modeling, and analysis. The study is built on the experts' opinion of a focus group (representing people who recently participated in and are responsible for mass gatherings). The study uses the discussion of the literature review to identify the determinants, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) for developing and analyzing a structural model, and Matrice d'Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliquée a un Classement (MICMAC) for corroboration of results of the ISM/classification of determinants. From the literature review, a list of determinants is generated and verified by a panel of experts. The results of the ISM revealed that the determinants “legal environment of the country,” “practicability of SOPs,” “perceived benefit of adapting SOPs,” and “possibilities of avoiding gathering” occupied the top of the model, therefore, they are less critical determinants, whereas “nature of gathering” occupied the bottom of the model, and is thus the most critical determinant. The remaining determinants form the middle of the model, and are therefore moderately severe. The results of MICMAC show that the determinant “perceived benefit of adapting SOPs” is dependent, “nature of gathering” is independent, and all others are linked. The results of MICMAC implicitly substantiate the findings of the ISM. The overall results of the study show that “nature of gathering” is the key determinant. This research does not require a priori theory since it is a theory-building study that uses an inductive approach. It is based on real data and it is useful for local authorities, organizers, participants (attendees/visitors) of mass gatherings, health officials/regulators, researchers, and the community at large. This study has fundamental importance for planning and preparing for such events while ensuring the minimum risk of COVID-19 transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Basit
- Lahore Institute of Science and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Miklas Scholz
- Division of Water Resources Engineering, Department of Building and Environmental Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Civil Engineering Science, School of Civil Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Town Planning, Engineering Networks and Systems, South Ural State University (National Research University), Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Abdul Aziz Khan Niazi
- Institute of Business and Management, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tehmina Fiaz Qazi
- Hailey College of Banking and Finance, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Zia-Ur-Rehman Rao
- Hailey College of Commerce, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Asif Mahmood
- Department of Business Studies, Namal Institute, Mianwali, Pakistan
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31
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Effect of Resilience on Health-Related Quality of Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111394. [PMID: 34769907 PMCID: PMC8582796 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The unprecedented outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a huge global health and economic crisis. The aim of the study was to examine the extent to which the resilience of a person is associated with the quality of life (QoL) of adults amongst Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of adults in Saudi Arabia. A total of 385 adults voluntarily participated in and completed the survey. The quality of life was measured using the “World Health Organization QoL”. The “Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale” instrument was also used to assess resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amongst the 385 participants, 179 (46%) showed a good QoL, and 205 (54%) reported a relatively poor QoL. The resilience was found to be significantly associated with QoL. The study further revealed that gender-based differences were dominant in the QoL; the men respondents reported a significantly higher QoL in all the domains in comparison to the women respondents. The gender, income, and psychological health and interaction effect of resilience and age explained 40% of the variance in the total score of QoL. In reference to the predictors of the physical health domain of QoL, resilience, gender, and psychological health were significantly associated with the physical health domain of the QoL (R2 = 0.26, p = 0.001). It was also noted that gender was not associated with the social relationships and environmental domains of QoL (p > 0.05). Findings showed a statistically significant association between the score of QoL and resilience, age, gender, income, and psychological health. These findings highlight the significant contribution of gender-based differences, psychological health, and resilience on the domains of QoL.
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32
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Balbuena L, Monaro M. Fear of Infection and the Common Good: COVID-19 and the First Italian Lockdown. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111341. [PMID: 34769858 PMCID: PMC8583192 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In the first quarter of 2020, Italy became one of the earliest hotspots of COVID-19 infection, and the government imposed a lockdown. During the lockdown, an online survey of 2053 adults was conducted that asked about health behaviors and about the psychological and overall impact of COVID-19. The present study is a secondary analysis of that data. We hypothesized that self-control, higher socio-economic status, existing health conditions, and fear of infection were all inversely related to actions (or intentions) that violated the lockdown (i.e., infractions). Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), we found that only the fear of infection significantly dissuaded people from violating lockdown rules. Since it is not practical or ethical to sow a fear of infection, our study indicates that enacting rules and enforcing them firmly and fairly are important tools for containing the infection. This may become more important as vaccines become more widely available and people lose their fear of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd Balbuena
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada
- Correspondence: (L.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Merylin Monaro
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35151 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.B.); (M.M.)
