Articles tagged with Epidemics
A review of expert opinions reveals mixed results for the EU's COVID-19 response, with successes including coordinated vaccine procurement but shortcomings including inconsistent national responses. Experts emphasize the need for strengthened local surveillance systems and improved EU leadership to prevent similar crises.
A new epidemiology study reveals crucial trends in HIV/AIDS progression in China from 1990 to 2017. The study highlights the need for effective strategies to reduce mortality rates, especially among men, by intensifying targeted efforts including early identification and diagnosis, high-quality treatment services, and patient retention.
Citrus canker has reappeared in Texas after a 70-year absence, threatening the state's $200M commercial citrus industry. Collaborative eradication efforts are underway between the USDA, Texas Department of Agriculture, and universities to prevent further spread.
Researchers developed a new method to analyze video segments from live streams and estimate the prevalence of mask wearing. The protocol was successfully learned in under an hour and found reliable estimates of mask-compliance, with the potential to provide useful results for decision-makers within 48 hours.
A new Polish study examines why people refuse vaccination, finding that generalized negative attitudes towards vaccines and confirmation bias play a significant role. Vaccine deniers often attribute negative symptoms to vaccines despite missing evidence of correlation.
The National Institutes of Health's HEALthy Brain and Child Development study aims to identify the impacts of prenatal substance exposure on child development. A 50-state analysis of laws addressing substance use during pregnancy highlights diverse state-by-state policies, with some statutes being more punitive than others.
Research found a shift in how facemasks affect facial attractiveness among Japanese population, with reduced unhealthiness and increased neutral effects reported after pandemic onset. Mask color had no effect on perceptions.
Researchers studied pregnant women infected by zika virus in two cities and found no association between prior dengue exposure and increased risk of microcephaly. High zika attack rate and first trimester infection were linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, while pre-existing immunity to dengue was not.
A study published in Nature Communications found that COVID-19 antibody levels remain high for at least nine months after infection, regardless of symptoms. The research tested over 85% of an Italian town's residents and found no significant difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic cases.
A review suggests lockdowns may not be associated with large numbers of deaths in countries that avoided large COVID-19 epidemics. Lockdowns also did not lead to increased deaths from suicide, but mental health declined during the pandemic, making it challenging to separate lockdown impacts from COVID-19 itself.
A study analyzing age-at-death records of 33,715 Indigenous people in central California between 3050 BCE and 1870 CE found that Spanish settlers contributed to severe demographic collapse. The research suggests extreme social disruption caused by the presence of Europeans led to increased mortality rates among both males and females.
A recent study has found evidence of a large coronavirus epidemic that occurred in the East Asia region more than 20,000 years ago. The researchers used genetic data from the 1000 Genomes Project to discover changes in human genes that suggest ancestors of East Asian people experienced an epidemic similar to COVID-19.
A new mathematical model developed by KAUST and KCST improves pandemic prediction accuracy by incorporating biological uncertainty and latest case data. The model, which uses an ensemble approach and data assimilation process, provides reliable forecasts for up to 14 days in advance.
A novel prediction model predicts US counties at high risk of future overdose death outbreaks, allowing for preemptive deployment of public health resources. The tool improves on existing methods by incorporating neighboring county data, predicting geographic spread of the overdose epidemic.
An article by Julie A. Fairman, PhD, RN, FAAN, explores the meaning of epidemics from a nursing perspective, extending Charles Rosenberg's 1992 work on the AIDS epidemic. This approach highlights the importance of understanding the social constructs and meanings attached to epidemics through the experiences of nurses and patients.
Researchers developed a mathematical tool to evaluate the relationship between viral load and case growth, providing real-time estimates of epidemic growth rates. This new metric can help public health officials distribute resources effectively.
The article commemorates the 40th anniversary of the AIDS epidemic with a paper in the New England Journal of Medicine. The piece explores the experiences of American physicians who were central to the epidemic, describing their work as
A national study by University of Cincinnati researchers has identified 25 geographic hot spots for fatal opioid overdoses and linked them to poor mental health. White males aged 25-29 are most at risk, followed by white males aged 30-34, with a correlation between fatal overdoses and mental distress increasing the relative risk by 39%
Research reveals that testing limits make timing crucial for lockdown effectiveness, with marginal differences between success and failure, and super-exponential growth causing rapid increases in infections.
