Risk Of Infectious Diseases Research Articles

Infectious disease risk in polar bears due to chronic starvation.

Infectious disease risk in polar bears due to chronic starvation.

Knowledge of traditional insect consumption impacts sensory perception and emotional responses to cookies containing crickets

Entomophagy has been proposed as a sustainable solution to increasing food demands worldwide. However, insect consumption is associated with negative attitudes, and this is a major barrier to consumption for many Western consumers. A consumer acceptability trial was conducted providing information about the nutritional benefits, sustainability benefits and traditional/current consumption of insects. The trial evaluated how this information affected Western consumers’ (residing in Atlantic Canada, n = 148) sensory perception and emotional response to cookies containing cricket powder. All participants evaluated an initial sample (cookie made with cricket powder) and were then randomly assigned to receive information about nutritional benefits (Nutritional), sustainable benefits (Sustainable) or traditional/current consumption of insects (Traditional) before evaluating a second cookie containing crickets. The information did not affect their hedonic response to the cookies, but it did change their sensory perception. Participants who were shown the Sustainable information more frequently selected nutty, dry, and hard, while participants that were shown the Traditional information, more frequently selected pale, and vanilla. Furthermore, the Nutritional information led to an increased selection of the disgusted emotion, while the Traditional information led to an increased selection of interested and a decreased selection of adventurous. Additionally, the Traditional information decreased the participants' beliefs that eating insects is disgusting and unnatural and will increase the risk of infectious diseases. The results indicate that information about traditional/current insect consumption is more impactful than nutritional and sustainability information on Western consumers’ attitudes towards entomophagy.

Providing medication for opioid use disorder and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis at syringe services programs via telemedicine: a pilot study

BackgroundPeople who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk for opioid overdose and infectious diseases including HIV. We piloted PARTNER UP, a telemedicine-based program to provide PWID with medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) with buprenorphine/naloxone (bup/nx) and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine through two syringe services programs (SSP) in North Carolina. We present overall results from this project, including participant retention rates and self-reported medication adherence.MethodsStudy participants met with a provider for an initial in-person visit at the SSP, followed by weekly telemedicine visits in month 1 and then monthly until program end at month 6. Participants were asked to start both MOUD and PrEP at initiation but could choose to discontinue either at any point during the study. Demographics and health history including substance use, sexual behaviors, and prior use of MOUD/PrEP were collected at baseline. Follow-up surveys were conducted at 3- and 6-months to assess attitudes towards MOUD and PrEP, change in opioid use and sexual behaviors, and for self-reported medication adherence. Participant retention was measured by completion of visits; provider notes were used to assess whether the participant reported continuation of medication.ResultsOverall, 17 persons were enrolled and started on both bup/nx and PrEP; the majority self-identified as white and male. At 3 months, 13 (76%) remained on study; 10 (77%) reported continuing with both MOUD and PrEP, 2 (15%) with bup/nx only, and 1 (8%) with PrEP only. At 6 months, 12 (71%) remained on study; 8 (67%) reported taking both bup/nx and PrEP, and 4 (33%) bup/nx only. Among survey participants, opioid use and HIV risk behaviors decreased. Nearly all reported taking bup/nx daily; however, self-reported daily adherence to PrEP was lower and declined over time. The most common reason for not continuing PrEP was feeling not at risk for acquiring HIV.ConclusionsOur study results show that MOUD and PrEP can be successfully administered via telemedicine in SSPs. PrEP appears to be a lower priority for participants with decreased continuation and adherence. Low perception of HIV risk was a reason for not continuing PrEP, possibly mitigated by MOUD use. Future studies including helping identify PWID at highest need for PrEP are needed.Trial registrationProviding Suboxone and PrEP Using Telemedicine, NCT04521920. Registered 18 August 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04521920?term=mehri%20mckellar&rank=2.