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Hassan S, Amuda YJ, Chikhaoui E, Dhali M. Exploring health impact and safety measures against transmission of COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. J Public Health Res 2021; 11. [PMID: 34619857 PMCID: PMC8859720 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of Covid-19 at the global level cannot be underestimated. Arab world including Saudi Arabia is affected with the pandemic of Covid-19. More importantly, the surge of the numbers of infected individuals in Iran has brought fear and anxiety in the whole region in general and Saudi Arabia in particular. Several studies have investigated the prevalence of the virus in different countries from various perspectives. Nonetheless, little focus is given to academic research on health challenge of the virus resulting to fear and anxiety in the recent time in the context of Saudi Arabia. This study primarily aims at exploring the health effect of Covid-19 in Saudi Arabia despite the fact that, the World Health Organization (WHO) has clamored for preventive measures in addressing global health effect of the virus. The methodology of the study is systematic literature review (SLR) and content analysis of the secondary data on health impact of Covid-19 and preventive measures against its transmission in the country are critically analyzed. The results of secondary data of the study indicated that a number of confirmed cases, active cases and deaths in Saudi Arabia manifested negative impact of Covid-19 on citizens' health especially fear and anxiety despite the fact that records have showed steady recovered cases in the country. More specifically, the findings indicated that, health impact of Covid-19 are as follows namely: fear or anxiety, negative attitude among health workers and women in health workforce. Similarly, Saudi Arabia has put in place various preventive measures such as: preventive measures against transmission of Covid-19 which are as follows: institutional preparedness and strengthening mechanism, curfews and lockdowns and suspension of activities and order of social distancing. In conclusion, this paper has lucidly highlighted the health effect of Covid-19 and safety measures against the transmission of Covid-19 have been elaborated in the context of Saudi Arabia. It is thereby suggested that, the outcome of this study can be helpful to the health workers and policymakers in the country to be acquainted with the magnanimity of the novel coronavirus as well as putting effective safety mechanisms in place in curtailing the spread of Covid-19 in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mohsin Dhali
- College of Law, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh.
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Lin K, Mumtaz A, Rahaman MA, Mok KH. Social Quarantine and Its Four Modes: Conceptional Exploration and the Theoretical Construction of the Polices Against COVID-19. Front Public Health 2021; 9:614476. [PMID: 34631635 PMCID: PMC8495238 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.614476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Building on the studies of health quarantine from a social perspective, this article explores the complex contexts of social quarantine as a mode of public health, a mode of community action and a behavioural and psychological mode of social distancing. To establish a conceptual investigation of the "social quarantine" issue, this study investigates four approaches to quarantine: public health, social administration, behavioural norms, and psychological effects. The study identifies the features of these modes and discusses their relationships. In addition, this study constructs a preventive framework for quarantine that embraces social and health policies to enrich the understanding of policy measures for social distancing and lockdown measures. On this basis, the study evaluates the strategies of policy development in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study concludes that these modes can reconstruct social relations and provide some basis for theoretical analysis about the features of social quarantine, which is vital for policymakers when considering national and global prevention strategies for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Lin
- College of Public Administration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Policy Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ayesha Mumtaz
- College of Public Administration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Ka Ho Mok
- Institute of Policy Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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35
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Alshammari SM, Almutiry WK, Gwalani H, Algarni SM, Saeedi K. Measuring the impact of suspending Umrah, a global mass gathering in Saudi Arabia on the COVID-19 pandemic. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL ORGANIZATION THEORY 2021:1-26. [PMID: 34512113 PMCID: PMC8421017 DOI: 10.1007/s10588-021-09343-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Since the early days of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Wuhan, China, Saudi Arabia started to implement several preventative measures starting with the imposition of travel restrictions to and from China. Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, and with the first confirmed case in Saudi Arabia in March 2019, more strict measures, such as international travel restriction, and suspension or cancellation of major events, social gatherings, prayers at mosques, and sports competitions, were employed. These non-pharmaceutical interventions aim to reduce the extent of the epidemic due to the implications of international travel and mass gatherings on the increase in the number of new cases locally and globally. Since this ongoing outbreak is the first of its kind in the modern world, the impact of suspending mass gatherings on the outbreak is unknown and difficult to measure. We use a stratified SEIR epidemic model to evaluate the impact of Umrah, a global Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, on the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic during the month of Ramadan, the peak of the Umrah season. The analyses shown in the paper provide insights into the effects of global mass gatherings such as Hajj and Umrah on the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic locally and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Waleed K. Almutiry
