Covid-19 Pandemic Situation In The Arab World Till June 11, 2020: Spatial Panorama Obtained Following The Response Plan Implemented

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health emergency of this century. The Arab region is not spared from this scourge. This paper focuses on describing the current epidemiological situation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Arab world, as of June 11, 2020. Methods: An observational study of all laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19, reported in each Arab country since the appearance of the first case until June 11, 2020, was carried out. Results: Twenty-two Arab countries have reported a total of 398,954 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 5,241 deaths, with a cumulative incidence of 950 cases per 1,000,000 population and a cumulative mortality rate of 13 deaths per 1,000,000 population. Of all recorded cases, 240,137 (60.19%) have recovered from COVID-19. The highest incidence rate of COVID-19 was observed in Qatar (26,988 cases per 1,000,000 population) and the lowest incidence was recorded in Libya (59 cases), Yemen (21 cases), and Syria (10 cases). Kuwait had the highest mortality rate for COVID-19 (67 deaths per 1,000,000 population). Eight countries had a case fatality rate (CFR) less than 1% (e.g., Bahrain, Oman and Qatar). The highest CFR was observed in Yemen (23.01%). Only three countries were ranked first in terms of remission (Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia). The rate of remission did not exceed 20% in Libya, Mauritania, and Yemen. Conclusion: Some countries were more affected than others in terms of morbidity and mortality. The success of a national response plan against COVID-19 is closely linked to the devotion of health professionals and community engagement

Geographical distribution of health indicators related to snake bites and envenomation in Morocco between 1999 and 2013

OBJECTIVES Envenomation from snake bites is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological features of snake bites in Morocco and to evaluate time-space trends in snake bite incidence, the mortality rate, and the case-fatality rate. METHODS This is a retrospective study of snake bite cases reported to the Moroccan Poison Control Center between 1999 and 2013. RESULTS During the study period, 2,053 people were bitten by snakes in Morocco. Most victims were adults (55.4%). The average age of the patients was 26.48±17.25 years. More than half of the cases (58.1%) were males. Approximately 75% of snake bites happened in rural areas, and 85 deaths were recorded during this period. The incidence of snake bites remained generally steady over the 15-year period of this study, with a marked increase noted since 2012. The mortality rate has increased slightly, from 0.02 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 1999 to 0.05 in 2013. The geographical distribution of snake bite cases in the regions of Morocco showed that Tanger-Tétouan had the highest annual incidence of snake bites (1.41 bites per 100,000 inhabitants). However, the highest annual mortality rates were recorded in the Guelmim-Es Semara and Souss-Massa-Drâa regions (0.09 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants for both regions). CONCLUSIONS The geographical distribution of the incidence, mortality, and case-fatality rates of snake bites in Morocco showed large disparities across regions during the three 5-year periods included in this study, meaning that certain areas can be considered high-risk for snake bites

CARACTERISTIQUES EPIDEMIOLOGIQUES ET CLINIQUES DES ENVENIMATIONS PAR LES INSECTES HYMENOPTERES AU MAROC EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ENVENOMATIONS CAUSED BY HYMENOPTERA INSECTS IN MOROCCO

In order to reduce the morbidity of envenomations caused by Hymenoptera insects in Morocco, this study evaluates the incidence of those cases in the regions that have been affected by this type of poisoning and describes the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the poisoned patients. A descriptive retrospective analysis was conducted on 175 cases of envenomation. Data was collected from two sources, the Toxico-monotoring systems and toxicological information, both based on suspected or proven data from The Moroccan Poison Control and Drug Monitoring Center (CAPM) from the 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2011. Entry and statistical analysis were done using Epi Info 2002. According to the results, the region of Tangier-Tetouan has recorded the highest number of poisoned patients (67 cases) with an incidence of 0.0062 per 100 000 inhabitants. The average age of the poisoned population was 21,6±16,9. Male patients were the most affected with 66% of cases (sex ratio (M / F) = 2). Hymenoptera insect bites have occurred most often in urban areas (62% of cases). There was a peak in bites during July, which corresponds to the period of the proliferation of insects (bees-ants...). 75.4% of patients were symptomatic. The most frequent clinical signs were local edema (25.9%), pruritus (20.5%) and localized pain (18.3%). The evolution was favorable in 81% of cases, 2 cases (1%) with had ongoing sequels and no cases of death were recorded. By studying these 175 cases of envenomation caused by Hymenoptera, we offers education and information to the Moroccan population, and an ecological knowledge about hymenopteran species involved, and the proper management of the poisoned for a better outcome

Excessive smartphone use symptoms associated with psychological distress as consequence of early phase COVID-19 restrictions

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been associated to various mental health problems and its consequences such as lock-down and social distancing were linked to various adaptations forms including increased smartphone usage. The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of symptoms related to smartphone excessive use and to detect smartphone addiction symptoms related to general psychological distress. Participants were (N=260) surveyed during the first two weeks of lockdown measure. Online measures were introduced including sociodemographic background, Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS-SV), and the Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI). Among 260 Moroccan adults, the prevalence of excessive smartphone use was 48.4% (women: 59.6% / men: 40.4%). Withdrawal, preoccupation, simultaneous presence of withdrawal and tolerance, with or without preoccupation, were significantly more observed among female users (p=.019, p=.042, p=.023 and p=.003; respectively). Comparing excessive smartphone users to non-excessive users, GSI and all BSI dimensions, showed higher significant difference in mean scores (r ranging from .15 to .31). SAS-SV total score was positively correlated with general distress (rho=.19, p<.05), depression (rho=.27, p<.01), and paranoid ideation (rho=.20, p<.05) in excessive smartphone users. Smartphone excessive use appears strongly associated with general distress, regardless of the circumstances. The results of this work provide sufficient evidence for the implementation of psychological interventions in general population during possible lock down measures or potential quarantine for potential next pandemic waves

