Vector borne diseases

A vector-borne disease is one in which the pathogenic microorganism is transmitted from an infected individual to another individual by an arthropod or other agent. The transmission depends upon the attributes and requirements of at least three different Iiving organisms : the pathologic agent which is either a virus, protozoa, bacteria or helminth (worm); the vector, which is commonly an arthropod such as ticks or mosquitoes; and the human host.peer-reviewe

The H1N1 post-mortem

The H1 N1 pandemic started more than a year ago at the end of March in Mexico with Malta having it's first positive cases on the first of July. Since July 2009, we had 913 persons who were positive to Hl Nl with 261 cases hospitalised (207 with H1 N1 and 54 with Influenza A) and from these 8 cases needed intensive care. In all, 5 died as a result of this pandemic locally. Over 91 ,471 residents took the vaccine and 2,700 antiviral courses have been dispensed through the government pharmacies. In retrospect one would easily conclude that a massive amount of money has been spent on a minor threat but judgment using hindsight is not appropriate when dealing with the potential risk of a public health threat. The real question that needs to be asked is what are the aims and objectives for this country if the threat of a novel influenza virus emerged and was spreading all over the world? And where the objectives for the H1 N1 strategy achieved or not?peer-reviewe

Asian Mosquito Tiger : a nuisance, threat or both?

Asian Mosquito Tiger or Aedes Aldopictus is a mosquito which reached the Maltese Islands towards the end of summer of 2009 and has since spread and proliferated all over Malta and Gozo. It is a nuisance because of its ferocious biting on humans but it can also be a carrier of a number of diseases which may eventually be introduced to our islands causing outbreaks and resulting in a negative impact on our tourism and jeopardizing agricultural development resulting in major economic consequences.peer-reviewe

Current status of avian/pandemic influenza

The current pandemic alert phase is still at alert level 3 where a new influenza viral subtype is causing disease in humans but is not yet spreading efficiently and sustainable among humans.N/

Influenza and the implications of a pandemic for Malta

An influenza pandemic is inevitable and recent reports from Southeast Asia on avian influenza viruses infecting humans have served to fuel worries that a new pandemic is near. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the epidemiological and public health aspects of seasonal, avian and pandemic influenza through a literature review and to describe the possible effects of an Influenza pandemic on Malta using the FluAid model. The results of the model indicate that between 158 and 454 deaths would be expected for a 12-week pandemic causing clinical symptoms in 25% of the population. There would be between 432 and 1,488 hospitalisations and between 40,483 and 74,704 general practice consultations. Although the results of the model show a wide range of estimates and are limited by a lack of local parameters, the data presented in this article shows the severe effect of a pandemic on the Maltese health care system and will be useful for pandemic planning. Further research needs to be undertaken to determine local parameters to improve the model estimates and local health authorities need to ensure that adequate resources are provided to implement an effective pandemic preparedness plan.peer-reviewe

Zika virus : a global health threat

The ongoing outbreak of Zika virus has captured media attention and caused worldwide concern. This article highlights the typical clinical picture and possible complications of this disease, current recommendations for personal protection and prevention, its implications for couples of child-bearing age as well as the local situation with regards to Zika virus.peer-reviewe

Clinical Update Influenza and the Implications of a Pandemic for Malta

Abstract An influenza pandemic is inevitable and recent reports from Southeast Asia on avian influenza viruses infecting humans have served to fuel worries that a new pandemic is near. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the epidemiological and public health aspects of seasonal, avian and pandemic influenza through a literature review and to describe the possible effects of an Influenza pandemic on Malta using the FluAid model. The results of the model indicate that between 158 and 454 deaths would be expected for a 12-week pandemic causing clinical symptoms in 25% of the population. There would be between 432 and 1,488 hospitalisations and between 40,483 and 74,704 general practice consultations. Although the results of the model show a wide range of estimates and are limited by a lack of local parameters, the data presented in this article shows the severe effect of a pandemic on the Maltese health care system and will be useful for pandemic planning. Further research needs to be undertaken to determine local parameters to improve the model estimates and local health authorities need to ensure that adequate resources are provided to implement an effective pandemic preparedness plan

