Proper Quarantine Research Articles

Household secondary attack rate in mild COVID-19.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has reached a staggering number of almost 280 million cases worldwide, with over 5.4 million deaths as of 29 December 2021. A further understanding of the factors related to the household spread of the infection might help to bring about specific protocols to curb such transmission. This study aims to find the secondary attack rate (SAR) and factors affecting SAR among the households of mild COVID-19 cases. An observational study was designed where data of patients admitted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi due to mild COVID-19 were collected, and outcome was noted after the discharge of the patient. Index cases who were the first in the household to have a positive infection only were included. Based on these data, the overall household SAR, factors related to the index case and contacts that affected transmissibility were noted. A total of 60 index cases having contacts with 184 household members were included in the present study. The household SAR was measured to be 41.85%. At least one positive case was present in 51.67% households. Children below 18 years old had lower odds of getting a secondary infection compared to adults and elderly [odds ratio (OR) = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.22-0.94, p = 0.0383). An exposure period of more than a week was significantly associated with a higher risk of infection (p = 0.029). The rate of transmissibility drastically declined with effective quarantine measures adopted by the index case (OR = 0.13, 95%CI = 0.06-0.26, p < 0.00001). Symptomatic index cases contributed more to the SAR than asymptomatic primaries (OR = 4.74, 95%CI = 1.03-21.82, P = 0.045). Healthcare worker index cases had lower rates of spread (OR = 0.29, 95%CI = 0.15-0.58, P = 0.0003). The high SAR shows the household is a potential high-risk unit for transmissibility of COVID-19. Proper quarantine measures of all those exposed to the index case can mitigate such spread and lead to reduction of risk of COVID-19 within a household.

Quarantine of Travellers during the Initial Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic- Experience from a Rural Setting in Kerala, India

Introduction: Quarantine of travellers was one of the major public health strategies enforced by the state to curb the transmission of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the initial phases. Proper quarantine requires commitment from the person, support, and monitoring from the public health system. Aim: To understand the process, practices, perceptions, and difficulties of quarantined persons during the initial phase of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) in a panchayat in Alappuzha, Kerala, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to September 2020 using a semi-structured questionnaire through telephonic interview among quarantined individuals in a panchayat in Alappuzha, Kerala. Quarantine practices, the process of quarantine, perceptions, and difficulties faced were explored to understand their viewpoint. The perceptions of the healthcare providers were also enquired qualitatively. The data collected was entered in Microsoft Excel and statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, USA). Results: Out of the 182 quarantined individuals, 152 were in home quarantine of which 89 (58.6%) observed strict room quarantine and 132 (72.5%) had a quarantine period of more than 14 days which was the guideline then. Majority were contacted by the health staff during the period; however, 28% were not satisfied with the information that was conveyed to them. Majority adhered to infection control guidelines during quarantine. Almost half (46.7%) of them reported emotional problems during quarantine of which the major issues were loneliness and lack of social contact. Almost one-third of them had experienced stigma and rejection from people in the neighbourhood. Conclusion: Quarantine to be used effectively as a public health measure requires that the concerns and problems should also be taken care of. Adequate information regarding the need and process of quarantine should be provided and there should be a system to cater to the emotional concerns of the persons. Awareness regarding the purpose and role of quarantine among the general public will enable quarantine to be used as a powerful tool for disease control in the future.

On the necessity of proper quarantine without lock down for 2019-nCoV in the absence of vaccine

Presently the world is passing through a critical phase due to the prevalence of the Novel Corona virus, 2019-nCoV or COVID-19, which has been declared a pandemic by WHO. The virus transmits via droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Due to the absence of vaccine, to prevent the disease, social distancing and proper quarantine of infected populations are needed. Non-resident citizens coming from several countries need to be quarantined for 14 days prior to their entrance. The same is to be applied for inter-state movements within a country. The purpose of this article is to propose mathematical models, based on quarantine with no lock down, that describe the dynamics of transmission and spread of the disease thereby proposing an effective preventive measure in the absence of vaccine.