- Department of Mathematics, College of Arts and Science in Ar Rass, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Harsha Gwalani
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, TX USA
| | - Saeed M. Algarni
- Saudi Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kawther Saeedi
- Department of Information Systems, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Domènech-Montoliu S, Pac-Sa MR, Vidal-Utrillas P, Latorre-Poveda M, Del Rio-González A, Ferrando-Rubert S, Ferrer-Abad G, Sánchez-Urbano M, Aparisi-Esteve L, Badenes-Marques G, Cervera-Ferrer B, Clerig-Arnau U, Dols-Bernad C, Fontal-Carcel M, Gomez-Lanas L, Jovani-Sales D, León-Domingo MC, Llopico-Vilanova MD, Moros-Blasco M, Notari-Rodríguez C, Ruíz-Puig R, Valls-López S, Arnedo-Pena A. "Mass gathering events and COVID-19 transmission in Borriana (Spain): A retrospective cohort study". PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256747. [PMID: 34437628 PMCID: PMC8389516 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mass gathering events (MGEs) are associated with the transmission of COVID-19. Between 6 and 10 March 2020, several MGEs related to the Falles festival took place in Borriana, a municipality in the province of Castellon (Spain). The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of COVID-19 and its association with these MGEs, and to quantify the potential risk factors of its occurrence. METHODS During May and June 2020, a population-based retrospective cohort study was carried out by the Public Health Center of Castelló and the Hospital de la Plana in Vila-real. Participants were obtained from a representative sample of 1663 people with potential exposure at six MGEs. A questionnaire survey was carried out to obtain information about attendance at MGEs and COVID-19 disease. In addition, a serologic survey of antibodies against SARS-Cov-2 was implemented. Inverse probability weighted regression was used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 1338 subjects participated in the questionnaire survey (80.5%), 997 of whom undertook the serologic survey. Five hundred and seventy cases were observed with an attack rate (AR) of 42.6%; average age was 36 years, 62.3% were female, 536 cases were confirmed by laboratory tests, and 514 cases were found with SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies. Considering MGE exposure, AR was 39.2% (496/1264). A dose-response relationship was found between MGE attendance and the disease, (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 4.11 95% confidence interval [CI]3.25-5.19). Two MGEs with a dinner and dance in the same building had higher risks. Associated risk factors with the incidence were older age, obesity, and upper and middle class versus lower class; current smoking was protective. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests the significance of MGEs in the COVID-19 transmission that could explain the subsequent outbreak in Borriana.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lorna Gomez-Lanas
- Emergency Service, Hospital de la Plana, Vila-real, Castellon, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Raquel Ruíz-Puig
- Emergency Service, Hospital de la Plana, Vila-real, Castellon, Spain
| | - Sonia Valls-López
- Emergency Service, Hospital de la Plana, Vila-real, Castellon, Spain
| | - Alberto Arnedo-Pena
- Public Health Center, Castelló de la Plana, Castellon, Spain
- Department of Health Science, Public University Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Abdel-Haq N, Asmar BI. Fever in the Returned Pediatric Traveler. Glob Pediatr Health 2021; 8:2333794X211026188. [PMID: 34423077 PMCID: PMC8375340 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x211026188] [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: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Global mobility has been steadily increasing in recent years. The assessment of the febrile child returning from international travel is a diagnostic challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected international travel and made evaluation and management of the sick returned traveler more challenging. Children visiting friends and relatives abroad remain at higher risk of infection compared to tourists. This review presents a guidance on the initial assessment of a traveling febrile child including interpretation of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory findings. Important clues to etiology include exposure to different infectious agents, incubation periods of pathogens, and prophylaxis regimens and vaccines received. Early identification of potentially life-threatening and highly contagious infections is essential. In this article, we discuss the epidemiology, evaluation, and management of specific travel related infections such as malaria, typhoid fever, dengue fever, viral hemorrhagic fever, rickettsiosis, leptospirosis, schistosomiasis, gastrointestinal, and respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahed Abdel-Haq
- Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
- Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
- Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Basim I. Asmar
- Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
- Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
- Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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Superposed Natural Hazards and Pandemics: Breaking Dams, Floods, and COVID-19. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13168713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Within the engineering domain, safety issues are often related to engineering design and typically exclude factors such as epidemics, famine, and disease. This article provides a perspective on the reciprocal relationship and interaction between a natural hazard and a simultaneous pandemic outbreak and discusses how a catastrophic dam break, combined with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, poses a risk to human life. The paper uses grey- and peer-reviewed literature to support the discussion and reviews fundamentals of dam safety management, potential loss of life due to a dam break, and the recent evolution in dam risk analysis to account for the COVID-19 outbreak. Conventional risk reduction recommendations, such as quick evacuation and sheltering in communal centers, are revisited in the presence of a pandemic when social distancing is recommended. This perspective manuscript aims to provide insight into the multi-hazard risk problem resulting from a concurring natural hazard and global pandemic.