Migration and determinants of health : clinical epidemiological characteristics of migrants in Malta (2010-11)

Background Over recent years Malta has experienced a growing influx of migrants from Africa. With the aim of defining demographic characteristics and assessing the prevalence of conditions of public health significance among asylum seekers in Malta, a clinical research study was implemented in the framework of the European Union project ‘Mare nostrum’. Methods From August 2010 to June 2011 a dermatologist and an infectious diseases specialist performed general and specialist health assessment of migrants hosted in open centres. Results Migrants included in the study were 2216, 82.7% were males, their mean age was 25 years and 70.1% were from Somalia. Out of the total females, 42.5% had undergone some type of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting. A total of 5077 diagnoses were set, most common were skin diseases (21.9%), respiratory diseases (19.8%) and gastro-enteric diseases (14.2%), whereas 31% of migrants reported good health conditions. Conclusions Immigrants have a lower morbidity burden compared with their fellow countrymen living in the origin country. However, living conditions during the journey, in transit countries and after arrival can influence their health status. The present study provides a comprehensive picture of this growing population that is in need for health promotion, mental health services and fair policy planning.peer-reviewe

Prevalence of latent tuberculosis, syphilis, hepatitis B and C among asylum seekers in Malta

Background: In the last few years, Malta has witnessed increasing immigration flows from the Libyan coasts. Public health policies are focused on screening migrants for tuberculosis, whereas no systematic actions against STIs are implemented. The aim of this study is to define the epidemiological profile of asylum seekers in Malta as regards syphilis, hepatitis B, C and latent tuberculosis, thus supporting screening policies. Methods: Five hundred migrants living in open centres were screened between December 2010 and June 2011. Results: 83.2% of people was from Somalia, 81.2% males, average age 26.5 years. The tuberculin skin test (TST) was positive in 225 migrants (45%). Latent syphilis was diagnosed in 11 migrants, hepatitis C in 3 and 31 migrants were HBsAg positive. Conclusion: Systematic screening for asymptomatic migrants in Malta is not recommended for hepatitis C and syphilis, given the low prevalence observed. On the contrary, it should be considered for hepatitis B. TST could be indicated as the first step of a two step screening for migrants from countries with high TB incidence. Efficacy and cost-effectiveness could be achieved by further targeting screening to specific subgroups at higher risk of reactivation, such as people living with HIV and subjects affected by chronic diseases.peer-reviewe

Determinants of fatal outcome in patients admitted to intensive care units with influenza, European Union 2009–2017

Free PMC article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/32258201/Background: Morbidity, severity, and mortality associated with annual influenza epidemics are of public health concern. We analyzed surveillance data on hospitalized laboratory-confirmed influenza cases admitted to intensive care units to identify common determinants for fatal outcome and inform and target public health prevention strategies, including risk communication. Methods: We performed a descriptive analysis and used Poisson regression models with robust variance to estimate the association of age, sex, virus (sub)type, and underlying medical condition with fatal outcome using European Union data from 2009 to 2017. Results: Of 13 368 cases included in the basic dataset, 2806 (21%) were fatal. Age ≥40 years and infection with influenza A virus were associated with fatal outcome. Of 5886 cases with known underlying medical conditions and virus A subtype included in a more detailed analysis, 1349 (23%) were fatal. Influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09 or A(H3N2) infection, age ≥60 years, cancer, human immunodeficiency virus infection and/or other immune deficiency, and heart, kidney, and liver disease were associated with fatal outcome; the risk of death was lower for patients with chronic lung disease and for pregnant women. Conclusions: This study re-emphasises the importance of preventing influenza in the elderly and tailoring strategies to risk groups with underlying medical conditions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio