ABSTRACT
The health of domesticated animals and wild animals is frequently threatened by animal illnesses. It typically receives less attention and information than illnesses that also impact humans, including the Corona virus. To be able to respond quickly, it is crucial to understand the epidemic's progression and transmission vectors. Numerous new diseases have been reported in the news over the past 20 years, the majority of which having an animal source (zoonoses). Examples from recent times include the West Nile virus, SARS, avian influenza, and monkeypox. Some developing diseases impact both humans and animals, whereas others only affect either animals or humans. All of these emerging or reemerging illnesses, however, have societal repercussions that are frequently connected to regional and global economy. Understanding the effects of newly emerging animal diseases is crucial, as is promoting closer veterinarian and medical professional collaboration, particularly in rural regions. The index cases for newly developing diseases may be illnesses that affect agricultural laborers.
ABSTRACT
In December 2022, a total of 68 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 235 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were COVID-19 (235), monkeypox (110), dengue fever (28), measles (27) and cholera (14). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Ebola virus disease (47.0%), Rift Valley fever (44.2%), Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (40.0%), Lassa fever (17.6%) and West Nile fever (7.6%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, cholera, dengue fever and measles. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19, cholera and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, monkeypox, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, cholera, monkeypox, dengue fever and chikungunya fever, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19, monkeypox and invasive group A streptococcus infection.
ABSTRACT
Vaccination is effective in preventing the increase of disease, especially emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), and it is particularly important for people in close contact with infected sources and susceptible populations who are at increased risk of getting infectious diseases due to behavior, occupation or health. Despite targeted vaccination guidelines, inadequate vaccination of the key populations fails to receive widespread attention, resulting in a high-risk transition of disease from key populations to general populations. Strengthening the vaccination of the susceptible groups can effectively block the spread of pathogens to general populations, and reduce the consumption of medical resources in universal vaccination, which has significant economic value. In this review, we describe the prevalence of EIDs, analyze the experience and lessons of infectious disease vaccination in key populations through several cases, and further explore the causes for the decline in vaccination rates of key populations. According to the trends of EIDs, a plan to strengthen the vaccination of key populations is proposed to effectively prevent the transition of EIDs from key populations to general populations.
ABSTRACT
It has long been recognized that pathogens, such as viruses, parasites, and other microorganisms, emerge and change over time. Viruses are powerful infectious agents that have co-evolved with humans and are responsible for several serious illnesses in people. There is no herd immunity for most humans, making emerging viruses, particularly the RNA viruses, more dangerous. The high mistake rate of the polymerases that copy the RNA viruses' genomes gives them the ability to adapt to the quickly changing local and global environments. Through mutation (as in the case of Dengue viruses), reassortment (as in the case of influenza viruses), and recombination, they can evolve at a rapid rate (polioviruses). The influenza A viruses (such as H1N1 and H5N1), which have caused numerous outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics around the world, are the finest example of viruses emerging and reemerging. The complex host-pathogen ecology and the co-evolution of microbes with their hosts are linked to the emergence and reemergence of novel diseases. Human viral illness emergence and reemergence is an ongoing problem that affects a nation's social and economic growth.
ABSTRACT
West Nile virus (WNV) has progressively endemized in large areas of continental Europe, and particularly in Northern Italy, in the Po River Valley. During summer season 2022, Italy experienced an unprecedented surge in incidence cases of WNV infections, including its main complications (West Nile fever (WNF) and West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND)). As knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of medical professionals may be instrumental in guaranteeing a prompt diagnosis and an accurate management of incident cases, we performed a cross-sectional study specifically on a sample of Italian medical professionals (1 August 2022-10 September 2022; around 8800 potential recipients). From a total of 332 questionnaires (response rate of 3.8%), 254 participating medical professionals were eventually included in the analyses. Knowledge status of participants was unsatisfying, as most of them exhibited knowledge gaps on the actual epidemiology of WNV, with similar uncertainties on the clinical features of WNF and WNND. Moreover, most of participants substantially overlooked WNV as a human pathogen when compared to SARS-CoV-2, TB, and even HIV. Interestingly, only 65.4% of respondents were either favorable or highly favorable towards a hypothetical WNV vaccine. Overall, acknowledging a higher risk perception on WNV was associated with individual factors such as reporting a seniority ≥ 10 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.39, 95% Confidence interval [95%CI] 1.34 to 4.28), reporting a better knowledge score (aOR 2.92, 95%CI 1.60 to 5.30), having previously managed cases of WNV infections (aOR 3.65, 95%CI 1.14 to 14.20), being favorable towards a hypothetic vaccine (aOR 2.16, 95%CI 1.15 to 4.04), and perceiving WNV infections as potentially affecting daily activities (aOR 2.57, 95%CI 1.22 to 5.42). In summary, substantial knowledge gaps and the erratic risk perception collectively enlighten the importance and the urgency for appropriate information campaigns among medical professionals, and particularly among frontline personnel.
