Displaying publications 141 - 160 of 685 in total

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  1. Mycotoxins in Food and Feed: Present Status and Future Concerns
    Bhat R, Rai RV, Karim AA
    Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf, 2010 Jan;9(1):57-81.
    PMID: 33467806 DOI: 10.1111/j.1541-4337.2009.00094.x
      Disease outbreaks due to the consumption of contaminated food and feedstuff are a recurring problem worldwide. The major factor contributing to contamination are microorganisms, especially fungi, which produce low-molecular-weight compounds as secondary metabolites, with confirmed toxic properties referred to as mycotoxins. Several mycotoxins reported to date are cosmopolitan in distribution and incur severe health-associated risks (including cancer and neurological disorders). Hence, creating awareness among consumers, as well as developing new methods for detection and inactivation is of great importance for food safety. In this review, the focus is on the occurrence of various types of mycotoxins in food and feed associated with risks to humans and livestock, as well as legislation put forth by various authorities, and on presently practiced detoxification methods. Brief descriptions on recent developments in mycotoxin detection methodology are also inlcuded. This review is meant to be informative not only for health-conscious consumers but also for experts in the field to pave the way for future research to fill the existing gaps in our knowledge with regard to mycotoxins and food safety.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  2. Fulltext Microbiological and physical properties of pennywort (Centella asiatica) leaves using pulsed light technology
    Siti Zaharah, R., Noranizan, M., Son, R., Roselina, K., Yusof, N. L., Koh, P. C., et al.
    International Food Research Journal, 2020;27(1):16-27.
    MyJurnal
    Pennywort (Centella asiatica) is a herbaceous vegetable commonly consumed raw as ‘ulam’ or salad. Consumption of raw leafy green vegetables is one of the pathogenic mechanisms that could cause foodborne outbreaks. The aim of the present work was therefore to investigate the effect of pulsed light (PL) treatment at fluences of 1.5, 4.2, 6.9, 9.6, and 12.3 J/cm² on the microbiological and physical quality of pennywort stored at 4 ± 1°C. Escherichia coli (E. coli) were inoculated onto the pennywort leaves before being exposed to PL and viewed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PL fluences of 6.9, 9.6, and 12.3 J/cm² significantly reduced the microbial count; however, the highest inactivation was obtained by using fluences of 9.6 and 12.3 J/cm². The color of pennywort was not significantly affected by PL treatment applied at lower fluences of 1.5, 4.2, and 6.9 J/cm²; however, at higher fluence, 9.6 and 12.3 J/cm², the color was affected. PL at 1.5, 4.2, 6.9, and 9.6 J/cm² was able to retain the texture appearance of the leaves. To conclude, PL at 6.9 J/cm² showed the best fluence to reduce total aerobic mesophilic count while retaining the physical properties of pennywort leaves and extend the shelf life to about four days. The inactivation of E. coli population was significantly higher at PL fluence of 6.9 J/cm². It was observed that PL caused the destruction to the surface of E. coli’s cell membrane. The reductions of samples inoculated with E. coli were better than those achieved in native microbiota. Furthermore, the present work also demonstrated that PL treatment was able to reduce the microbial count on pennywort leaves.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  3. Fulltext Mitigation measures during elections and it’s impacts on COVID-19 Pandemic: Sabah State (Malaysia), New Zealand and the United States
    Syaza Zainudin, Mohd Amiruddin Mohd Kassim, Nor Nadia Mohamad Ridza
    Borneo Epidemiology Journal, 2020;1(2):145-156.
    MyJurnal
    Background and Objective: Countries all over the world respect the election process as one of the fundamental steps in forming a government. However, the exponential spread of COVID-19 has been deeply alarming, with a high number of positive cases and total deaths, forcing World Health Organization to declare it as a pandemic on 11thMarch 2020. During these unprecedented events, governments have had a tough decision to balance between the constitutional obligation to hold an election and the safety of the people. As such, electoral commissions have implemented numerous approaches to allow election to proceed in a safe and controlled setting during the pandemic.
    Methods: The preventative measures and standard operating procedures in the Sabah state of Malaysia, NewZealand and the United States elections are discussed, as well as COVID-19 post-election situation in respective countries. Innovative approaches and election flexibilities shall be considered to allow voting in the safest way possible, following the new normal.
    Discussion:Nevertheless, countries need to evaluate its strength of public health response when deciding to hold elections due to potential devastating outbreaks following elections despite measures taken.