The Role Of Trade Unions In Health Protection And Provision Of Safe Working Conditions For Medical Workers.
 Part 1. Health And Safety Of Healthcare Workers As a Medical And Social Problem

Introduction. Healthcare workers are an important part of national healthcare systems ensuring its sustainability. Thus, it is necessary to introduce state mechanisms aimed at protecting their health and ensuring safe working conditions. Moreover, protection of rights and interests of healthcare workers is a matter of social justice. International and national public organizations and especially trade unions of healthcare workers play an important role in dealing with these issues.
 The purpose of the study is to consider examples of trade union activities on health protection and provision of safe working conditions in a number of countries upon the data on health issues that experience medical specialists as well as factors influencing these issues.
 Materials and methods. A content analysis of the official Internet pages of trade union organizations and their reporting documents for 2015-2024 was performed. Also, such methods as analysis, synthesis, secondary analysis and systematization of data were used.
 Results. Around the world, healthcare workers face occupational risks of infectious diseases, and are constantly exposed to various types of biological and non-biological hazards due to their working conditions, which are considered unsafe. Even cases of ill-treatment, threats, attacks or insults during the performance of professional duties are documented. Therefore, protection of health and safety of medical professionals, as well as their social and labor rights and interests is one of the main areas of trade unions as public organizations created on the initiative of healthcare workers.

The Moderating Role of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Protective Effects of Health Behaviors among Clients Using Mental Health Services.

College-student clients using mental health services contend with increased anxiety and depressive symptoms, and their vulnerability to infectious respiratory diseases and severe clinical outcomes rises. To mitigate severe outcomes, health behaviors serve as essential protective tools to reduce the risk of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Considering the escalating prevalence of anxiety and depression among college-student clients, little is known about how anxiety and depressive symptoms could potentially attenuate the protective effects of COVID-19 health behaviors (i.e., masking, social distancing, and hygiene practice). This study aims to examine the interactive effects of anxiety/depression and health behaviors in predicting COVID-19 infection. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2020-2021 Healthy Mind Study including a random sample of 9884 college-student clients in mental health services across 140 higher education institutions in the United States. We performed multivariable logistic regression to assess whether and to what extent the associations between COVID-19 health behaviors and infection depended on severity of anxiety or depressive symptoms. Results: Anxiety symptom severity negatively moderated the protective effects of social distancing against infection after adjusting for demographic characteristics and pre-existing chronic health conditions. Depressive symptom severity negatively moderated the protective effects of masking, social distancing, or hygiene practices against infection. Conclusion: The associations between certain COVID-19 health behaviors and infection were conditional on anxiety and depressive symptom severity. Findings suggest a potential public health benefit of mental health clinicians' efforts in assessing and treating clients' anxiety and depressive symptoms, namely reducing their vulnerability to COVID-19 infection and perhaps other infectious respiratory diseases.

Environmental Factors and Their Impact on The Risk of Infectious Diseases in Under-Fives to Counting Incidents in Solock District: a Gsem Analysis

Purpose: This study aims to identify environmental factors that contribute to the risk of viral infections in toddlers, specifically concerning the occurrence of stunting in Solok Regency. Method: The present investigation employs a quantitative research approach, utilising a cross-sectional study design. Results and conclusion: The stunting rate in Solok Regency is 82%, with a significant proportion of cases being caused by infectious disorders, particularly diarrheal diseases, accounting for 57.5%. The current state of environmental factors is characterised by a deficiency in the provision of sanitary latrines at a rate of 31%, effective wastewater treatment at 23.5%, and proficient waste management at 35.5%. Research implications: The present study examines the association between viral illnesses in toddlers and the risk of stunting across different environmental factors. Originality/value: The GSEM analysis revealed that infectious diseases directly contributed to the occurrence of stunting, while parenting, diet, and environment were identified as indirect factors influencing stunting incidence.

Research on contactless intelligent medication pickup mode selection based on a hospital in China under COVID-19.