Management strategies to regulate the introduction of exotic ornamental fish, the silent invaders of freshwater ecosystems in India

Abstract Ornamental fish culture and aquarium keeping have become a booming sector worldwide. It has been observed that a number of stakeholders are involved in introducing exotic ornamentals in India as well, as the takers are interested on variants and new species. Most of the exotic ornamental fishes are also being domesticated in India, since the demand is readily fulfilled through adequate supply to the hobbyists. This sector provides livelihood option to many people and helps to earn millions of dollars to our country every year, however, the invasion of exotic ornamentals in our natural water bodies needs to be assessed, monitored and controlled with due attention as it is a staid menace to our biodiversity. Around 400 species / variants of exotic freshwater ornamentals and around 100 exotic marine ornamental species including invertebrates are found to have introduced in the trade. It is significant to note that an apparent violation in the trade is taking place by concealing the Government of India approval, which is given only for 92 species / variants of fishes for import. Further, as some of the freshwater ornamental fishes currently available in the aquarium trade have invaded through natural water bodies, their impacts need to be studied in detail. To deal with the situation, the proper precautionary approach should be implemented by adopting measures after having proper quarantine, meticulous risk analysis and strategic prevention methods as well. Combined efforts of industry stakeholders with different government agencies, academic and research institutions is required and a suitable protocol has to be formulated for permissible import, sustainable production, supply and management.

Prevention of Transmission of COVID-19

Coronavirus disease is caused by an RNA VIRUS, sars-cov-2. It has become a global pandemic. With no defined treatment modality or vaccine prevention becomes the mainstay in control of this pandemic. The spread of this disease is through contact, aerosol, fomites etc. It can be prevented with the help of social distancing, hand hygiene , respiratory hygiene and strict isolation of cases. This article deals with various interventions to stop the spread of coronavirus disease.&#x0D; The outbreak of this pandemic started inHunan seafood market place, Wuhan, China. No preventive measures were taken by the Chinese authorities which led to the outbreak of this deadly disease. Human to human transmission could have been easily prevented by simple measures like quarantine , isolation etc but due to utter negligence and no proper preventive strategy this pandemic happened. The responsible thing that can be done to control the spread of this disease is prevention. Prevention is also necessary till proper treatment strategies and medicine gets approved. Research is still going on throughout the world by experts in this field to control this pandemic. Although the case fatality rate of covid 19 is still low that is less then 1.5% still it proves to be a huge disease burden in todays situation. The old and deblititated should be more careful. Prevention of this disease can only be done with the proper use of masks, hand washing and sanitization, prevention of overcrowding , proper quarantine norms, early testing and isolation of cases.

Amyloodinium sp. (Brown, 1931) (Dinoflagellida) infestation in captive stock of silver moony, Monodactylus argenteus (Linnaeus, 1758)

This study was undertaken to investigate the cause of mortality in the captive stock of silver moony Monodactylus argenteus. The fishes showed severe infection of dinoflagellate protozoan Amyloodinium sp. (Blastodinida, Oodiniaceae) on gills and skin with complete mortality of the stock within a week. Histopathological changes were evident in the gill tissues with severe lamellar epithelial cell hyperplasia and lamellar fusions with the presence of trophonts of Amyloodinium sp. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also revealed trophonts of Amyloodinium sp. of varying sizes in groups consisting of 3 to 5 trophonts tightly attached to gill lamellae. Source water contaminated with the tiny infectious form of the parasite (dinospores) favoured by higher salinity and low water temperature in the rearing tank could be the triggering factor for the spurt of infections. Proper quarantine and biosecurity protocols to prevent the potential sources of water-borne infection sources are likely to be far more effective than treatment.

The Impact of Human Resources Management Practice amidst COVID-19

The Novel Corona Virus COVID-19 made a huge impact in most private and government institutions with regards to their Human Resource Management Practices, especially in terms of how employees will work during the time of the pandemic. As per the InterAgency Task Force on COVID-19 Philippines there is a need to observe Social Distance and proper quarantine protocol to avoid from the infections of the widespread virus. The Civil Service Commission Philippines and the other government agencies release a memorandum on the operational process of manpower during the pandemic situations. As a result of their discussion they have come-up with a new approach with regards to operational procedures on Human Resources. Most of the Human Resource Management Officer arranged a Work From Home Scheme while others on a 50% capacity of manpower to report for work depending on the quarantine protocol set by regions or provinces. New Best Practices will be applied in the coming New Normal in terms of Human Resources Management Approach.

