Evidence of Eretmapodites subsimplicipes and Aedes albopictus as competent vectors for Rift Valley fever virus transmission in Mayotte.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) recently re-emerged in Mayotte. We described, for the first time, that the mosquito species Eretmapodites subsimplicipes, a highly abundant species in Mayotte, is a competent vector for the transmission of RVF virus using three distinct populations native to Mayotte. We also showed that Aedes albopictus specimens are able to transmit RVF virus (RVFV) as previously observed in mosquito populations of other countries emphasizing the need of the increase vigilance for this highly invasive species of global distribution. Altogether, these results underline the epidemiological importance of both species for RVFV transmission in Mayotte and contribute to better understand the RVF epidemiological cycle and help to implement efficient prevention measures.

Characterization of the bioaerosol in a natural thermal cave and assessment of the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Thermal caves represent an environment characterized by unique chemical/physical properties, often used for treatment and care of musculoskeletal, respiratory, and skin diseases.However, these environments are poorly characterized for their physical and microbiological characteristics; furthermore, the recent pandemic caused by COVID-19 has highlighted the need to investigate the potential transmission scenario of SARS-CoV-2 virus in indoor environments where an in-depth analysis of the aerosol concentrations and dimensional distributions are essential to monitor the spread of the virus.This research work was carried out inside a natural cave located in Viterbo (Terme dei Papi, Italy) where a waterfall of sulfur-sulfate-bicarbonate-alkaline earth mineral thermal water creates a warm-humid environment with 100% humidity and 48 °C temperature. Characterization of the aerosol and bioaerosol was carried out to estimate the personal exposure to aerosol concentrations, as well as particle size distributions, and to give an indication of the native microbial load.The data obtained showed a predominance of particles with a diameter greater than 8 µm, associated with low ability of penetration in the human respiratory system. A low microbial load was also observed, with a prevalence of noncultivable strains generated by the aerosolization of the thermal waters.Finally, the estimation of SARS-CoV-2 infection risk by means of mathematical modeling revealed a low risk of transmission, with a decisive effect given by the mechanical ventilation system, which together with the adoption of social distancing measures makes the risk of infection extremely low.

Activities and Perceived Risk of Transmission and Spread of SARS-CoV-2 among Specialists and Residents in a Third Level University Hospital in Spain.

This study aims to identify factors related with SARS-CoV-2 infection in physicians and internal residents during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic at a tertiary hospital in Spain, through a cross- sectional descriptive perception study with analytical components through two questionnaires directed at professionals working at the Ramon y Cajal University Hospital between February and April 2020. In total, 167 professionals formed the study group, and 156 professionals comprised the comparison group. Seventy percent of the professionals perceived a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), while 40% perceived a shortage of hand sanitiser, although more than 70% said they used it properly. Soap was more available and had a higher percentage of correct use (73.6-79.5%) (p > 0.05). Hand hygiene was optimal in >70% of professionals according to all five WHO measurements. In the adjusted model (OR; CI95%), belonging to a high-risk specialty (4.45; 1.66-11.91) and the use of public transportation (3.27; 1.87-5.73) remained risk factors. Protective factors were changes of uniform (0.53; 0.32-0.90), sanitation of personal objects before the workday (0.55; 0.31-0.97), and the disinfection of shared material (0.34; 0.19-0.58). We cannot confirm that a shortage or misuse of PPE is a factor in the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Fears and assessments are similar in both groups, but we cannot causally relate them to the spread of infection. The perception of the area of risk is different in both groups, suggesting that more information and education for healthcare workers is needed.

[Classroom teaching at universities and colleges under the conditions of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic]. / Präsenzlehre an Universitäten und Hochschulen unter den Bedingungen der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie: Empfehlungen zu technischen, organisatorischen und persönlichen Schutzmaßnahmen im Rahmen des Arbeitsschutzes.

In order to maintain university teaching while observing the distance rules in accordance with the occupational health and safety standard of the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), special regulations and measures must be observed under the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic when students and teaching staff meet in large groups (lecture hall) and small teaching rooms (seminars, internships). The article gives detailed recommendations for the practical implementation of protective and preventive measures according to the STOP principle, which is customary in occupational health and safety: substitution, technical, organisational and personal protective measures. Responsibilities are named and also difficult situations where physical proximity is necessary (e.g. teaching medical examinations, joint laboratory work, sports and dance seminars) are analysed with regard to the necessary measures; recommendations are formulated.

Rural and urban distribution of wild and domestic carnivore stools in the context of Echinococcus multilocularis environmental exposure.

In zoonotic infections, the relationships between animals and humans lead to parasitic disease with severity that ranges from mild symptoms to life-threatening conditions. In cities and their surrounding areas, this statement is truer with the overcrowding of the protagonists of the parasites' life cycle. The present study aims to investigate the distribution of a parasite, Echinococcus multilocularis, which is the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis, using copro-sampling in historically endemic rural settlements of the eastern part of France and in newly endemic areas including urban parks and settlements surrounding Paris. Based on 2741 morphologically identified and geolocalized copro-samples, the density of fox faeces was generally higher in the surrounding settlements, except for one rural area where the faeces were at larger density downtown in the winter. Fox faeces are rare but present in urban parks. Dog faeces are concentrated in the park entrances and in the centre of the settlements. DNA was extracted for 1530 samples that were collected and identified from fox, dog, cat, stone marten and badger carnivore hosts. Echinococcus multilocularis diagnosis and host faecal tests were performed using real-time PCR. We failed to detect the parasite in the surroundings of Paris, but the parasite was found in the foxes, dogs and cats in the rural settlements and their surroundings in the historically endemic area. A spatial structuring of the carnivore stool distribution was highlighted in the present study with high densities of carnivore stools among human occupied areas within some potentially high-risk locations.

Mother-to-child transmission of syphilis / 中华皮肤科杂志

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is a major route of transmission of syphilis,and may occur at any time during pregnancy.MTCT of syphilis can lead to many adverse pregnancy outcomes,seriously affects maternal and infant health,and has been a severe public health and social problem.The risk of MTCT of syphilis is associated with stage of syphilis in pregnancy,stage of pregnancy,receiving or not receiving treatment,and is especially high in patients with early syphilis.With the growth of incidence of syphilis,the prevention for MTCT of syphilis has been becoming more and more important.Screening for and early treatment of syphilis in pregnancy can effectively block MTCT of syphilis.To learn the epidemiology,route,risk,and associated factors of MTCT of syphilis will undoubtedly facilitate the development of strategies for syphilis prevention and control.

Transmisión de hepatitis B de trabajadores de la salud a los pacientes / Transmission of hepatitis B from health related workers to patients

Los trabajadores de la salud pueden transmitir enfermedades infecciosas a sus pacientes durante los procedimientos, por lo tanto, los trabajadores con infección por virus B y HB e Ag (+ ) o carga viral ≥ a 10(5) 20.000 copias/ml deberían evitar realizar dichos procedimientos, y recibir tratamiento, ser tamizados para detectar cualquier tipo de infección y ser vacunados tempranamente en su formación además, los pacientes tienen derecho a ser informados de estos riesgos antes de firmar el consentimiento informado.

Health related workers may transmit infectious diseases to patients during procedures. Therefore, those workers infected with HBV and HBeAG (+) or viral burden ≥ to 10(5) 20.000 copies/ml should avoid carrying out those procedures. They must be treated, sieved to detect any type of infection and vaccinated in the early formation. Besides, patients have the right to be informed of these risks before signing the informed consent.