During an outbreak such as COVID-19, hospital staff needs to be in close contact with all types of patients visiting the hospital and the risk of cross-infection is extremely high. Payment and medication pickup is a mandatory part of a patient's hospital visit, with direct contact between healthcare workers and patients, and long waiting times in the hospital area, which can easily lead to the spread of disease infection. This paper designed the prototype of a contactless smart medicine cabinet based on RFID technology and optimized the patient consultation and medication pickup process to address these problems. We conducted a 50-day field observation of patients for consultation and medication pickup at the First Hospital in H city, Jiangsu Province, China, and randomly timed 1600 sets of data from Surgery (ophthalmology) and Internal patients, then we designed the prototype of a contactless smart medicine cabinet based on RFID technology, optimized the patient consultation and medication pickup process, comparing the traditional and intelligent models using AnyLogic. The results show that this contactless medicine cabinet was able to reduce the time taken by patients in consultation and medicine pickup by 18.74 minutes, increasing the overall efficiency of the consultation by 32.20%. The simulation revealed that this contactless intelligent medication pickup model was able to reduce the time taken by patients in consultation and medicine pickup, increasing the overall efficiency of the consultation, effectively reducing the frequency of contact between healthcare workers and patients, and reducing the risk of disease infection. The proposed technical model provides a new idea to solve the problems of long queues, low efficiency and high risk of infection for patients to consult and get medicine during epidemics. Especially within hospitals it has important theoretical and practical implications for epidemic prevention and control as well as future hospital management.

Review of advanced practice nurse role in infection throughout the hematopoietic stem cell transplant journey.

Prolonged periods of immunosuppression during hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) can result in serious infectious complications and contribute to transplant-related morbidity and mortality. Adherence to standardized pre and postinfection screening guidelines, prescribed medications, and early identification of infectious symptoms through comprehensive patient and family education are crucial to minimizing infectious complications. Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are key members of the multidisciplinary care team in the HSCT specialty, maintaining a specialized skillset and scope of practice which includes a holistic based, preventative medicine and risk mitigation approach. This review sought to describe the role of the APN in HSCT care and to further examine existing APN led models of care which focus on infection prevention and education throughout the HSCT treatment journey. No studies specifically examined the APN role in infectious diseases risk assessment, screening, and management throughout the HSCT journey were identified throughout our review, however, there was considerable evidence to demonstrate the benefits of APN led care in the oncology and solid organ transplantation specialty which led to improvements in continuity of care, overall patient outcomes, and multidisciplinary team collaboration. The key themes identified in our review, were the role of the APN in the delivery of comprehensive patient and family education, the role of the APN in supporting, mentoring, and educating junior medical and nursing teams, the collaboration between the APN and the multidisciplinary care team, and the role of the APN in prompt recognition, triage, and management of treatment related complications, such as infection.

Zoonotic diseases in a ‘Pandemicene’: How can geomorphology contribute to the improved characterisation of dynamic ‘pathogenic landscapes’?

AbstractA zoonosis is an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans from animals, potentially leading to an epidemic or pandemic. Increasing research into the environmental drivers of zoonoses in a so‐called ‘Pandemicene’ has focused on changes to land use, land cover and climate. But what about the associated changes to earth surface processes, landforms and landscapes that may impact on zoonoses and other infectious diseases with environmental reservoirs (e.g. sapronoses)? This is a crucial question, especially in the context of the Anthropocene, a proposed time interval during which humans have directly and indirectly impacted geomorphological systems and associated abiotic–biotic interactions at local through global scales. Biogeomorphology (and especially zoogeomorphology) potentially has many insights to contribute but is largely divorced from a rapidly expanding body of infectious disease research. By outlining geomorphological principles and providing examples from across dryland, arctic, tropical and temperate environments, we examine the extent to which water, sediment, soil and other organic matter that is directly or indirectly influenced by non‐human animal activity may critically influence the emergence and transmission of infectious diseases. In an era of rapid environmental and socioeconomic change, we contend that geomorphological concepts, data and techniques can play a key role in improved characterisation of dynamic ‘pathogenic landscapes’. We identify several challenges and opportunities that may provide particular foci for enhanced geomorphological contributions to this growing threat to societal resilience, including: (1) working in transdisciplinary ‘One Health’ contexts to test hypotheses about geomorphological controls on pathogen emergence and spread; (2) collaborating with archaeologists to examine past disease dynamics and identify potential future pathogen sources; (3) enhancing existing global maps of infection risk/disease emergence at local to regional scales; and (4) contributing to the robust evidence base needed for policies to monitor and manage infectious disease risk.