    Conclusion: The election is a fundamental process in a democracy. Countries are required to be flexible and innovative in their approach to hold a safe election. Nevertheless, it may be prudent for countries with fewer resources and poor pandemic control to postpone election as a rise in cases will be catastrophic, putting many lives at risk.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  4. Fulltext Classification of community-acquired outbreaks for the global transmission of COVID-19: Machine learning and statistical model analysis
    Wang WC, Lin TY, Chiu SY, Chen CN, Sarakarn P, Ibrahim M, et al.
    J Formos Med Assoc, 2021 Jun;120 Suppl 1:S26-S37.
    PMID: 34083090 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2021.05.010
    BACKGROUND: As Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to the unprecedent large-scale repeated surges of epidemics worldwide since the end of 2019, data-driven analysis to look into the duration and case load of each episode of outbreak worldwide has been motivated.

    METHODS: Using open data repository with daily infected, recovered and death cases in the period between March 2020 and April 2021, a descriptive analysis was performed. The susceptible-exposed-infected-recovery model was used to estimate the effective productive number (Rt). The duration taken from Rt > 1 to Rt 

    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  5. Fulltext Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children with COVID-19 in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
    Ng DC, Tan KK, Chin L, Ali MM, Lee ML, Mahmood FM, et al.
    Int J Infect Dis, 2021 Jul;108:347-352.
    PMID: 34087485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.05.073
    OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia in the setting of mandatory hospital isolation and quarantine for all confirmed cases.

    METHODS: A multi-centre, retrospective observational study was performed among children aged ≤12 years with laboratory-proven COVID-19 between 1 February and 31 December 2020.

    RESULTS: In total, 261 children (48.7% males, 51.3% females) were included in this study. The median age was 6 years [interquartile range (IQR) 3-10 years]. One hundred and fifty-one children (57.9%) were asymptomatic on presentation. Among the symptomatic cases, fever was the most common presenting symptom. Two hundred and forty-one (92.3%) cases were close contacts of infected household or extended family members. Twenty-one (8.4%) cases had abnormal radiological findings. All cases were discharged alive without requiring supplemental oxygen therapy or any specific treatment during hospitalization. The median duration of hospitalization was 7 days (IQR 6-10 days). One (2.1%) of the uninfected guardians accompanying a child in quarantine tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) upon discharge.

    CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 in children was associated with mild symptoms and a good prognosis. Familial clustering was an important epidemiologic feature in the outbreak in Negeri Sembilan. The risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from children to guardians in hospital isolation was minimal despite close proximity.

    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  6. Fulltext Occurrences of vibrio parahaemolyticus in retailed freshwater fish
    Jesmie, Babai, Rosdi, Kira, Fazia, Mohd Sinang, Lesley Maurice, Bilung
    Trends in Undergraduate Research, 2020;3(1):1-4.
    MyJurnal
    Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a causative agent of foodborne outbreaks associated with the consumption of raw or under-cooked seafood. This study aimed to quantify and detect the occurrence of V. parahaemolyticus in freshwater fish by performing Most Probable Number (MPN) method in combination with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). In this study, a total of 20 red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) were collected from nearby local wet markets. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay targeting the toxR gene in V. parahaemolyticus was performed, with the expected DNA amplification size of 368 bp. MPN analysis showed that the estimated microbial load of V. parahaemolyticus were more than 1100 MPN/g. The result of the PCR assay confirmed the presence of V. parahaemolyticus in 90% of the isolates. This positive detection elucidated the presence of food-borne bacteria in freshwater fish from local wet-market which may affect not only the health of fish stocks but also raise public health concerns.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  7. Fulltext Food poisoning outbreak among Health Institute A staff 1st June 2010
    Riana, K.A.H., Azahadi, O., Rohani, I., Zainol Ariffin, P., Maznieda, M., Siti Zubaidah, A.
    Journal of Health Management, 2012;10(1):41-51.
    MyJurnal
    Purpose - An outbreak of food poisoning had occurred in Health Institute A on 1st June 2010 which involved twenty four staffs. Six of them were hospitalized and eighteen received outpatient treatment. A case control study was done to describe the epidemiological characteristics of the outbreak and to determine the source of infection.
    Design/methodology/approach - Food samples, rectal swab from cases, environmental and hand swab from the food handlers were also taken and sent for microbiological analysis.