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Asdaq SMB, Ikbal AMA, Sahu RK, Bhattacharjee B, Paul T, Deka B, Fattepur S, Widyowati R, Vijaya J, Al mohaini M, Alsalman AJ, Imran M, Nagaraja S, Nair AB, Attimarad M, Venugopala KN. Nanotechnology Integration for SARS-CoV-2 Diagnosis and Treatment: An Approach to Preventing Pandemic. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:1841. [PMID: 34361227 PMCID: PMC8308419 DOI: 10.3390/nano11071841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak is the COVID-19 disease, which has caused massive health devastation, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a worldwide health emergency. The corona virus infected millions of people worldwide, and many died as a result of a lack of particular medications. The current emergency necessitates extensive therapy in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus. There are various vaccinations available, but no validated COVID-19 treatments. Since its outbreak, many therapeutics have been tested, including the use of repurposed medications, nucleoside inhibitors, protease inhibitors, broad spectrum antivirals, convalescence plasma therapies, immune-modulators, and monoclonal antibodies. However, these approaches have not yielded any outcomes and are mostly used to alleviate symptoms associated with potentially fatal adverse drug reactions. Nanoparticles, on the other hand, may prove to be an effective treatment for COVID-19. They can be designed to boost the efficacy of currently available antiviral medications or to trigger a rapid immune response against COVID-19. In the last decade, there has been significant progress in nanotechnology. This review focuses on the virus's basic structure, pathogenesis, and current treatment options for COVID-19. This study addresses nanotechnology and its applications in diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and targeted vaccine delivery, laying the groundwork for a successful pandemic fight.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abu Md Ashif Ikbal
- Department of Pharmacy, Tripura University (A Central University), Suryamaninagar 799022, Tripura (W), India;
| | - Ram Kumar Sahu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Assam University (A Central University), Silchar 788011, Assam, India
| | - Bedanta Bhattacharjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh 786004, Assam, India; (B.B.); (T.P.); (B.D.)
| | - Tirna Paul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh 786004, Assam, India; (B.B.); (T.P.); (B.D.)
| | - Bhargab Deka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh 786004, Assam, India; (B.B.); (T.P.); (B.D.)
| | - Santosh Fattepur
- School of Pharmacy, Management and Science University, Seksyen 13, Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Retno Widyowati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia;
| | - Joshi Vijaya
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Government College of Pharmacy, Bangalore 560027, Karnataka, India;
| | - Mohammed Al mohaini
- Basic Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Alahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia;
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Alahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulkhaliq J. Alsalman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohd. Imran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha 91911, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sreeharsha Nagaraja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; (S.N.); (A.B.N.); (M.A.); (K.N.V.)
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Vidya Siri College of Pharmacy, Off Sarjapura Road, Bangalore 560035, India
| | - Anroop B. Nair
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; (S.N.); (A.B.N.); (M.A.); (K.N.V.)
| | - Mahesh Attimarad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; (S.N.); (A.B.N.); (M.A.); (K.N.V.)