Evidence for long-term efficacy of a membrane filtration device in rural villages in Ghana

Drinking water contaminated by pathogenic micro-organisms increases the risk of infectious gastrointestinal disease which could potentially lead to acute kidney injury and even death, particularly amongst the young and the elderly. Earlier studies have shown a substantial reduction in the incidence of diarrheal disease over a period of one year using a polysulfone membrane water gravity-powered water filtration device. The current report is a continuation of these studies to assess the long-term effects of the innovative method on diarrheal incidence rates over a 4-year follow-up period. This follow-up study monitored the trend of self-reported diarrheal events in all households in the previously studied villages for 5 months, in the last half of each study year, using the same questionnaire utilized in the earlier study. Three villages that had no device yet installed served as controls. We computed monthly diarrheal incidence rates for all study years (standardized to per 100 person-months) and compared these to the pre-device incidence rate in 2018 and in the control group, using the Wilcoxon rank sum exact test. The average diarrheal incidence rates of 1.5 p100pm in 2019, 2.19 p100pm in 2021, and 0.54p100pm in 2022 were significantly different from an earlier study that reported 17.8 p100pm rates before the devices were installed in 2018, (all p-values < 0.05). Concomitantly, self-reported diarrheal infections were substantially higher in the “control villages” not yet having the filtration device installed (80.9, 77.6, and 21.5 per 100 pm). The consistent and large reduction in diarrhea incidence documents the long-term efficacy of the use of the membrane filtration device. This simple water purification method using gravity flow improves public health in remote regions with limited resources.

Infectious Disease Preparedness for Homeless Populations: Recommendations from a Community–Academic Partnership

Abstract: Background: People experiencing homelessness are at increased risk of infectious disease transmission due to congregate living conditions, barriers to healthcare, and excess burden of underlying chronic disease. Objectives: We are a multisectoral community–academic partnership working to address the intersecting crises of homelessness and health disparities in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. We offer key recommendations for infectious disease preparedness and risk mitigation for homeless populations based on our ongoing community-based participatory research and lessons learned through COVID-19 response and Monkeypox preparations. Lessons Learned: Infectious disease preparedness and response in homeless populations requires strong local partnerships; ongoing training and support for staff and volunteers of homeless shelters and service agencies; tailored outreach, education, and communication with people experiencing homelessness; and standardized processes for creating, disseminating, enforcing, and evaluating public health policies in homeless shelters. Consistency and open communication are key to a successful community-academic partnership. Conclusions: Community–academic partnerships are critical to effective infectious disease preparedness in homeless populations. The lessons learned from community-based participatory research with homeless communities and multisectoral partners on the frontline can improve future outbreak and pandemic response for people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable communities in the United States.

Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies: A Narrative Review.

