Displaying publications 181 - 200 of 685 in total

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  1. Measurement of dengue epidemic spreading pattern using density analysis method: retrospective spatial statistical study of dengue in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, 2006-2010
    Dom NC, Ahmad AH, Latif ZA, Ismail R
    Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2013 Nov;107(11):715-22.
    PMID: 24062522 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trt073
    Dengue has emerged as one of the major public health problems in Malaysia. The Ministry of Health, Malaysia, is committed in monitoring and controlling this disease for many years. The objective of this study is to analyze the dengue outbreak pattern on a monthly basis in Subang Jaya in terms of their spatial dissemination and hotspot identification.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks/statistics & numerical data*
  2. Fulltext Assessing the threat of chikungunya virus emergence in Australia
    Viennet E, Knope K, Faddy HM, Williams CR, Harley D
    Commun Dis Intell Q Rep, 2013 Jun;37(2):E136-43.
    PMID: 24168087
    Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a major threat to Australia given the distribution of competent vectors, and the large number of travellers returning from endemic regions. We describe current knowledge of CHIKV importations into Australia, and quantify reported viraemic cases, with the aim of facilitating the formulation of public health policy and ensuring maintenance of blood safety.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  3. Fulltext Sharing experiences: towards an evidence based model of dengue surveillance and outbreak response in Latin America and Asia
    Badurdeen S, Valladares DB, Farrar J, Gozzer E, Kroeger A, Kuswara N, et al.
    BMC Public Health, 2013 Jun 24;13:607.
    PMID: 23800243 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-607
    BACKGROUND: The increasing frequency and intensity of dengue outbreaks in endemic and non-endemic countries requires a rational, evidence based response. To this end, we aimed to collate the experiences of a number of affected countries, identify strengths and limitations in dengue surveillance, outbreak preparedness, detection and response and contribute towards the development of a model contingency plan adaptable to country needs.

    METHODS: The study was undertaken in five Latin American (Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru) and five in Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam). A mixed-methods approach was used which included document analysis, key informant interviews, focus-group discussions, secondary data analysis and consensus building by an international dengue expert meeting organised by the World Health Organization, Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (WHO-TDR).

    RESULTS: Country information on dengue is based on compulsory notification and reporting ("passive surveillance"), with laboratory confirmation (in all participating Latin American countries and some Asian countries) or by using a clinical syndromic definition. Seven countries additionally had sentinel sites with active dengue reporting, some also had virological surveillance. Six had agreed a formal definition of a dengue outbreak separate to seasonal variation in case numbers. Countries collected data on a range of warning signs that may identify outbreaks early, but none had developed a systematic approach to identifying and responding to the early stages of an outbreak. Outbreak response plans varied in quality, particularly regarding the early response. The surge capacity of hospitals with recent dengue outbreaks varied; those that could mobilise additional staff, beds, laboratory support and resources coped best in comparison to those improvising a coping strategy during the outbreak. Hospital outbreak management plans were present in 9/22 participating hospitals in Latin-America and 8/20 participating hospitals in Asia.

    CONCLUSIONS: Considerable variation between countries was observed with regard to surveillance, outbreak detection, and response. Through discussion at the expert meeting, suggestions were made for the development of a more standardised approach in the form of a model contingency plan, with agreed outbreak definitions and country-specific risk assessment schemes to initiate early response activities according to the outbreak phase. This would also allow greater cross-country sharing of ideas.

    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  4. Fulltext Review of Dengue hemorrhagic fever fatal cases seen among adults: a retrospective study
    Sam SS, Omar SF, Teoh BT, Abd-Jamil J, AbuBakar S
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2013;7(5):e2194.
    PMID: 23658849 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002194
    Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease endemic in many countries in the tropics and sub-tropics. The disease affects mainly children, but in recent years it is becoming more of an adult disease. Malaysia experienced a large dengue outbreak in 2006 to 2007, involving mostly adults, with a high number of deaths.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  5. Fulltext Outbreak of melioidosis and leptospirosis co-infection following a rescue operation
    Mohamed MS, Khair MT, How SH, Rajalingam R, Sahhir K, Norazah A, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2012 Jun;67(3):293-7.