ABSTRACT
Increases in temperature and extreme weather events due to global warming can create an environment that is beneficial to mosquito populations, changing and possibly increasing the suitable geographical range for many vector-borne diseases. West Nile Virus (WNV) is a flavivirus, maintained in a mosquito-avian host cycle that is usually asymptomatic but can cause primarily flu-like symptoms in human and equid accidental hosts. In rare circumstances, serious disease and death are possible outcomes for both humans and horses. The main European vector of WNV is the Culex pipiens mosquito. This study examines the effect of environmental temperature on WNV establishment in Europe via Culex pipiens populations through use of a basic reproduction number ( R 0 ${R_0}$ ) model. A metric of thermal suitability derived from R 0 ${R_0}$ was developed by collating thermal responses of different Culex pipiens traits and combining them through use of a next-generation matrix. WNV establishment was determined to be possible between 14°C and 34.3°C, with the optimal temperature at 23.7°C. The suitability measure was plotted against monthly average temperatures in 2020 and the number of months with high suitability mapped across Europe. The average number of suitable months for each year from 2013 to 2019 was also calculated and validated with reported equine West Nile fever cases from 2013 to 2019. The widespread thermal suitability for WNV establishment highlights the importance of European surveillance for this disease and the need for increased research into mosquito and bird distribution.
Subject(s)
Culex , Culicidae , Horse Diseases , West Nile Fever , West Nile virus , Animals , Birds , Horses , Humans , Mosquito Vectors , Temperature , West Nile Fever/epidemiology , West Nile Fever/veterinary , West Nile virus/physiologyABSTRACT
In January 2022, a total of 68 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 228 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19, 228), dengue fever (26), measles (19), cholera (12) and leptospirosis (10). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Rift Valley fever (100.0%), Lassa fever (19.0%), yellow fever (15.5%), plague (7.5%) and West Nile fever (7.1%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, measles, Lassa fever and cholera. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever and chikungunya fever, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe was COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
In November 2021, a total of 65 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 226 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19, 226), dengue fever (31), measles (21), poliomyelitis (11) and cholera (10). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Ebola virus disease (81.8%), Lassa fever (18.6%), yellow fever (15.3%), meningitis (7.9%) and plague (7.6%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, cholera, dengue fever and yellow fever. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, Ebola virus disease, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, poliomyelitis, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever, chikungunya fever and Zika virus disease, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19 and West Nile fever.
ABSTRACT
Background. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Florida was the third leading state in reported West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND) infections in 2020. WNND accounts for less than 1% of all West Nile virus (WNV) infections but carries a 10% mortality rate. The clinical characteristics of WNND have not been well described in Florida, an area with high mosquito activity. We hereby describe the clinical characteristics of WNND at two large hospitals in Miami. Methods. A 10-year retrospective study was performed at the University of Miami Hospital and Mount Sinai Medical Center to identify adult patients with confirmed WNV infection and neuroinvasion. Patient demographics, symptoms, neurological exam findings, laboratory diagnostics, intensive care unit (ICU), and hospital length of stay (LOS), and outcomes were described. Results. Eleven patients (73% male, mean age 64.4 ± 16.3 years) were identified between January 2010 to December 2020. The most prevalent comorbidities were HTN (64%) and DM (27%). The most common positive findings on the review of symptoms were fever (100%), confusion (81.8%), and headache (63.6%). The mean hospital LOS was 15.5 ±11.3 days, while the mean ICU LOS was 7.2 ± 11.9 days. The majority of patients (75%) spent more than 2 weeks in the ICU. Subject age was correlated with hospital LOS with a Pearson correlation of 0.624 (p=0.04). The survival rate was 91%. At the time of discharge, 80% of patients continued to have neurological symptoms. Figure 1: The percentage of subjects with different types of WNND. The section titled others, includes atypical presentations such as amnesia, focal neurological deficits (ataxia, hemiparesis), and myelopathy. Figure 2: Month and year of presentation at the time of hospital admission. Figure 3: Clinical presentation (%). Conclusion. This is the largest case series of WNND in Florida. Most cases occurred during summer 2020, which corresponds to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite pandemic restrictions, we may have seen an increase in WNV cases due to higher-than-normal temperatures promoting mosquito abundance, increased outdoor activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and/or the redistribution of public health resources towards the pandemic rather than mosquito control. Residual neurological symptoms and impaired functional outcomes are common. Within the limitation of our small sample size, subject age appeared to correlate with hospital LOS. This correlation should be further explored in a larger case series. A high index of suspicion for WNND is suggested for patients presenting with fever and neurologic symptoms in Florida.