In emergencies, infants and young children are at risk of morbidity and mortality, which is increased by malnutrition. Environmental factors, food insecurity, household needs, misconceptions regarding breastfeeding, uncontrolled distribution of breast-milk substitutes, and psychological trauma make it difficult to implement proper feeding practices during disasters. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of infectious diseases and mortality in emergencies and is the safest way of feeding. Therefore, breastfeeding should be supported and promoted under all circumstances. When breastfeeding is not possible, relactation, wet nursing, or donor human milk should be considered as alternatives. If these options are not feasible, infant formula should be used. Formula should be provided only for infants in need, based on individual assessment. Donations of breast-milk substitutes should not be accepted; when needed, the procurement and distribution should be conducted by a single center under strict control, adhering to the requirements of the Code and Codex Alimentarius. Education and support should be provided to the family for the safe use of formulas. For infants older than 6 months, appropriate complementary feeding should be started. Complementary foods should contain nutrients that support the growth and development of infants, and they should be stored, prepared, and served safely. In conclusion, nutrition of infants and young children should be given priority in disasters as part of all emergency interventions. Determining the infants needs and ensuring proper nutrition, overcoming environmental challenges, and supporting parents will reduce nutrition-related risks and protect the health and well-being of infants and young children in emergencies.

Риски инфекционных заболеваний у пациентов с псориазом кожи, принимающих генно-инженерные препараты: данные собственного исследования

Риски инфекционных заболеваний у пациентов с псориазом кожи, принимающих генно-инженерные препараты: данные собственного исследования

Determination of antioxidant activity, chlorophyll and carotenoids content of Kappaphycus alvarezii: Comparison of seaweed with traditional Chinese Medicines

After the pandemic of COVID-19, there has been a growing interest in food safety concerns. Besides consuming wild-type animals, another focus is the synthetic compounds used in food preparation. Various reports show that antioxidant mechanisms might be closely related to decreasing the risk of disease infection. On 18 March 2020, Malaysia had the first Movement Control Order (MCO) that all communities must stay home. Public also questions whether natural food, mainly traditional Chinese medicine, can act as an antioxidant agent. Therefore, spectrophotometric procedures for determining the antioxidant capacities of selected samples were conducted. This method is based on scavenging 2, 2 diphenyl 1-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) by adding a radical species or an antioxidant that decolourises the DPPH solution. This study aimed to compare, using the DPPH assay, the antioxidant level of Kappaphycus alvarezii to other traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) such as Andrographis paniculata, Lycium chinense and Ziziphus jujube. This study characterises the antioxidant activity of traditional Chinese medicines associated with carotenoid and total chlorophyll content from seaweed. Antioxidant analysis has shown that the highest antioxidant property was observed in the solvent extract of L. chinense. The DPPH assay provides an easy and rapid way to evaluate potential antioxidants in selected samples.

A hidden dilemma; post COVID-19 first detection of Varicella zoster M4 genotype from Pakistan

ObjectivesDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of childhood infectious diseases was increased. Post-COVID-19 escalation of chickenpox cases, becoming an emerging public health concern. Thus, the study was designed to compare chickenpox prevalence and Varicella zoster virus (VZV) genotypes circulating before, during, and post-COVID-19 in Pakistan. MethodsA total of 267 lesion specimens collected from tertiary care hospitals, and chickenpox outbreaks from Pakistan were analysed by a two-amplicon approach with phylogenetic analysis. ResultsAmong suspected cases, overall 178/267 were VZV positive. Majority (84.2 %; 150/178) cases were of post-COVID-19 pandemic time. Small outbreaks occurred soon after COVID-19 in Rawalpindi and Islamabad (Pakistan), 40 positive cases out of 178 cases were outbreak cases. There was first time detection of the M4 genotype, which was significantly associated with disease severity (p = 0.0006) and post-COVID-19 chickenpox outbreaks in 2021 (77.9 %; 46/59; p < 0.00001). However, in pre-COVID-19 only M2 genotype was detected. The M2 prevalence varied from 2019 (100 %; 19/19) to 2022 (3.2 %; 3/91). However, the most prevalent strain of 2022 belonged to the M1 genotype (64.8 %; 59/91). ConclusionA significant rise in chickenpox cases detected soon after COVID-19 in Pakistan, and oscillation of different VZV genotypes with first time detection of M4 genotype is an alarming situation. This demands further detailed genotypic studies on transmission dynamics of a rare M4 with other genotypes to protect the local population and restrict spread in other regions.