| | - Katharigatta N. Venugopala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; (S.N.); (A.B.N.); (M.A.); (K.N.V.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4001, South Africa
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Novel Respiratory Viruses in the Context of Mass-Gathering Events: A Systematic Review to Inform Event Planning from a Health Perspective. Prehosp Disaster Med 2021; 36:599-610. [PMID: 34261546 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x21000662] [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: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mass-gathering events (MGEs) occur regularly throughout the world. As people congregate at MGEs, there is an increased risk of transmission of communicable diseases. Novel respiratory viruses, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1), Influenza A Virus Subtype H1N1 Strain 2009 (H1N1pdm09), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), or Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), may require specific infection prevention and control strategies to minimize the risk of transmission when planning MGEs. This literature review aimed to identify and analyze papers relating to novel respiratory viruses with pandemic potential and to inform MGE planning. METHOD This paper used a systematic literature review method. Various health care databases were searched using keywords relating to MGEs and novel respiratory viruses. Information was extracted from identified papers into various tables for analysis. The analysis identified infection prevention and control strategies used at MGEs to inform planning before, during, and following events. RESULTS In total, 27 papers met the criteria for inclusion. No papers were identified regarding SARS-CoV-1, while the remainder reported on H1N1pdm09 (n = 9), MERS-CoV (n = 15), and SARS-CoV-2 (n = 3). Various before, during, and after event mitigation strategies were identified that can be implemented for future events. CONCLUSIONS This literature review provided an overview of the novel respiratory virus epidemiology at MGEs alongside related public health mitigation strategies that have been implemented at these events. This paper also discusses the health security of event participants and host communities in the context of cancelling, postponing, and modifying events due to a novel respiratory virus. In particular, ways to recommence events incorporating various mitigation strategies are outlined.
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Zuo Y, Zhang M, Si Y, Wu X, Ren Z. Prediction of Health Risk Preventative Behavior of Amateur Marathon Runners: A Cross-Sectional Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:2929-2944. [PMID: 34285607 PMCID: PMC8285292 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s305937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prevention of the health risk of amateur marathon runners is of great significance for the sustainable development of marathon. To reduce the psychological burden of amateur marathon runners and improve the participation experience, the current study used the health belief model to study the relationship among health beliefs, attitude to preventative behavior, self-efficacy, and health values of amateur marathon runners. Methods A total of 342 data were collected, and using the PROCESS (analytical procedures developed for mediating and moderating effects tests based on SPSS and SAS). A series of multiple linear regression models were established to study the relationship between variables, and the bootstrap confidence interval was selected to test the mediating and moderating effect. Results The results showed that perceived health threat (b = 0.463, p <0.05), health behavior expectations (b = 0.373, p <0.001), self-efficacy (b = 0.322, p <0.001), and behavioral attitudes (b = 0.230, p <0.001) can be regarded as antecedent variables for predicting preventative behaviors. In addition, the results also show that health behavior expectations, self-efficacy, and behavioral attitudes play chain-mediating role between perceived health threat and preventative behaviors. Health values appear to play a moderating role in the direct/indirect effects of perceived health threat on preventive behavior through a number of mediating variables. Discussion This study emphasizes that the amateur marathon runners must improve their health concept and take effective preventive measures before participating in the competition. According to this research, it is the responsibility of the event parties, public health officials and relevant departments of the host city to provide rich health information and risk education to amateur marathon runners. More public service advertisements or educational materials are needed to be placed on runners to enhance their awareness of the necessity and importance of taking preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zuo
- School of Management, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China.,Shenzhen Tourism College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518053, People's Republic of China
| | - Mu Zhang
- Shenzhen Tourism College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518053, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqi Si
- Shenzhen Tourism College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518053, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyuan Wu
- Department of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518061, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhanbing Ren
- Department of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518061, People's Republic of China