    PMID: 23082420 MyJurnal
    We analyzed the epidemiological data of all people who were involved in the search and rescue operation in Lubuk Yu, a natural recreational forest with waterfall and stream. The hospital admission records of the cases who fulfilled the case definition and the environmental samples result taken at Lubuk Yu recreational area were studied. 153 people were exposed to this outbreak, 85 (55.5%) were professional rescuers from various government agencies and 68 (44.5%) were villagers. 21 fulfilled the case definition. Ten cases were confirmed melioidosis, six melioidosis alone and four coinfected with leptospirosis. There were eight deaths in this outbreak, seven were villagers and one professional rescuer. Overall case fatality was 70%. All confirmed melioidosis cases and seven who died had diabetes mellitus. The morbidity rate were higher among the villagers, 23.5% compared to professional rescuers, 5.9%. The case fatality rate were also higher in this group which was 100% compared to 33.3% in professional rescuers. The soil and water samples in Lubuk Yu recreational area were positive for leptospira and Burkholderia pseudomallei. The presence of co-infection and co-morbidities especially diabetes mellitus among the exposed led to the high mortality in this outbreak hence a high index of suspicion is important among the healthcare professionals in the management of melioidosis cases. To avoid similar incident in future, search and rescue operation should be only conducted by professional rescuers with appropriate personal protective equipment. A register of rescuers should be maintained for surveillance and follow up if necessary.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  6. Infectious diseases following natural disasters: prevention and control measures
    Kouadio IK, Aljunid S, Kamigaki T, Hammad K, Oshitani H
    Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther, 2012 Jan;10(1):95-104.
    PMID: 22149618 DOI: 10.1586/eri.11.155
    Natural disasters may lead to infectious disease outbreaks when they result in substantial population displacement and exacerbate synergic risk factors (change in the environment, in human conditions and in the vulnerability to existing pathogens) for disease transmission. We reviewed risk factors and potential infectious diseases resulting from prolonged secondary effects of major natural disasters that occurred from 2000 to 2011. Natural disasters including floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, tropical cyclones (e.g., hurricanes and typhoons) and tornadoes have been secondarily described with the following infectious diseases including diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory infections, malaria, leptospirosis, measles, dengue fever, viral hepatitis, typhoid fever, meningitis, as well as tetanus and cutaneous mucormycosis. Risk assessment is essential in post-disaster situations and the rapid implementation of control measures through re-establishment and improvement of primary healthcare delivery should be given high priority, especially in the absence of pre-disaster surveillance data.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control*
  7. Performance of univariate forecasting on seasonal diseases: the case of tuberculosis
    Permanasari AE, Rambli DR, Dominic PD
    Adv Exp Med Biol, 2011;696:171-9.
    PMID: 21431557 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-7046-6_17
    The annual disease incident worldwide is desirable to be predicted for taking appropriate policy to prevent disease outbreak. This chapter considers the performance of different forecasting method to predict the future number of disease incidence, especially for seasonal disease. Six forecasting methods, namely linear regression, moving average, decomposition, Holt-Winter's, ARIMA, and artificial neural network (ANN), were used for disease forecasting on tuberculosis monthly data. The model derived met the requirement of time series with seasonality pattern and downward trend. The forecasting performance was compared using similar error measure in the base of the last 5 years forecast result. The findings indicate that ARIMA model was the most appropriate model since it obtained the less relatively error than the other model.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks/statistics & numerical data
  8. [Encephalomyelitis caused by enterovirus type 71 in children]
    Koroleva GA, Lukashev AN, Khudiakova LV, Mustafina AN, Lashkevich VA
    Vopr. Virusol., 2010 Nov-Dec;55(6):4-10.
    PMID: 21381332
    Enterovirus type 71 (EV71) is a causative agent of large outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Europe (Bulgaria, 1975; Hungary, 1978) and South-East Asia (Malaysia, 1977; Taiwan, 1998; Singapore, 2000-2007; People's Republic of China, 2007-2009). HFMD afflicted children less than 10 years of age and resulted in recovery within 3-7 days. In a small percentage of infants (aged 6 months to 3 years), HFMD was accompanied by acute neurological complications, such as serous meningitis, poliomyelitis-like syndrome (extremity pareses and muscle paralyses); brain stem encephalitis (myoclonic jerks, tremor, lethargy, swallowing and speech disorders, cardiopulmonary failure, pulmonary edema, shock, coma, death). X-ray study revealed pulmonary hemorrhages and edema. Mortality rates were as high as 82-94% in severe cases. Incapacitating motor, respiratory, and psychoemotional disorders persisted in some surviving children. Pathomorphologically, patients with central nervous system disease and cardiopulmonary failure were found to have acute inflammation of the grey matter of the brain stem (medulla oblongata, pons) and spinal cord. Inflammatory changes in the lung and myocardial tissues were negligible or absent. Fatal pulmonary edema was neurogenic in origin and resulted from damage to the respiratory and vasomotor centers of the brain stem.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  9. Fulltext Outbreak of chikungunya in Johor Bahru, Malaysia: clinical and laboratory features of hospitalized patients
    Chew LP, Chua HH
    Med J Malaysia, 2009 Sep;64(3):220-2.
    PMID: 20527272
    In 2008, an outbreak of chikungunya infection occurred in Johor. We performed a retrospective review of all laboratory confirmed adult chikungunya cases admitted to Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor Bahru from April to August 2008, looking into clinical and laboratory features. A total of 18 laboratory confirmed cases of chikungunya were identified with patients presenting with fever, joint pain, rash and vomiting. Haemorrhagic signs were not seen. Lymphopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, raised liver enzymes and deranged coagulation profile were the prominent laboratory findings. We hope this study can help guide physician making a diagnosis of chikungunya against other arborviruses infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  10. Fulltext Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 in Malaysia--the next phase
    Sam IC, Abu Bakar S
    Med J Malaysia, 2009 Jun;64(2):105-7.
    PMID: 20058566
    In recent years, zoonotic RNA viruses such as Nipah, SARS coronavirus, avian influenza (H5N1) and Chikungunya have emerged with global impact. The latest has now been designated by World Health Organization (WHO) as pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus. It was first reported as an outbreak in Mexico in April, and has now caused the first influenza pandemic since 1968. By July 11, 2009, there were 105,304 confirmed cases and 463 deaths in 143 countries, including 627 cases in Malaysia1 . The rapid spread of the disease has been matched by the speed of dissemination of information and protocols, co-ordinated by WHO. The experiences of SARS and H5N1 have been enormously beneficial in preparing the world for a pandemic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  11. Fulltext An outbreak of echovirus 11 amongst neonates in a confinement home in Penang, Malaysia
    Bina Rai S, Wan Mansor H, Vasantha T, Norizah I, Chua KB
    Med J Malaysia, 2007 Aug;62(3):223-6.
    PMID: 18246912 MyJurnal
    Confinement homes are private institutions that provide full-time care for newborn babies and their respective postpartum mothers up to one month after delivery. An outbreak of fever and diarrhoea amongst newborns occurred in one such confinement home in Penang between the months of September to October 2004. An outbreak investigation was carried out including all babies, their respective mothers and workers in the home to determine the source of the outbreak and to institute control measures. Based on a working case definition of febrile illness with or without diarrhoea, 11 out of the 13 babies in the confinement home met the case definition. One hundred percent had symptoms of fever. 36.4% had symptoms of diarrhea and other respiratory conditions respectively. The attack rate of among babies in the confinement home was 90%. Echovirus 11 was isolated from 3 out of the 11 febrile cases. Echovirus 11 was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid and stool of another baby at a private hospital that was epidemiologically linked to the first case. In conclusion, the outbreak of febrile illness amongst newborn babies in the affected confinement home was due to echovirus 11. The source was probably health-care associated with efficient transmission within the confinement home. The faecal-oral route was the most likely mode of transmission.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  12. Fulltext An outbreak of Paederus dermatitis in a primary school, Terengganu, Malaysia
    Rahmah E, Norjaiza MJ
    Malays J Pathol, 2008 Jun;30(1):53-6.
    PMID: 19108412 MyJurnal
    Outbreaks of Paederus dermatitis have been reported in several Asia-Pacific countries when rove beetles (genus Paederus) are accidentally brushed or crushed on the skin, releasing haemolymph pederin. An investigation was conducted in a school to ascertain the causative agent, establish the case definition, epidemiological characterisation of cases, entomological and environmental survey and data analysis. This outbreak occurred among 36 schoolchildren attending a night tuition class conducted by their teacher. Dermatitis developed within 24 hours in 33/37 (89.2%) cases with itchiness as the first presenting symptom in 87.9% of cases. Periorbital oedema and erythematous-vesicular plaques on the upper extremities were seen in 57.6% of cases, on the back (36.4%) and on the nape (24.2%). Signs and symptoms were present 12 hours after exposure in 66.7% of cases with burning sensation within four hours in 9.1%. Seven cases received out-patient treatment. Thirty cases (90.9%) recalled exposure to Paederus fuscipes with 28 (84.8%) cases admitting crushing or brushing the insects. (Relative risk = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2; 4.2). The school with fluorescent lighting, was located next to paddy fields. P. fuscipes was easily found in the paddy fields and along the school corridors. This strongly supports it as the likely causative agent for the dermatitis. Boarding the ventilation panes and use of insect spray were successfully implemented to control the outbreak. Increased awareness of this condition is important to prevent misdiagnosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  13. Introduction: Avian influenza: from basic biology to pandemic planning
    Loh LC, Hui DS, Beasley R
    Respirology, 2008 Mar;13 Suppl 1:S1.