Letter from Singapore: The clinical and research response to COVID‐19

Letter from Singapore: The clinical and research response to COVID‐19

Parasites and bacteria associated with Indian pangolins Manis crassicaudata (Mammalia: Manidae)

The study was carried out to determine ectoparasites, endoparasites, and bacterial species associated with captive and rescued Indian pangolins at Pangolin Conservation Breeding Centre, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Odisha, India. The investigation provided useful baseline information on parasitic and bacterial species associated with Indian pangolin. Prevalence of ectoparasite and endoparasite infection was higher in rescued Indian pangolins than captive pangolins. There is a high possibility of disease transmission if rescued pangolins interact with existing captive pangolins. Therefore, it is advisable to follow proper quarantine protocols before housing captive and wild animals in the same enclosure in order to avoid disease transmission.

Stochastic approach to study control strategies of Covid-19 pandemic in India.

India is one of the severely affected countries by the Covid-19 pandemic at present. Within the stochastic framework of the SEQIR model, we studied publicly available data of the Covid-19 patients in India and analysed possible impacts of quarantine and social distancing as controlling strategies for the pandemic. Our stochastic simulation results clearly show that proper quarantine and social distancing should be maintained right from the start of the pandemic and continued until its end for effective control. This calls for a more disciplined social lifestyle in the future. However, only social distancing and quarantine of the exposed population are found not sufficient enough to end the pandemic in India. Therefore, implementation of other stringent policies like complete lockdown as well as increased testing of susceptible populations is necessary. The demographic stochasticity, which is quite visible in the system dynamics, has a critical role in regulating and controlling the pandemic.

Equine influenza and its immunoprophylaxis

Equine influenza is an OIE listed highly contagious respiratory disease of equids caused by Influenza A virus. In equines two strains have been implicated for outbreaks viz. H7N7 and H3N8. However, since 1980, no outbreaks have been reported due to H7N7 and it is H3N8 only which is attributed towards causing the outbreaks across the globe. Currently two clades of H3N8 viz. Florida Clade 1 and Clade 2 are responsible for the outbreaks. Interspecies transmission of EIV has been documented in dogs, pigs, cats and camels. To combat this threatening disease, vaccination is an efficient means to prevent or limit the spread of equine influenza alongside managerial strategies. Apart from vaccination, term other strategies that contribute towards the control of EI involve strict biosecurity measures, proper quarantine practices, restricted movement and traffic, and post vaccination surveillance programs so as to update the new emerging viral strains as per the latest OIE guidelines. Hence, the review describes an overview of the agent and disease, previous outbreaks and control strategies to mitigate the disease involving vaccination and managerial practices.

Identification of important pathogens in European perch (Perca fluviatilis) culture in recirculating aquaculture systems

With the development of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), fish species, like European perch (Perca fluviatilis), can be produced efficiently. The lack of experience in the cultivation and emerging pathogens of this species often lead to high mortality during the production cycle. In this study, we evaluated diagnostic submissions of European perch from a warm water RAS analyzed at the Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, in the years 2017 and 2018. The aim of this study was to identify important pathogens for this species to provide a base for future prophylactic and treatment concepts. The results demonstrated that bacterial infections were some of the most important issues in perch health, with Aeromonas sp. as one of the most commonly isolated. In histology, liver and muscle alterations with unclear cause and oomycete infections were frequently detected. Parasites and viral diseases were less prevalent. However, consequences of viral infections, like Perch rhabdovirus, would be detrimental for an RAS. This study shows the importance of a proper quarantine and the need for a protocol to reduce stress, as this is a major predisposing factor for disease outbreaks in European perch.

Predicting the Potential Distribution of an Invasive Species, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), under Climate Change using Species Distribution Models

AbstractThe red imported fire ant is considered one of the most notorious invasive species because of its adverse impact on both humans and ecosystems. Public concern regarding red imported fire ants has been increasing, as they have been found seven times in South Korea. Even if red imported fire ants are not yet colonized in South Korea, a proper quarantine plan is necessary to prevent their widespread distribution. As a basis for quarantine planning, we modeled the potential distribution of the red imported fire ant under current climate conditions using six different species distribution models (SDMs) and then selected the random forest (RF) model for modeling the potential distribution under climate change. We acquired occurrence data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and bioclimatic data from WorldClim. We modeled at the global scale to project the potential distribution under the current climate and then applied models at the local scale to project the potential distribution of the red imported fire ant under climate change. Modeled results successfully represent the current distribution of red imported fire ants. The potential distribution area for red imported fire ants increased to include major harbors and airports in South Korea under the climate change scenario (RCP 8.5). Thus, we are able to provide a potential distribution of red imported fire ant that is necessary to establish a proper quarantine plan for their management to minimize adverse impacts of climate change.