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MohammadEbrahimi S, Mohammadi A, Bergquist R, Dolatkhah F, Olia M, Tavakolian A, Pishgar E, Kiani B. Epidemiological characteristics and initial spatiotemporal visualisation of COVID-19 in a major city in the Middle East. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1373. [PMID: 34247616 PMCID: PMC8272989 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11326-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged initially in China in December 2019 causing the COVID-19 disease, which quickly spread worldwide. Iran was one of the first countries outside China to be affected in a major way and is now under the spell of a fourth wave. This study aims to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 cases in north-eastern Iran through mapping the spatiotemporal trend of the disease. METHODS The study comprises data of 4000 patients diagnosed by laboratory assays or clinical investigation from the beginning of the disease on Feb 14, 2020, until May 11, 2020. Epidemiological features and spatiotemporal trends of the disease in the study area were explored by classical statistical approaches and Geographic Information Systems. RESULTS Most common symptoms were dyspnoea (69.4%), cough (59.4%), fever (54.4%) and weakness (19.5%). Approximately 82% of those who did not survive suffered from dyspnoea. The highest Case Fatality Rate (CFR) was related to those with cardiovascular disease (27.9%) and/or diabetes (18.1%). Old age (≥60 years) was associated with an almost five-fold increased CFR. Odds Ratio (OR) showed malignancy (3.8), nervous diseases (2.2), and respiratory diseases (2.2) to be significantly associated with increased CFR with developments, such as hospitalization at the ICU (2.9) and LOS (1.1) also having high correlations. Furthermore, spatial analyses revealed a geographical pattern in terms of both incidence and mortality rates, with COVID-19 first being observed in suburban areas from where the disease swiftly spread into downtown reaching a peak between 25 February to 06 March (4 incidences per km2). Mortality peaked 3 weeks later after which the infection gradually decreased. Out of patients investigated by the spatiotemporal approach (n = 727), 205 (28.2%) did not survive and 66.8% of them were men. CONCLUSIONS Older adults and people with severe co-morbidities were at higher risk for developing serious complications due to COVID-19. Applying spatiotemporal methods to identify the transmission trends and high-risk areas can rapidly be documented, thereby assisting policymakers in designing and implementing tailored interventions to control and prevent not only COVID-19 but also other rapidly spreading epidemics/pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahab MohammadEbrahimi
- Department of Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Mohammadi
- Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
| | - Robert Bergquist
- Ingerod, Brastad, Sweden
- (Formerly with the UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fatemeh Dolatkhah
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahsa Olia
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ayoub Tavakolian
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Elahe Pishgar
- Department of Human Geography and Logistics, Faculty of Earth Science, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Kiani
- Department of Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Asgharzadeh M, Mahdavipoor B, Asgharzadeh V, Pourostadi M, Kafil HS, Vegari A, Taghinejad Z, Bairamy A, Rashedi J. Why the COVID-19 Is Not Significantly Reduced in Iran? IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 50:1303-1310. [PMID: 34568168 PMCID: PMC8426779 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v50i7.6616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was transported from China to Iran via passengers. The virus is transmitted through droplets from coughing, sneezing, talking and contact with infected surfaces. Due to high transmissibility in places such as clinics, medical offices, buses and offices where there are large crowds, it spread rapidly in Iran and caused the mortality of a significant number of people, especially the elderly with underlying disease. Preventing travel and gatherings, as well as applying house quarantine in Apr 2020, reduced COVID-19 somewhat but then due to lack of attention to social distancing, reducing the use of masks by the people and inappropriate decisions by the national committee on combating coronavirus (NCCC), including reducing the working hours of public offices and shops, reducing the staff of government offices, monopoly on the distribution of essential materials and supplies, the presence of overcrowding in clinics of medical centers, hospitals, and private clinics caused the decline of the disease in the country to decrease. Measures can be taken to prevent the spread of the virus as much as possible, including: rapid detection of infected people, their isolation, contact tracing, quarantine of people over 65 and under 15, protection of the elderly, prevention of gatherings, forcing the use of protective equipment in possible gatherings, and electronicizing public services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Asgharzadeh
- Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Paramedicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behroz Mahdavipoor
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Asgharzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahya Pourostadi
- Medical Philosophy and History Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Samadi Kafil
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Vegari
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Zahra Taghinejad
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Jalil Rashedi
- Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Gassen J, Nowak TJ, Henderson AD, Weaver SP, Baker EJ, Muehlenbein MP. Unrealistic Optimism and Risk for COVID-19 Disease. Front Psychol 2021; 12:647461. [PMID: 34149531 PMCID: PMC8212979 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk perception and consequently engagement in behaviors to avoid illness often do not match actual risk of infection, morbidity, and mortality. Unrealistic optimism occurs when individuals falsely believe that their personal outcomes will be more favorable than others' in the same risk category. Natural selection could favor overconfidence if its benefits, such as psychological resilience, outweigh its costs. However, just because optimism biases may have offered fitness advantages in our evolutionary past does not mean that they are always optimal. The current project examined relationships among personal risk for severe COVID-19, risk perceptions, and preventative behaviors. We predicted that those with higher risk of severe COVID-19 would exhibit unrealistic optimism and behave in ways inconsistent with their elevated risk of morbidity and mortality. Clinical risk scores for severe COVID-19 were calculated and compared with COVID-19 threat appraisal, compliance with shelter-in-place orders (March 13–May 22, 2020) and travel restrictions, compliance with public health recommendations, and potential covariates like self-rated knowledge about COVID-19 in a robust dataset including 492 participants from McLennan County, TX, USA. While those with high clinical risk acknowledged their greater likelihood of experiencing severe illness if infected, they actually reported lower perceived likelihood of becoming infected in the first place. While it is possible that those with higher clinical risk scores truly are less likely to become infected, the pattern and significance of these results held after controlling for possible occupational exposure, household size, and other factors related to infection probability. Higher clinical risk also predicted more recent travel within Texas and lower distress during the pandemic (i.e., feeling less stressed, depressed, and helpless). Additional behavioral data suggested that those with higher clinical risk scores did not generally behave differently than those with lower scores during the shelter-in-place order. While unrealistic optimism may provide some short-term psychological benefits, it could be dangerous due to improper assessment of hazardous situations; inferring that optimism bias has evolutionary origins does not mean that unrealistic optimism is “optimal” in every situation. This may be especially true when individuals face novel sources (or scales) of risk, such as a global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Gassen
- Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - Tomasz J Nowak
- Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | | | | | - Erich J Baker
- Department of Computer Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
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Preparedness for containing COVID-19 outbreak in mass religious gathering with non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). J Formos Med Assoc 2021; 120 Suppl 1:S57-S68. [PMID: 34119393 PMCID: PMC8173477 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2021.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 outbreaks associated with mass religious gatherings which have the potential of invoking epidemics at large scale have been a great concern. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of outbreak in mass religious gathering and further to assess the preparedness of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) for preventing COVID-19 outbreak in this context. Methods The risk of COVID-19 outbreak in mass religious gathering was evaluated by using secondary COVID-19 cases and reproductive numbers. The preparedness of a series of NPIs for preventing COVID-19 outbreak in mass religious gathering was then assessed by using a density-dependent model. This approach was first illustrated by the Mazu Pilgrimage in Taiwan and validated by using the COVID-19 outbreak in the Shincheonji Church of Jesus (SCJ) religious gathering in South Korea. Results Through the strict implementation of 80% NPIs in the Mazu Pilgrimage, the number of secondary cases can be substantially reduced from 1508 (95% CI: 900–2176) to 294 (95% CI: 169–420) with the reproductive number (R) significantly below one (0.54, 95% CI: 0.31–0.78), indicating an effective containment of outbreak. The expected number of secondary COVID-19 cases in the SCJ gathering was estimated as 232 (basic reproductive number (R0) = 6.02) and 579 (R0 = 2.50) for the first and second outbreak, respectively, with a total expected cases (833) close to the observed data on high infection of COVID-19 cases (887, R0 = 3.00). Conclusion We provided the evidence on the preparedness of NPIs for preventing COVID-19 outbreak in the context of mass religious gathering by using a density-dependent model.
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Ganegoda NC, Wijaya KP, Amadi M, Erandi KKWH, Aldila D. Interrelationship between daily COVID-19 cases and average temperature as well as relative humidity in Germany. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11302. [PMID: 34050241 PMCID: PMC8163835 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90873-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic continues to obstruct social lives and the world economy other than questioning the healthcare capacity of many countries. Weather components recently came to notice as the northern hemisphere was hit by escalated incidence in winter. This study investigated the association between COVID-19 cases and two components, average temperature and relative humidity, in the 16 states of Germany. Three main approaches were carried out in this study, namely temporal correlation, spatial auto-correlation, and clustering-integrated panel regression. It is claimed that the daily COVID-19 cases correlate negatively with the average temperature and positively with the average relative humidity. To extract the spatial auto-correlation, both global Moran's [Formula: see text] and global Geary's [Formula: see text] were used whereby no significant difference in the results was observed. It is evident that randomness overwhelms the spatial pattern in all the states for most of the observations, except in recent observations where either local clusters or dispersion occurred. This is further supported by Moran's scatter plot, where states' dynamics to and fro cold and hot spots are identified, rendering a traveling-related early warning system. A random-effects model was used in the sense of case-weather regression including incidence clustering. Our task is to perceive which ranges of the incidence that are well predicted by the existing weather components rather than seeing which ranges of the weather components predicting the incidence. The proposed clustering-integrated model associated with optimal barriers articulates the data well whereby weather components outperform lag incidence cases in the prediction. Practical implications based on marginal effects follow posterior to model diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naleen Chaminda Ganegoda