    PMID: 18366520 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2008.01245.x
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  14. Fulltext Lessons from the Nipah virus outbreak in Malaysia
    Looi LM, Chua KB
    Malays J Pathol, 2007 Dec;29(2):63-7.
    PMID: 19108397 MyJurnal
    The Nipah virus outbreak in Malaysia (September 1998 to May 1999) resulted in 265 cases of acute encephalitis with 105 deaths, and near collapse of the billion-dollar pig-farming industry. Because it was initially attributed to Japanese encephalitis, early control measures were ineffective, and the outbreak spread to other parts of Malaysia and nearby Singapore. The isolation of the novel aetiological agent, the Nipah virus (NiV), from the cerebrospinal fluid of an outbreak victim was the turning point which led to outbreak control 2 months later. Together with the Hendra virus, NiV is now recognised as a new genus, Henipavirus (Hendra + Nipah), in the Paramyxoviridae family. Efforts of the local and international scientific community have since elucidated the epidemiology, clinico-pathophysiology and pathogenesis of this new disease. Humans contracted the infection from close contact with infected pigs, and formed the basis for pig-culling that eventually stopped the outbreak. NiV targeted medium-sized and small blood vessels resulting in endothelial multinucleated syncytia and fibrinoid necrosis. Autopsies revealed disseminated cerebral microinfarctions resulting from vasculitis-induced thrombosis and direct neuronal involvement. The discovery of NiV in the urine and saliva of Malaysian Island flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus and Petropus vampyrus) implicated these as natural reservoir hosts of NiV. It is probable that initial transmission of NiV from bats to pigs occurred in late 1997/early 1998 through contamination of pig swill by bat excretions, as a result of migration of these forest fruitbats to cultivated orchards and pig-farms, driven by fruiting failure of forest trees during the El Nino-related drought and anthropogenic fires in Indonesia in 1997-1998. This outbreak emphasizes the need for sharing information of any unusual illnesses in animals and humans, an open-minded approach and close collaboration and co-ordination between the medical profession, veterinarians and wildlife specialists in the investigation of such illnesses. Environmental mismanagement (such as deforestation and haze) has far-reaching effects, including encroachment of wildlife into human habitats and the introduction of zoonotic infections into domestic animals and humans.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  15. Fulltext Role of electron microscopy in Nipah virus outbreak investigation and control
    Chua KB, Wong EM, Cropp BC, Hyatt AD
    Med J Malaysia, 2007 Jun;62(2):139-42.
    PMID: 18705447 MyJurnal
    In 1998, a novel paramyxovirus (order Mononegavirales, family Paramyxoviridae, subfamily Paramyxovirinae, genus Henipavirus) emerged in peninsular Malaysia causing fatal encephalitis in humans and severe respiratory illness with encephalitis in pigs. The virus was successfully isolated in cultured mammalian cells. Transmission electron microscopy of infected tissue culture cells played a crucial role in the early preliminary identification of the causative agent of the outbreak. This in turn was pivotal to determine the correct direction of control measures that subsequently brought the epidemic under control. In light of this investigation, and indeed identification of infectious agents associated with other disease episodes, electron microscopy will remain an important frontline method for rapid diagnostic virology and investigation of any future outbreak of new and unusual cases of illness suspected of an infectious aetiology.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  16. Fulltext Emerging and re-emerging viruses in Malaysia, 1997-2007
    Tee KK, Takebe Y, Kamarulzaman A
    Int J Infect Dis, 2009 May;13(3):307-18.
