Introduction: Measles outbreaks are endemic in Southeast Asia. A possible reason for such outbreaks is low vaccine coverage. In Malaysia, there is a lack of studies on measles outbreaks. The urban district of Petaling in Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia, reported a high number of outbreaks in 2014–2018. Thus, we analysed the trend of mea- sles outbreaks and identify the common characteristics of measles cases in Petaling District. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using secondary data from the Petaling District Health Office online surveillance system. Data from 2014 until 2018 from the e-Measles and eWabak systems were extracted, and the trend and common character- istics of measles cases were analysed. Results: A total of 48 outbreaks involving 124 cases were reported during the period investigated. The outbreaks showed an increasing trend from 2.1% in 2014 to 37.5% in 2016, and decreased slightly from 29.2% in 2017 to 27.1% in 2018. The common characteristics were age 1 to
Introduction: Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus that is transmitted via Aedes mosquitoes. The lifecycle of Aedes mosquitoes is affected by the local climate (rainfall) which influences dengue transmission. Sabah is one of the states that is laden with a high incidence rate of dengue in Malaysia and the condition seems to have worsened with sudden, multiple outbreaks occurring in the year 2016. Methods: An ecological analysis was conducted in Keningau, Sabah to analyse dengue case patterns and distribution over a 5-year period and to exhibit the correlation between rainfall, larval indices, dengue incidences, and outbreaks. Results: Significant cross-correlation analysis (CCF) was discovered between rainfall and Aedes index at lag number 5 with a correlation coefficient of 0.151 (±0.063) as well as between rainfall and Breteau Index at lag number 5 with a correlation coefficient of 0.143 (±0.063). However, no significant cross-correlation analysis was found between Aedes index and dengue incidences. Associations were also seen between larval indices and outbreak cases. Conclusion: This study showed an increase of Aedes and Breteau Indices to susceptibility level five weeks after rainfall which increases the risk of dengue transmission.
Introduction Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal helminth that infects humans
through contact with soil containing the larvae.
Methods A systematic search was performed for relevant titles, abstract and keywords
in database from Cochrane Library, PLOS One, PubMed and several other
sources in October 2017 based on PICO strategy. Out of 511 papers that were
evaluated for possible inclusion, final assessment for eligibility has yielded a
total of 17 papers to be included which were found suitable for analysis
covering period from 2012 till 2016.
Results A major challenge of giving an overview of prevalence data for S. stercoralis
lies in the low sensitivity of diagnostic method used which resulted in very
low prevalence in certain countries. Cambodia and Laos presented with high
prevalence ranging from 17.4% to 45.9% by using high sensitivity of
diagnostic methods. The current prevalence situation of S. stercoralis in
Southeast Asia still have wide gaps remains due to several reasons.
Conclusions The information we have today only scratches the surface which cannot truly
reflect the true burden of S. stercoralis in Southeast Asia The main risk factor
is personal hygiene practices especially amongst males.