    Finding- The outbreak was explosive, and the prominent clinical features were abdominal pain (62.2%), fever (51.4%), and diarrhea (56.8%). The onset time was between 9-24 hours and the median incubation period was at 15 hours. The possible source of the outbreak was durian gravy (OR= 14.00,95%CI: 2.72-92.55, p<0.001, food attack rate: 100%) and rotijala (OR= 6.69, 95%CI: LB5-24.23, p<0.001, food attack rate: 95%), The microbiological investigation revealed that various microorganisms including Salmonella spp, The food was supplied by the same food supplier from Caterer B since 2006 and the assessment of the kitchen showed that the cleanliness rate was only 54,3% with positive results of Coliform in all utensils and areas investigated in the kitchen.
    Conclusion- In conclusion, the most probable causative organism based on signs and symptoms, epidemiological analysis and microbiological results was Salmonella spp. from contaminated food seryed during the ceremony. Education on food safety and food hygiene especially personal hygiene and hand washing should be emphasized continuously for prevention of future outbreak,
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  8. Fulltext The impact of preventive fogging on entomological parameters in a university campus in Malaysia
    Ruhil Amal, A., Malina, O., Ngah Zasmy, U., Wan Omar, A., Norhafizah, M., Rukman, A.H.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2011;7(1):-.
    MyJurnal
    Preventive fogging is defined as space spraying of insecticide against mosquitoes in order to prevent outbreak of mosquito borne infection. Despite provision of various preventive andcontrol activities against dengue and chikungunya infection by Ministry of Health Guideline, the detail on preventive fogging has not yet specified. However, this has been adopted by certain institutions as part of the routine strategies against dengue outbreak. A study on preventive fogging was conducted in one of the hostels in Universiti Putra Malaysia. The research was done for 16 weeks in which one routine fogging activity was done at the mid period of study. The main objectives of this study were to determine the effectiveness of preventive fogging activities against Aedes mosquitoes and to identify the distribution and abundance of Aedes mosquitoes in the area. Method: The fogging activity was carried out by the management staff as part of their preventive measures in the student hostels. Ovitrap was used as an indicator to monitor the impact of fogging activity and its continuous surveillance was monitored weekly. The ovitraps were placed indoors and outdoors. Species identification was carried out in the laboratory. The SPSS program was used to analyse the statistical data on the effectiveness of fogging activity. Larval count (indoors and outdoors) and ovitrap index (OI) readings were identified as ovitrap surveillance data for statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that Aedes albopictus was the only species of the genus Aedes found in this hostel. The area had been highly infested by Ae. Albopictus as indicated by high Ovitrap Index ranging between 48.33% to 90.00%. The mean (SD) of Ovitrap Index was reduced from 71.67% (12.73%) (before the preventive fogging), to 69.42% (14.40%) (after the fogging). Overall reduction in mosquito and larval density was also observed between pre and post fogging activity in this study. Conclusion: The implementation of preventive fogging has favourably reduced the dengue vector population up to 5 weeks after the introduction of preventive fogging. However, sole dependency on preventive fogging may lead to insecticide resistance. Revisiting the policy on preventive fogging; and identifying it as an additional tool for preventing dengue infection in higher learning institutions are recommended.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  9. Fulltext An epidemiology of malaria outbreak in Felda Neram 1, district of Kemaman, Terengganu - an outcome of neglected surveillance
    Nor Azimi, K., Mohd Kamil, H., Aiani, O., Kamilan, D.
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2002;2(2):71-75.
    MyJurnal
    An investigation was undertaken 0f a malaria outbreak in Felda Neram 1 in the district of Kemaman,
    Terengganu. Thirty-eight malaria cases of Plasmodium falciparum with one death were reported from that locality. The outbreak peaked between the epidemiological week of 42 and 44. A total of 2300 persons were surveyed with population coverage of 90%. Overall Slide Positive Rate was 1.5%. Out of 38 cases, 19 were Malays and the rest were Indonesian workers. Seventy-nine percent (30/38) had a history of fever within nine weeks prior to the survey. Thirty persons were found to be febrile on the.date of the survey of which 42% (14/30) were smears positive. Blood smears showed 65.7% (25/38) had an asexual parasitemia and 34.2% (13/38) cases were gametocytaemic. The males0”emales ratio was 1:7. Younger age groups were more ajfected. All patients were given radical malaria treatment. F orty-three percent (16/38) had a second course of radical treatment. The outbreak was caused by the re-entry of an Indonesian worker with malaria to the locality. Factors such as delayed detection and notyication and inadequate surveillance were instrumental for the outbreak.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  10. Effect of noise and pesticide exposures among foggers in Selangor health district offices
    Anita, AR., Noor Hassim, I.
    Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2013;10(1):27-37.
    MyJurnal
    Fogging activity has become one of the important methods in tackling dengue outbreaks nowadays. Despite this, it is an occupation that has known hazards namely noise and pesticides which can affect the body organs. Based on this knowledge, a cross sectional study was conducted to determine the association between hearing impairment and serum cholinesterase level among foggers from five randomly selected Health District Offices in Selangor. A total of 200 workers comprising of 100 workers exposed to fogging activity and another 100 workers not exposed were randomly selected for this study. Data was obtained through self administered questionnaire, audiometric testing and serum cholinesterase level measurement. The overall prevalence of hearing impairment was 16% with foggers having significant higher prevalence (24%) compared to the non foggers (8%) (χ2=9.52, p=0.002). Measurement of serum cholinesterase showed that exposed workers had lower level compared to the non exposed group. Similarly, those who have hearing impairment had also lower serum cholinesterase level although it was not statistically different. Among all studied factors, age and duration of exposure to fogging activities were statistically different with hearing impairment (p
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  11. Fulltext Pengurusan bersepadu bencana banjir di penempatan Orang Asli Kg. Peta:pengalaman pejabat kesihatan daerah mersing
    Mohtar, A., Neefa Bibi, B., Badri, Y.
    Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2009;15(3):87-97.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction : Mersing, a district in north-east Johore was also affected by the recent worst flood in 100 years that striked Johore. Orang Asli settlements were among the worst affected by the flood in Mersing due to their location along the river. For Kg. Peta, not only flooded, the communications as well as the access roads were also tarnished. This settlement situated very deep interior about 100 km from Mersing town and next to Endau- Rompin National Park. Besides the distance, the geography and the communication issues make the flood operation even more difficult. Even then, the welfare of this minority group was never been neglected. Our Medical and Health Teams made a move in but unfortunately were also been trapped in between the flood waves.
    Methodology : It was a qualitative finding. The data for this report were collected from various means. Some data were collected through informal interview among the staffs that being trapped, head villager and the dwellers, local head departments of government and non-government organizations. Others were from the relevant photographs, formal flood returns as well as through the observation.
    Finding : The existence of very good involvement, cooperation and coordination from various agencies was the main factor that ensures all the villagers of Kg. Peta received our services despite of many difficulties or challenges. During this disaster, no outbreak of infectious disease or death from the settlement was reported. The welfare and the needs of all who affected and those involved in the flood operation were taken care off. Therefore, we believed that without good support and cooperation from others, we will not be able to deliver our services and their welfare especially when health was concerned will be deprived. The objectives of this write up were to share our experience in managing flood in very remote area and to show the importance of good integration between agencies in disaster management.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  12. Fulltext Optimization of multiplex PCR conditions for rapid detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 virulence genes
    Jeshveen, S.S., Chai, L.C., Pui, C.F., Son, R.
    International Food Research Journal, 2012;19(2):461-466.
    MyJurnal
    The main source of E. coli 0157:H7 is cattle, but recent studies showed high percentage of outbreaks
    contributed by contaminated water. The occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 in environmental water samples poses a potential threat to human health. The aim of this study was to establish a protocol for the detection of the pathogen E. coli O157:H7 and E. coli virulence genes (eaeA, rfbE, hly, stx1, and stx2) in a multiplex PCR protocol using six specific primer pairs. The target genes produced species-specific amplicons at 625 bp, 397 bp, 296 bp, 166 bp, 210 bp and 484 bp for E. coli O157:H7 (fliCh7 gene) and virulence genes (eaeA, rfbE, hly, stx1, and stx2) respectively. The results obtained show that the established PCR protocol is suitable for a rapid and specific analysis of the pathogenic E. coli O157:H7 in environmental water samples for the assessment of microbiological risks.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  13. Fulltext Prevalence of pathogenic microorganims in ready-to-eat foods prepared at selected ‘high risk' school hostel kitchens and canteens in Pahang
    Jeyaletchumi, P., Ardi, A, Noraliza, M.A., Nurul Aini, I., Maizatul Akmar, H., Suraya, H., et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2006;6(1):23-28.