- grid.267198.30000 0001 1091 4496Department of Mathematics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250 Sri Lanka
| | | | - Miracle Amadi
- grid.12332.310000 0001 0533 3048Department of Mathematics and Physics, Lappeenranta University of Technology, 53851 Lappeenranta, Finland
| | - K. K. W. Hasitha Erandi
- grid.8065.b0000000121828067Department of Mathematics, University of Colombo, Colombo, 00300 Sri Lanka
| | - Dipo Aldila
- grid.9581.50000000120191471Department of Mathematics, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, 16424 Indonesia
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DEMİREL E, ŞAHİN A, UTLU M, ÇEPNİ Ş, VEİZİ E, YAVUZ VEİZİ BG. A relationship between musculoskeletal pain and prognosis in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. JOURNAL OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.32322/jhsm.899515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Xenikos D, Asimakopoulos A. Power-law growth of the COVID-19 fatality incidents in Europe. Infect Dis Model 2021; 6:743-750. [PMID: 34028469 PMCID: PMC8132555 DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2021.05.001] [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: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on the dynamic scaling of the diffusion growth phase of the COVID-19 epidemic in Europe. During this initial diffusion stage, the European countries implemented unprecedented mitigation polices to delay and suppress the disease contagion, although not in a uniform way or timing. Despite this diversity, we find that the reported fatality cases grow following a power law in all European countries we studied. The difference among countries is the value of the power-law exponent 3.5 < α < 8.0. This common attribute can prove a practical diagnostic tool, allowing reasonable predictions for the growth rate from very early data at a country level. We propose a model for the disease-causing interactions, based on a mechanism of human decisions and risk taking in interpersonal associations. The model describes the observed statistical distribution and contributes to the discussion on basic assumptions for homogeneous mixing or for a network perspective in epidemiological studies of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- D.G. Xenikos
- School of Appl. Mathem. & Physical Sciences, National Technical Univ. of Athens, 15780, Athens, Greece
| | - A. Asimakopoulos
- Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA, 19002, Paiania, Greece
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Osei-Tutu A, Kenin A, Affram AA, Kusi AA, Adams G, Dzokoto VA. Ban of Religious Gatherings during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact on Christian Church Leaders' Well-Being in Ghana. PASTORAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 70:335-347. [PMID: 34002100 PMCID: PMC8117120 DOI: 10.1007/s11089-021-00954-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted during a period of lockdown and ban on social gatherings, including religious gatherings, in Ghana. The restrictions were instituted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the study was to understand how the well-being of Christian church leaders was impacted during the prohibition in terms of aspects of their vocation and religious practices. Fourteen Christian church leaders located in urban and rural settings in Ghana, with 5 to 32 years of experience, discussed how they and their families were impacted by the ban on religious gatherings in Ghana. Findings revealed negative impacts of the COVID-19 restrictions, including spiritual slacking, loss of fellowship, disruption of normal routine, pandemic anxiety, and financial stress. Positive impacts included increased faith, relief/reduced stress, and increased family time. These findings are discussed from psychological trauma and disaster response perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabella Osei-Tutu
- Post-Doctoral Fellowship-Programme, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, P.O. Box LG84, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abraham Kenin
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, P.O. Box LG84, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Akua Amponsah Kusi
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, P.O. Box LG84, Accra, Ghana
| | - Glenn Adams
- Department of Psychology, The University of Kansas, 418 Fraser Hall, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS 66045 USA
| | - Vivian A. Dzokoto
- Department of African American Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, 816 W Franklin Street, P.O. Box 842509, Richmond, VA 23284-2509 USA
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Ismail MB, Osman M, Rafei R, Dabboussi F, Hamze M. COVID-19 and refugee camps. Travel Med Infect Dis 2021; 42:102083. [PMID: 33965623 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Bachar Ismail
- Laboratoire Microbiologie, Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon; Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Osman
- Laboratoire Microbiologie, Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon; Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
| | - Rayane Rafei
- Laboratoire Microbiologie, Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Fouad Dabboussi
- Laboratoire Microbiologie, Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Monzer Hamze
- Laboratoire Microbiologie, Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon.
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