Scientists developed a model showing that collective immunity emerged during the early COVID-19 epidemic but was destroyed as people changed their social behaviors over time. The model suggests that subsequent waves of infection will appear due to variations in imposed mitigations and pandemic fatigue.
A new study from Boston Medical Center reveals a significant association between back pain and elevated mortality risk in women. Mild back pain is unlikely to impact life expectancy, but more severe cases are linked to an increased risk of mortality.
During the first seven months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio saw a significant increase in drug overdose mortality. The study found that fentanyl and heroin were the most common causes of overdose deaths among young adults.
A new mathematical model predicts that temporary collective immunity emerged during early COVID-19 stages but was destroyed as people changed their social behaviors. This led to future waves of infection despite initial attempts to achieve herd immunity through vaccination.
A retrospective analysis of 198,846 hospitalizations in France from March to November 2020 reveals major changes in the age and sex of hospitalized patients during the pandemic. The probability of ICU admission and death varied substantially over time, with a decrease followed by an increase in both cases.
Researchers estimate SARS-CoV-2 was circulating in China as early as mid-October 2019. The virus likely dies out naturally more than three-quarters of the time without causing an epidemic.
A modeling study suggests that digital contact tracing can significantly reduce COVID-19 outbreaks if a significant portion of the population adopts a contact tracing app. With 20% adoption, cases decrease by 35%, while higher adoption rates lead to further reductions.
Scientists developed a new model to assess the efficiency of group testing for COVID-19, accounting for dilution effects and detection limits. The model optimizes group size to minimize false negatives and determine contaminated individuals in a population.
A groundbreaking study aims to create predictive models to monitor and combat epidemics of yellow fever and other mosquito-borne diseases. By analyzing factors such as deforestation, rainfall variations and non-human primate populations, researchers hope to develop models that can predict outbreaks and protect the public.
The opioid and HIV epidemics in West Virginia are deeply interconnected, requiring a comprehensive approach to address both issues simultaneously. Stigma is a significant barrier to combating these epidemics, particularly in rural areas with limited resources.
The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work research center has received $5 million in funding from Gilead Sciences, Inc. to continue its work combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the South. Led by Assistant Professor Samira Ali, the SUSTAIN Center focuses on improving frontline care and access for marginalized communities.
The US is failing to address HIV disparities, with racial and sexual minorities disproportionately affected. The epidemic has shifted from coastal areas to the South and rural regions, where women and minorities are more likely to be infected.
The HIV epidemic continues to disproportionately affect marginalized groups, particularly in the US South. Experts recommend allocating resources to areas and populations hardest hit by the epidemic to implement targeted interventions and promote HIV prevention and treatment adherence.
A study in Delhi reveals that social and environmental factors contribute to dengue fever spread. Lack of access to running water is the major risk factor, creating heat islands and ideal mosquito habitats.
The Stanford model describes a complex interplay between individual incentives and government policies in response to epidemics. It predicts waves of infection surges, reactionary social change, and perpetual cycling if short-term thinking is not considered in epidemic response.
This article revisits the pivotal role of dermatologists in the early HIV/AIDS epidemic, highlighting their contributions to diagnosis, treatment, and public awareness. The study's findings emphasize the importance of dermatologists in addressing skin-related issues during this critical period.
A West Virginia University-led study combines most drug overdose deaths with all suicides into an expanded self-injury category, exposing a mental health crisis across the United States. The research found that the national annual average percentage change in the self-injury rate was 4.3%, compared to 1.8% for suicide rates.
New data analysis from Imperial College London reveals that adults aged 20-49 are the main driver of COVID-19 transmission in the US. Despite school reopening, these age groups continue to sustain and spread the virus, highlighting the need for targeted interventions among this demographic.
Researchers analyzed 211 virus genomes and found nine local lineages circulating in Russia, not present elsewhere. The study suggests that the main channel of coronavirus 'import' was passenger traffic from European countries.
A recent study published in the Chinese Medical Journal found a high proportion of recent HIV infections among Chinese MSM college students, particularly those under 25 years old. The study suggests that regular HIV testing and TDR testing are crucial to prevent the spread of the disease. The findings highlight the need for early educa...
A genomic analysis of the first wave of COVID-19 in the UK revealed that over 1,000 viral sequences were introduced, with lineages originating from Spain, France, and Italy. The study suggests that earlier travel interventions could have reduced the epidemic's acceleration and intensity.
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus has been shown to transmit the Zika virus and trigger large outbreaks in a simulated environment. However, experimental studies suggest that the mosquito's infection rate is low, making it unlikely to cause major Zika virus epidemics.