ABSTRACT
In October 2021, a total of 60 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 226 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19, 226), dengue fever (24), measles (24), cholera (10) and malaria (9). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Ebola virus disease (75.0%), Lassa fever (19.7%), meningitis (8.5%), plague (7.6%) and West Nile fever (5.7%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, cholera, dengue fever and meningitis. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, Ebola virus disease, cholera, yellow fever, lassa fever, poliomyelitis, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever, chikungunya fever and Zika virus disease, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19 and West Nile fever.
ABSTRACT
In September 2021, a total of 63 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 226 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were Corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19, 226), dengue fever (28), measles (26), West Nile fever (10) and cholera (9). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Nipah virus disease (100.0%), Middle East respiratory syndrome (34.4%), Lassa fever (20.3%), plague (20.0%) and meningitis (15.8%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, cholera, meningitis and dengue fever. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, plague, yellow fever, Lassa fever, poliomyelitis, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever and chikungunya fever, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19 and West Nile fever.
ABSTRACT
Background West Nile Virus is the most common cause of arboviral diseases and is endemic in the US. It can cause clinical presentation ranging from asymptomatic infection to neuroinvasive disease. Factors like old age, hematologic malignancies, and organ transplantation result in more severe disease. Case presentation An 85-year-old male farmer with coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure (CHF) and diabetes presented with sore throat, cough and shortness of breath. He was treated for CHF exacerbation and discharged but returned with fatigue, headache, Nausea, and vomiting. Imaging of the head and chest, inflammatory markers, COVID-19 PCR,and metabolic panel were all negative, . Then he became febrile, lethargic, and had altered mentation. He exhibited asymmetric weakness, bilateral positive Babinski and neck rigidity. Intravenous ceftriaxone, vancomycin, bactrim, and acyclovir were all initiated for meningoencephalitis of unclear etiology. CSF analysis showed 51 WBC, 0 RBC, 49% granulocytes, 55 glucose and 74 proteins. He was transferred to ICU with a glasgow coma score of 6-7 but was on a 'DO NOT INTUBATE' status. He developed acute anuric kidney injury which prompted emergent hemodialysis and vasopressor support had to be initiated. Family elected for palliative care, and he passed away shortly after. A day later, West Nile serology was reported positive as IGM in CSF. Also, both IgG and IgM were positive in serum Discussion This case demonstrates a rare, severe presentation of West Nile infection. Most persons infected with West Nile (WNV) virus are asymptomatic;symptoms are seen in only about 20 to 40 percent of infected patients [1] Serologic surveys and extrapolations from blood donor screening data indicate that neuroinvasive disease following infection is infrequent, with estimates ranging from 1 in 140 to 1 in 256 infections resulting in meningitis or encephalitis [2] The patient's risk factors for severe infection include elderly age and male sex. Age in particular is the most important risk factor for neurologic progression of disease.[3] The diagnosis can be suspected in patients who have altered mental status, signs of meningitis, unexplained fever, and focal neurologic deficit, especially when it presents in late summer months and has no obvious etiology. The CSF West Nile IgM antibody detection via ELISA is diagnostic as was in our case. The treatment is mainly supportive. The preventive measures including mosquito control, personal protective devices are of substantial importance. Vaccines are not available. [4 5 6] Conclusion The high index of suspicion is necessary to diagnose WNV neuroinvasive diseases especially in patients with atypical presentation. Seasonal clues must be considered.