    MyJurnal
    Two hundred and sixty four samples of ready -to-eat foods (RTE) were obtained over a period of six months (April to September 2005) from 33 school hostel kitchens and canteens previously implicated in food poisoning outbreaks from 2000 to 2004. Sampling was done by food technologists and assistant environmental health ofhcers from various districts in Pahang while microbiological analysis was carried out at the Mentakab Food Quality Control Laboratory. The objective of the study was to obtain a comprehensive picture on the microbiological status of the foods that may have accounted for food poisoning outbreaks at school hostels and canteens in Pahang. Each food sample was analyzed for Total Plate Count (TPC), Salmonella, Coliform, Escheria coli, Staphylococcus aerus and Bacillus cereus. lt was found that none of the ready-to-eat foods sampled contained Salmonella although hve samples contained Bacillus cereus , four samples contained Staphylococcus aerus. High Coliform Counts were found in 15 food samples while Escheria coli was detected in two samples. Overall, it was found that 10.2 % of the samples had unsatisfactory counts.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  14. Fulltext Risk of transmission of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in foods
    New, C.Y., Ubong, A., Nur Hasria, K., Nur Fatihah, A., Son, R.
    International Food Research Journal, 2016;23(5):2249-2257.
    MyJurnal
    Vibrio parahaemolyticus is well known to be abundantly distributed in marine, coastal and
    estuarine environments. Since 1951, V. parahaemolyticus had been the source of numerous
    outbreaks related to contaminated or mishandled seafood. However, V. parahaemolyticus
    had been detected on other types of food. This issue has prompted this study to investigate
    on the prevalence of V. parahaemolyticus in various food samples and determine the risk
    associated with it. The results of the MPN-plating technique of the study indicated that V.
    parahaemolyticus was detected in seafood (33.3%, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 31.9 – 34.8 ,
    94 – 290 MPN/g) and vegetables (10.0%, 95% CI 9.7 – 10.3 , 9.2 – 23 MPN/g) while negative
    V. parahaemolyticus was detected in fruits (0.0%, 95% CI 0 – 1,
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  15. Current status of the knowledge of dengue/DHF/DSS in Malaysia: clinical aspects
    George, Rebecca
    Malaysian Journal of Child Health, 1994;6(1):3-8.
    MyJurnal
    The earliest report of a dengue epidemic in the Malaysian Peninsula was from Singapore in 1901 (More, 1904). S. Kae' in 1902 described the next epidemic in Penang. In March 1954, an outbreak of febrile illness was reported at the Methodist Girls' School, Kuala Lumpur, from which dengue viruses were first isolated in Malaysia and identified as dengue type 1.2 However, the first report of the sinister dengue fever with haemorrhagic manifestations was made only in 1962 from Penang Island (Rudnick et al, 1965).3Parameswaran4 in 1965 described the clinical features seen in 41 cases admitted into the children's ward in the Penang General Hospital. Several of the early isolates were of dengue type 2. (Copied from article).
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  16. Fulltext Outbreak of hepatitis A in Terengganu Jan — Dec 2000
    Amirullah Mohd Arshad, Rohaya A. Rahman, Mohd Jusoh, Fatimah Muda
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2001;1(1):44-47.
    MyJurnal
    In August 2000, the Disease Control Unit of T erengganu noted an increase in the number of serologically confirmed cases of hepatitis A virus (HAH in Kuala Terengganu Hospital. Preliminary investigation revealed that there were an outbreak of hepatitis A in districts of Kuala Terengganu and Marang. Eventually, a total of 334 associated cases were reported among Kuala Terengganu residents and 59 cases among residents of Marang. The age of the patients range j9·om 2 years to 71 years old (median 16 years). Males accounted for ( 69.5% of cases and had a higher sex specyic attack rate (96.35/100,000) than females (42. 70/100,000). The highest attack rate (128.3/100,000} occurred among patients aged 10 — 14 years. The health staff of Kuala Terengganu and Marang District Health Ojice had investigated a total of 229 case. Most cases (62.4%) occurred amongst school children. A case control study was carried out amongst 35 cases that were matched with 71 controls by age group, class and sex, to identyy the potential source of injection. The results indicated that eating fried noodle with shelh‘ish significantly increased the risk of being infected during the outbreak (OR 16.38[4.2l-74.53]).