    PMID: 19010076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2008.09.005
    Over the past decade, a number of unique zoonotic and non-zoonotic viruses have emerged in Malaysia. Several of these viruses have resulted in significant morbidity and mortality to those affected and they have imposed a tremendous public health and economic burden on the state. Amongst the most devastating was the outbreak of Nipah virus encephalitis in 1998, which resulted in 109 deaths. The culling of more than a million pigs, identified as the amplifying host, ultimately brought the outbreak under control. A year prior to this, and subsequently again in 2000 and 2003, large outbreaks of hand-foot-and-mouth disease due to enterovirus 71, with rare cases of fatal neurological complications, were reported in young children. Three other new viruses - Tioman virus (1999), Pulau virus (1999), and Melaka virus (2006) - whose origins have all been linked to bats, have been added to the growing list of novel viruses being discovered in Malaysia. The highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has also been detected in Malaysia with outbreaks in poultry in 2004, 2006, and 2007. Fortunately, no human infections were reported. Finally, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has seen the emergence of an HIV-1 recombinant form (CRF33_01B) in HIV-infected individuals from various risk groups, with evidence of ongoing and rapid expansion.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  17. The emergence of Nipah virus, a highly pathogenic paramyxovirus
    Lo MK, Rota PA
    J Clin Virol, 2008 Dec;43(4):396-400.
    PMID: 18835214 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2008.08.007
    Nipah virus first emerged in Malaysia and Singapore between 1998 and 1999, causing severe febrile encephalitis in humans with a mortality rate of close to 40%. In addition, a significant portion of those recovering from acute infection had relapse encephalitis and long-term neurological defects. Since its initial outbreak, there have been numerous outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, in which the mortality rate rose to approximately 70%. These subsequent outbreaks were distinct from the initial outbreak, both in their epidemiology and in their clinical presentations. Recent developments in diagnostics may expedite disease diagnosis and outbreak containment, while progress in understanding the molecular biology of Nipah virus could lead to novel therapeutics and vaccines for this deadly pathogen.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  18. [Nipah encephalitis]
    Kolomytsev AA, Kurinnov VV, Mikolaĭchuk SV, Zakutskiĭ NI
    Vopr. Virusol., 2008 Mar-Apr;53(2):10-3.
    PMID: 18450103
    Nipah encephalitis is a particular dangerous disease that affects animals and man. Fatal cases of the disease have been identified in the persons looking after pigs in the villages of Malaysia. The causative agent is presumably referred to as morbilliviruses of the Paramixoviridae family. Two hundred persons died among the ill patients with the signs of encephalitis. The principal hosts of the virus were fox-bats (Megaschiroptera) inhabiting in the surrounding forests. The present paper descries the epidemiological features of the disease, its clinical manifestations, abnormal anatomic changes, diagnosis, and implemented controlling measures.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
  19. Henipaviruses: emerging paramyxoviruses associated with fruit bats
    Field HE, Mackenzie JS, Daszak P
    Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol., 2007;315:133-59.
    PMID: 17848064
    Two related, novel, zoonotic paramyxoviruses have been described recently. Hendra virus was first reported in horses and thence humans in Australia in 1994; Nipah virus was first reported in pigs and thence humans in Malaysia in 1998. Human cases of Nipah virus infection, apparently unassociated with infection in livestock, have been reported in Bangladesh since 2001. Species of fruit bats (genus Pteropus) have been identified as natural hosts of both agents. Anthropogenic changes (habitat loss, hunting) that have impacted the population dynamics of Pteropus species across much of their range are hypothesised to have facilitated emergence. Current strategies for the management of henipaviruses are directed at minimising contact with the natural hosts, monitoring identified intermediate hosts, improving biosecurity on farms, and better disease recognition and diagnosis. Investigation of the emergence and ecology of henipaviruses warrants a broad, cross-disciplinary ecosystem health approach that recognises the critical linkages between human activity, ecological change, and livestock and human health.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks/veterinary
  20. Fulltext Re-emergence of Chikungunya virus in Malaysia
    Kumarasamy V, Prathapa S, Zuridah H, Chem YK, Norizah I, Chua KB
    Med J Malaysia, 2006 Jun;61(2):221-5.
    PMID: 16898316 MyJurnal
    An outbreak of Chikugunya (CHIK) fever occurred among the fishing community in Bagan Pancor, Perak. The outbreak was laboratory confirmed within 48 hours after the receipt of the specimens. Fifty-three patients' serum samples were submitted for laboratory investigation and 47 (88.7%) were confirmed to be positive for CHIK infection by RT-PCR, and/or virus isolation, and/or in-house immunoflourescent test. RT-PCR and virus isolation were the tests of choice for patients with illness of four days or less and detection of CHIK specific IgM for those with more than four days of fever. The nucleic acid sequence based on the 354- and 294-bp of the nsP1 and E1 genes of the CHIK virus detected from pools of adults Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were identical to those CHIKV virus isolated from humans in the same locality. Phylogenetic analysis of the CHIK virus based on the 257 nts partial E1 gene indicates that Bagan Panchor's strain was closely related to the first CHIK virus isolated during the outbreak in Klang in 1998.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks*
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