Researchers found that a homogeneous population distribution reduces total infected individuals, while diverse contact frequencies can significantly decrease the number of infected. The optimal degree-based procedure involves lifting strict quarantine after high-degree nodes have acquired immunity, minimizing net infected individuals.
Researchers analyzed weekly smallpox mortality records from 1664 to 1930 to identify historical events influencing disease dynamics. They found that introduction of better control measures, especially vaccination, led to decreased mortality and eventual eradication.
Smallpox epidemics showed significant changes in frequency and seasonality over three centuries, with the introduction of vaccination and control measures leading to eradication. The analysis provides new insights into infectious disease ecology.
Researchers developed a new method to predict epidemic development, which considers both best and worst-case scenarios. This approach provides a more realistic estimate of the epidemic's severity, helping policymakers make informed decisions.
Researchers at St Petersburg University have developed a new Case-Based Rate Reasoning (CBRR) model to predict epidemic dynamics. The model uses data from countries where the disease was recorded earlier to forecast its spread in Russia, and is being updated weekly for cities like St Petersburg and Moscow.
Researchers estimate 76% attack rate in Manaus, Brazil, and 29% in São Paulo, suggesting NPIs and growing immunity played a role in containing the epidemic. The study aims to understand the longevity of population immunity and potential need for booster vaccinations.
A new study found that the tension between awareness of Covid-19's severity and fatigue from pandemic precautions can lead to unusual epidemic patterns. The research team analyzed data and found evidence that individuals tend to increase their activity before the virus wanes, worsening the epidemic severity.
Researchers propose a new class of epidemiological models based on the use of fractional exponents to accurately predict disease spread and transmission. The study found that these models provide substantially different predictions compared to previous models, especially in early phases of an epidemic.
A modelling study published in The Lancet Public Health found that targeted travel restrictions are effective in controlling local COVID-19 transmission in countries with low numbers of cases or strong travel links to infected countries. Travel restrictions are unlikely to be effective when the virus is spreading rapidly within a country.
A study based on genomic analysis of 51 viral isolates extracted from mosquitoes and monkeys reveals three waves of the disease swept the state between 2016 and 2018. The use of MinION genetic sequencing technology allowed researchers to pinpoint the virus entry, spread speed, and geographical distribution of different lineages.
The study shows that a switching strategy between two losing strategies can lead to a winning outcome, alleviating suffering and preserving health and well-being. Three different switching rules are proposed, offering novel solutions to curb the spread of COVID-19 and future epidemics.
The study analyzed historical data to estimate mortality rates and transmission dynamics of plague epidemics. Climatic changes and human population density increased the growth rate of plague outbreaks, suggesting indirect flea-driven transmission.
Researchers at McMaster University analyzed historical documents and found that plague outbreaks in London sped up four times between the 14th and 17th centuries. The disease spread from doubling every 43 days to every 11 days, suggesting a shift from pneumonic transmission to bubonic plague.
A Brazilian research team developed a model to describe the spatial and temporal evolution of epidemic diseases. The SIR model predicts that contagion occurs discontinuously but follows a fractal pattern, which can help plan more effective social isolation programs with less socio-economic impact.
A re-analysis of data from Imperial College London's report suggests that school closures would lead to more overall covid-19 deaths, while general social distancing was effective in reducing cases. The study also found that mitigation strategies focusing on shielding elderly and vulnerable people could minimize deaths.
Researchers mapped genomic evolution of Vibrio cholerae bacteria in Argentina during the 1991-1998 cholera outbreak. The study distinguished between pandemic and non-pandemic lineages, influencing health policy and national alert surveillance system.
A new model forecasts Covid-19 epidemic dynamics and containment across different regions. Social distancing measures significantly delay the epidemic peak, while travel bans have a limited impact. The study's findings provide valuable insights for governments and industries to develop containment plans.
A study found that a significant drop in US overdose deaths in 2018 was attributed to a decrease in the availability of potent opioids from China, rather than domestic policy efforts. The decline was largely driven by a reduction in carfentanil seizures, an opioid 10,000 times more powerful than morphine.
A team of Italian scientists analyzed the effect of lifting lockdowns on COVID-19 transmission in Italy. They found that most regions remained close to a baseline scenario for one-and-a-half months after lockdown relaxation, highlighting the importance of controlled case isolation interventions to prevent rebounding epidemics.