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  17. Fulltext Genomic diversity of cholera outbreak strains in East Malaysia
    Bilung, Lesley Maurice, Yong, Sy Fuh, Linang, Velnetti, Benjamin, Adam, Vincent, Micky, Apun, Kasing, et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2014;10(2):19-26.
    MyJurnal
    Thirty one Vibrio cholera isolates recovered from cholera outbreak in Bintulu, Sarawak (Malaysia) were detected with the presence of ctx gene by using specific PCR. These isolates were further characterized and differentiated by using the Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR) and BOX-PCR to determine their genomic fingerprints. The specific PCR result confirmed the identities of 27 isolates out of 31 as pathogenic V. cholerae. The ERIC-PCR generated several genetic profiles consisting of 4-6 bands with sizes in the range of 100 to 600 bp, while the BOX-PCR produced profiles numbering 2-7 bands in the sizes between 200 to 1000 bp. Based on the dendrogram generated from the DNA fingerprinting profiles (ERIC-PCR and BOX-PCR), all of the isolates can be divided into 2 main clusters that is further divided into 2 sub-clusters. The low genetic diversity of the isolates indicated the outbreak of V. cholerae in the study area was due to the contamination from a single or few sources of V. cholerae.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  18. Fulltext Dengue vector control in Malaysia- challenges and recent advances
    Lee HL, Rohani A, Khadri MS, Nazni WA, Rozilawati HA, Nurulhusna AH, et al.
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2015;14(1):11-16.
    MyJurnal
    Dengue is a serious mosquito borne disease common in tropical and sub-tropical countries including Malaysia. There is at present a lack of specific treatment and an effective tetravalent vaccine against dengue. The control of dengue depends solely on the suppression of the two most important vectors namely, Aedes aegypti and Ae albopictus. Despite intensive and extensive control efforts by health agencies, the disease continues to spread. This paper updates various innovations on control of dengue vectors. Gene-based sterile insect technique using the RIDL technology for both Aedes aegypti & Ae albopictus control has now been actively researched and field trials are pursued to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology. The release of Wolbachia-infected Ae aegypti is another dengue control innovation. The infected mosquito cannot support development of dengue virus and has shorter life span. Other innovations include: auto-dissemination of insect control agents using ovitrap, autocidal adult and larva trap, outdoor residual spraying, insecticidal paint and biocontrol agent. In other innovation, outbreak prediction capability is enhanced by developing model based on environmental data and analysis utilising neural network.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  19. Fulltext An outbreak of typhoid from a wedding party in Bachok district, Kelantan, 2003
    Wan Mansor, W.H., Hamizah, M.S., Wan Sulaili, W.S., Jeriah, I., Che Nok @ Nawi, I., Noraini, I., et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2003;3(2):53-57.
    MyJurnal
    On March 17, 2003 the Kelantan Health Department was notihed about a possible typhoid outbreak following a wedding party. An investigation was carried out to identiy the source and recommend control measures. Active case detection, yield investigation and case»control study were conducted. Cases were symptomatic attendees with a stool or blood culture positive for Salmonella
    typhii. Each control had a negative culture and denied symptoms. Of the more than 1 OOO guests, 477 experienced fever; 152 met the case definition. The party hostess was found to be an Salmonelb typhii carrier. Syrup prepared with untreated well water was identified as the most likely source for this outbreak, with an odds ratio 14.0 (95% C1: 2.9, 104.1). This was a common source
    outbreak of typhoid. We recommend that all food handlers at large parties be screened for typhoid and other foodborne diseases and samples of higherisk foods should be kept for few days after each event in case they are needed for testing.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
  20. Fulltext Pathological laughter associated with cerebral lupus: a case report
    Singh J, Ahmad N, Chai YC
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2017;18(1):107-113.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: Pathological laughter, pseudobulbar affect or a myriad of its other synonyms, is a condition common secondary to neurological injury, presenting with uncontrolled laughing or crying, appearing to be mood-incongruent and significantly debilitating. The objective of this case report is to highlight a rare case of pathological laughter associated with Cerebral Lupus.
    Methods: We report a case of a 27-year-old lady presenting with signs and symptoms of stroke with dysarthria progressing to aphasia and then pathological laughter, with an underlying poorly controlled Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, manifesting as Cerebral Lupus.
    Results: An improvement in affect congruency followed by decreased frequency of outbreaks among bouts of pathological laughter.
    Conclusion: The combination of Escitalopram and Topiramate is effective in the symptomatic treatment of Pathological Laughter.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
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