A study on livestock marketing and quarantine measures in Rejaf and Nimule Payams, South Sudan

A 6-month study was conducted in Rejaf and Nimule Payams, South Sudan to determine factors influencing the dynamic trends of livestock marketing system and quarantine measures. A total of 1,850 livestock investigated, of which 67.57% cattle, 20.0% goats and 12.43% sheep. Relevant data and information were collected from key stakeholders using participatory tools. Physical observation and inspection of livestock markets and quarantine facilities were made. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS 21) software compatible to windows. Graphical presentations were made using Microsoft Excel 2010. Comparison between goats and sheep buying, selling prices and selling profit were analyzed using the non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test for two related samples. Statistical significant differences between means were fixed at P- value <0.05. Results revealed that multiple taxes along the road, trucking costs, competitive imported exotic cattle breeds and socio-cultural norms of livestock owners mainly influenced livestock marketing. Stunting profit between sheep and goats revealed high significant differences (P< 0.0001). No proper quarantine facilities established at the Nimule entry point that may endanger human safety due to transboundary animal diseases (TADs). Application of strict quarantine measures and creation of livestock marketing information system are needed for sustainable socio-economic development of South Sudan.

Emergence of Coxiella burnetii in ruminants on Reunion Island? Prevalence and risk factors.

Q fever is a widespread zoonosis that is caused by Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii), and ruminants are identified as the main sources of human infections. Some human cases have been described, but very limited information was available about Q fever in ruminants on Reunion Island, a tropical island in the Indian Ocean. A cross-sectional study was undertaken from March 2011 to August 2012 to assess the Q fever prevalence and to identify the major risk factors of C. burnetii infection in ruminants. A total of 516 ruminants (245 cattle, 137 sheep and 134 goats) belonging to 71 farms and localized in different ecosystems of the island were randomly selected. Samples of blood, vaginal mucus and milk were concomitantly collected from females, and a questionnaire was submitted to the farmers. Ticks from positively detected farms were also collected. The overall seropositivity was 11.8% in cattle, 1.4% in sheep and 13.4% in goats. C. burnetii DNA was detected by PCR in 0.81%, 4.4% and 20.1% in cow, sheep and goat vaginal swabs, respectively. C. burnetii shedding in milk was observed in 1% of cows, 0% in sheep and 4.7% in goats. None of the ticks were detected to be positive for C. burnetii. C. burnetii infection increased when the farm was exposed to prevailing winds and when there were no specific precautions for a visitor before entering the farm, and they decreased when a proper quarantine was set up for any introduction of a new ruminant and when the animals returned to the farm at night. MLVA genotyping confirmed the role of these risk factors in infection.

Mycoplasmosis in wildlife: a review

Mycoplasma, the smallest self-replicating life-forms, are responsible for a variety of diseases in humans, domestic animals, insects, and plants. Although the exact role of these organisms in wildlife is not available, now it is increasingly recognized that mycoplasmosis is an emerging disease in many wildlife populations. As only scattered data regarding these are available, an attempt has been made to assemble the available literature. To our knowledge, this is the first review paper regarding mycoplasmosis in wildlife. The outbreaks of mycoplasmoses such as contagious pleuropneumonia (CCPP), infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC), Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Mycoplasma capricolum subspp. capricolum infections, and contagious agalactia in wild ruminants; mycoplasmosis in raccoons; upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) and Mycoplasma crocodyli and Mycoplasma alligatoris infections in wild reptiles; and house finch conjunctivitis are showing that the prevalence of mycoplasmosis in wildlife has reached an alarming level, thus raising concerns for the conservation of many endangered species in captivity and free-ranging populations. These also emphasize the urgent need for increased surveillance and control of mycoplasma in wildlife. Some control approaches that can be followed are prevention of the spillover from domestic livestock and birds, proper quarantine of newly received animals along with mycoplasma screening, isolation of affected and suspected animals, screening of mycoplasmoses before the release of captive animals into free-ranging population, etc. At the same time, the previous dogma that mycoplasma have strict host specificity should be reconsidered in the light of new findings.