ABSTRACT
Learning Objective Recognize the signs and symptoms of West Nile Virus Meningoencephalitis. Case presentation A 42-year-old female with no known chronic medical illnesses presented with 5 days of fever, confusion, and generalized body aches and weakness. She became more confused and agitated in the 2 days before she presented to the ED and she complained of headache, nausea, and vomiting. Patient had been confused, wandering around, and had involuntary jerking movements affecting her upper and lower extremities. She denied chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, urinary symptoms, or diarrhea. Patient tested negative on a Covid-19 PCR test, returned to ED with confusion, and was started on empiric antibiotics with ceftriaxone and vancomycin, acyclovir for meningitis, and clonazepam and Keppra for myoclonus. Fever and leukocytosis indicated sepsis and sepsis protocol was initiated. Patient was intubated 3 days after admission to control her condition. Urinalysis was negative for significant infection. CT of head showed no acute findings, and CT of chest/abdomen/pelvis showed no evidence of pneumonia or inflammatory processes. Meningitis PCR screen came back negative. Lumbar puncture showed increased white blood cells in CSF of 65 with 43% neutrophils, 40% lymphocytes, and increased total protein. Gram stain and CSF culture were both negative. HSV PCR came back negative so acyclovir was discontinued. CSF analysis for West Nile Virus IgG was positive although the WNV IgG was negative in the blood. Subsequently both IgM samples of the CSF and blood resulted as positive. The CSF pleocytosis and elevated protein supported the diagnosis of recent West Nile Virus infection with resulting meningoencephalitis. Antibiotics were discontinued. Patient was extubated after 4 days and physical therapy, speech therapy, and tube feeding were started. The patient was discharged in stable condition with a plan for home physical therapy. Discussion Since the West Nile Virus was first reported in the U.S. in 1999, it has become the most common cause of meningoencephalitis in the U.S. WNV can have varied presentations, ranging from asymptomatic to severe neurologic deficits (flaccid paralysis, seizures, or altered mental status) due to encephalitis or meningitis. The mortality rate for neuroinvasive WNV is approximately 9%, with that rate increasing in elderly populations. In addition, the neurological illnesses caused by WNV often result in long-term sequelae, further highlighting the need for early diagnosis and management. While current management for WNV are primarily supportive, novel treatments such as interferon therapy, ribavirin, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) are being explored and show potential. Conclusion We conclude that although neuroinvasive WNV is rare, occurring in less than 1% of infected individuals, it should be suspected due to the severity of morbidity and mortality especially during mosquito seasons.
ABSTRACT
Due to climate change, tropical pathogens are spreading throughout Europe, posing a risk to the safety of haemotherapy in the Czech Republic. The first occurrence of the West Nile virus (WNV) in the Czech Republic was documented as early as 1985 and it has been demonstrated that WNV has been circulating in the Czech Republic for a long time. Transmission of WNV infection by blood transfusion has been known known since 2002. In 2018, five locally acquired (autochthonous) WNV human infections were confirmed in the South Moravian Region, and the transfusion service facility was faced with the question of how to adequately ensure transfusion product in the region in accordance with mandatory legislation. The readiness of Czech transfusion services to deal with similar situations must be ensured every WNV season. This is not possible without close cooperation with infectologists and epidemiologists. This article summarizes basic data on the occurrence of WNV in the Czech Republic and on the procedures to ensure safety of haemotherapy in relation to WNV.
ABSTRACT
In August 2021, a total of 69 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 225 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were COVID-19 (225), dengue fever (27), measles (21), chikungunya fever (10) and cholera (8). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Marburg virus disease (100.0%), Middle East respiratory syndrome (34.4%), plague (23.3%), Lassa fever (20.5%) and yellow fever (16.7%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, measles, cholera and dengue fever. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, Ebola virus disease, Marburg virus disease, cholera, plague, yellow fever, Lassa fever, poliomyelitis, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever and chikungunya fever, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19 and West Nile fever.