Effect of biostimulant Banzaï and fertilizer on the yield of cocoa trees in the locality of N’gouanmoinkro, Central Côte d’Ivoire

In order to minimize production losses, and limit the use of chemicals, several organic products have been developed. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of biostimulant Banzai and fertilizer on cocoa tree productivity. Conducted in the department of Toumodi, this study took place in one device with a cocoa field that has received fertilizer in the last three years (DAE) and another that has received no fertilizer in the past three years (DSE). The results obtained showed that the plots that had been applied to Banzai produced significantly more pods than the control plots without application of the biostimulant. Compared to controls, the production rate of pods is greater than between 38 and 70% in the unprecedented fertilizer plots (DSE) and between 51 and 80% in plots with previous fertilizer (DAE). However, the production of pods in treated plots is more than three times high in the DAE than in the DSE. This study shows the positive impact of biostimulant use on cocoa yield. In addition, it shows that the use of fertilizers during the experiment could be abandoned with a view to greater use of organic products at the expense of chemicals that have a detrimental effect on the environment and on the long-term health of populations

Ophidian envenomation in Morocco: Analysis of specific hospitalization records (2012-2015)

Snakebites are a real public health problem in Morocco, from the point of view of incidence and mortality. Inorder to contribute to the reduction of the resulting morbidity and mortality, the present work aims to describe the epidemiological profile of cases of Snakebites and to follow the spatio-temporal trends of the health indicators studied (incidence, fatality and mortality). The methodology adopted consists of a retrospective analysis of the cases collected from the Anti Poison and Pharmacovigilance Center of Morocco from specific hospitalization records. Between 2012 and 2015, the MPCC gathered 224 cases. The mean age was 26.9 ± 18.9 years with a sex ratio (M / F) of 1.4. Most of the bites occurred during hot seasons (84%) and in rural areas (95%). The time to hospitalization exceeded 24 hours in 7% of cases. Clinically, compartment syndrome was observed in 17 patients, renal failure in 13 patients and shock in 13 patients. The distribution according to clinical gradation was almost uniform. From a therapeutic standpoint, in addition to the antivenom, two types of treatment were the most recommended: symptomatic treatment based on the administration of analgesics (n = 168) and on the administration of an antitetanus serum (n = 99), and treatment involving transfusion (n = 58). Analysis of all of these files enabled us to detect parameters having a direct impact on morbidity and mortality following a bite and ophidian envenomation, on which the competent authorities should focus in order to thwart this scourge and its complications

Tracking: emergency method or health vigilance in the retention of patients living with HIV/AIDS?

There were 1.7 million HIV/AIDS-related deaths worldwide. The low retention of patients in care was a hindrance to their treatment. The objective of this study was to establish the epidemiological profile of patients, to implement “tracking” and to evaluate its effectiveness. This is a descriptive and analytical retrospective study of all patients living with HIV/AIDS enrolled from 2004 to 2012 by the non-governmental organization ACONDA-VSCI. It consisted of a series of phone calls and home visits. Results showed that 71% of the 51.703 patients enrolled were female with a sex-ratio (F/M) of 2.5. The average age of patients was 33±13 years. 47% of the patients enrolled had an unknown vital status in 2011 and only 42% of them had a telephone number. In addition, 11% of patients with unknown vital status were contacted and reintegrated into the care system. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the lack of awareness of status in patients was related to elevated CD4s, and having spent more than three years in a health center. On the other hand, being in a relationship and living in a rural area was a protective factor against the lack of knowledge of status. At the end of this study, it appears that the tracking method is an excellent method of combating the loss of sight of patients. However, it must be carried out routinely as a method of health vigilance and not a health emergency

Snakebites notified to the poison control center of Morocco between 2009 and 2013

Abstract Background Snakebites cause considerable death and injury throughout the globe, particularly in tropical regions, and pose an important yet neglected threat to public health. In 2008, the Centre Anti Poison et de Parmacovigilance du Maroc (CAPM) started to set up a specific strategy for the control of snakebites that was formalized in 2012. The aim of the present study is to describe and update the epidemiological characteristics of snakebites notified to CAPM between 2009 and 2013. Methods This retrospective five-year study included all cases of snakebites notified to CAPM by mail or phone. Results During the study period, 873 snakebite cases were reported to CAPM, an average incidence of 2.65 cases per 100,000 inhabitants with 218 cases each year. The highest incidence was found in Tangier-Tetouan region with 357 cases (40.9 %) followed by Souss Massa Draa region with 128 cases (14.6 %). The average age of patients was 26.8 ± 17.2 years. The male to female sex ratio was 1.67:1 and 77 % of cases occurred in rural areas. The bites occurred mainly in spring (44 %) followed by summer (42 %). Snake species was identified in 54 cases (6.2 %): colubrids represented 31 % (n = 18) and vipers 67 % (n = 36), mainly Daboia mauritanica, Bitis arietans and Cerastes cerastes. In 311 cases (35.6 %), the patients showed viper syndrome. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 23.5 % of viper syndrome cases, whereas, compartment syndrome was observed in 7.6 % patients. FAV-Afrique® was administered in 41 patients (5 %). In patients treated with antivenom, 38 patients recovered and three died. Twenty-seven deaths were reported (3.9 %). Conclusion Despite specific efforts to better understand the epidemiology of snakebites in Morocco (incidence, severity, snake species involved), it remains underestimated. Therefore, further work is still necessary to ensure accessibility of appropriate antivenom against venomous species and to improve the management of envenomation in Morocco