Incidence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in seven Central European countries during the years 1990-1999

The post-eradication incidence of bovine tuberculosis in seven Central European Countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia) was studied between 1990 and 1999. The majority of cattle to the age of 24 months were screened by tuberculin skin test on annual basis. Tuberculous lesions observed during meat inspection at abattoirs were further laboratory examined by direct microscopy, cultivation and histology for the presence of mycobacteria. Data describing the incidence of the disease in animals for the whole period were obtained from all countries except Bosnia and Herzegovina, where data were obtained after the year 1995. Between the years 1990 and 1999, bovine tuberculosis was diagnosed in a total of 1&amp;nbsp;084 cattle herds. Nine hundred and seventy five (89.9%) outbreaks of the disease were reported in small herds (10 cows) and 109 (10.1%) outbreaks in large cattle herds (&amp;gt;10 cows). The last outbreak of bovine tuberculosis in cattle was diagnosed in Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1993, 1993, 1995, 1999 and 1999, respectively. Bovine tuberculosis was diagnosed under proper quarantine in Slovenia in 37 fattening bulls imported from two European countries before animals were introduced to the targeting farms.

Fresh Versus Frozen Seminal Plasma for Enhancing Sperm Motility in Asthenozoospermic Males

Previous data demonstrated improvement in severe asthenozoospermia in men with retrograde ejaculates by adding donor seminal plasma (DSP); interestingly, no such improvement was demonstrated following suspension in Ham's F-10 medium. A study was performed to examine whether DSP would also improve asthenozoospermic ejaculates from men with antegrade semen. In addition, the study further explored whether the ameliorative effect of DSP could be maintained after freeze-thawing. The mean increase in motility following fresh DSP in 37 specimens was 102% and was -1.3% for DSP frozen at -20 degrees C and 16.7% for DSP frozen at -196 degrees C. The only statistical difference (using Student's t test) was seen in the comparison of fresh DSP to DSP frozen at -20 degrees C (p = .001). Nine of twenty-four men exhibited doubled baseline motility rates following addition of fresh DSP, compared to only 1 of 20 and 1 of 5, respectively, following addition of semen treated with DSP frozen at -20 degrees C and -196 degrees C, respectively. The data suggest that poor motility may improve when DSP is added to the specimen. However, proper quarantine may not be possible because efficacy is lost after freezing.

Status of Federal-State Cooperative Tuberculosis Eradication

1. The progress that has been made in bovine tuberculosis eradication has lead to complacency and a general feeling that the disease has been eradicated. We should revitalize our efforts to eradicate tuberculosis. Our past victories should serve to show that we can reach our goal of complete eradication. 2. A majority (69 per cent) of the tuberculosis reactors found during the period 1917-1957 inclusive came from nine States. During the past three years (1955-1957 inclusive) the same nine States yielded 75 per cent of the total reactors. 3. Five fundamental points must be given special attention. They are: 1. Reaffirm our confidence in the tuberculin test, which when properly applied and interpreted is recognized as one of the most dependable disease detection tests we have. All too frequently, undue concern is expressed because some animals that react to the tuberculin test do not show up with gross lesions of tuberculosis on post-mortem inspection. The best scientific evidence and observations of millions of carcasses clearly show that the tuberculin test is more reliable than the customary post-mortem examination as a means of detecting tuberculosis. 2. We must give close attention to the proper quarantine of infected herds, and make certain that no known infected or known-exposed animal is the cause of spreading the disease. 3. We must assure ourselves that all premises that have harbored tuberculous animals are properly cleaned and disinfected under vigilant supervision. 4. We have had tremendous success in locating many centers of infection as a result of epizootiological investigations. Periodic testing alone is not enough. We must trace to their herds of origin all animals that show lesions of tuberculosis on regular kill. We must determine the origin of animals that react to tuberculin tests, and we must follow-up on exposed animals removed from infected herds. More effort should be directed toward the eradication of tuberculosis in poultry and swine. 5. We must redistribute funds to pursue a more concentrated program in those States where most of the infected animals are now being found.

Control of the Northern Feather Mite, Bdellonyssus sylviarum, on Chickens in Cages and on Litter

DURING the past 3 years the northern feather mite, Bdellonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini and Fanzago) ( = Liponyssus sylviarum C. & F.), has become increasingly common on poultry farms in Alabama. The increase is probably due to the expansion of the poultry industry in this area leading to the practice of some poultrymen of importing started chicks or adult birds without proper quarantine and treatment for mites.This mite was seen for the first time on the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station Poultry Farm at Auburn during the fall of 1951, having been introduced on several Single Comb White Leghorn males imported from Mississippi. In a short time all hens that were in contact with these cockerels were infested with the mite. Since several poultrymen in Alabama and adjoining states had experienced difficulty in eradicating this mite from their premises after having tried several recommended measures, it was decided that the miticide …