Hubungan Anak Wasting dengan Penyakit Infeksi Saluran Pernapasan Akut di Kota Salatiga

Background: Wasting is a group of acute nutritional deficiencies that can increase the risk of infectious diseases, one of which is Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI). Salatiga City is one of the cities in Central Java Province that has ARI cases, which is around 7.78% in 2018. this research purposed to find the relationship between wasting children with Infectious Disease in Salatiga.Methods: The Quantitative research method with univariate and bivariate analysis using Spearman Rho correlation test.Result: The results of the study in 4 sub-districts of Salatiga City obtained 36 children aged 36-59 who had wasting and had a history or were experiencing ARI. The main variables are wasting children and ARI did not have a significant relationship p&gt; 0.050 and supporting factors included BCG immunization, exclusive breastfeeding status, complementary feeding status, parental knowledge, air pollution, environmental sanitation, and personal hygiene showed no relationship between wasting children who had a history of or were experiencing ARI p&gt; 0.050.Conclusion : The conclusion is obtained between the main variables and supporting factors, no significant results were found and it is recommended for parents of children to pay attention to food intake, hygiene, and routinely participate in posyandu activities. The next recommendation is that this research can be developed both in terms of method design and a larger number of samples, as well as other supporting factors that can affect children experiencing wasting and ARI.

Diversity of disease-carrying mosquito vectors in potential areas of dengue fever in Palembang City, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Listiono H, Damiri N, Kamaluddin T, Irsan C. 2024. Diversity of disease-carrying mosquito vectors in potential areas of dengue fever in Palembang City, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 474-481. Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are biting insects commonly found in many areas on earth in subtropics and tropics, especially around residential areas. So far, more than 2500 species have been recorded from various parts of the world. They are the main vectors of many diseases in humans and livestock caused by viruses and parasites. Mosquito diversity and disease transmission are influenced by landscape modifications, namely vectors and pathogens. The study aimed to evaluate the distribution, prevalence and abundance of mosquito species in potential dengue fever districts in Palembang city. The study was conducted in 2 two sub-districts in Palembang City, namely Gandus and Seberang Ulu I that represent housing environment, schools and gardens. Mosquito capture was done during three periods 06.00-10.00, 15.00-18.00, and 19.00-21.00 to align with their active hours. This involved active human landing collection method. 200 ovitraps were set up in both regions to assess the density of mosquitoes. The results showed that the diversity index values in Gandus and the Seberang Ulu I sub-districts were 0.781 and 0.756, respectively. Both values were categorized as low diversity index. Furthermore, the dominance index in Gandus and Seberang Ulu 1 sub-district were 0.105 and 0.031, respectively. It meant that there were no dominant mosquito species in both sub-districts. Based on the results of Independent t-test analysis, it was found that the average number of mosquito populations in Gandus sub-district was 25.07 and Seberang Ulu I sub-district was 13.29. From the results of the analysis it was found that there was no difference in average number of mosquito populations between Gandus and Seberang Ulu I sub-district, with a p-value of 0.367. Further research needs to be directed at uncovering mosquito distribution patterns and their potential as disease vectors, the risk of infectious diseases, and the need for further prevention to reduce the number of disease incidences.

“When people who use drugs can’t differentiate between medical care and cops, it’s a problem.” Compounding risks of law Enforcement Harassment & Punitive Healthcare Policies

BackgroundCommunity-based harm reduction programming is widely recognized as an effective strategy for reducing the increased risks for and spread of HIV, HCV, and for reducing the growing rate of overdose deaths among people who use drugs (PWUD). PWUD in the United States (US) are a highly justice-involved population, also at increased risk for law enforcement interaction, arrest, and incarceration. These risks compound and interact in the context of criminalization and law enforcement surveillance. Justice involvement increases risks for overdose and for riskier injecting behavior among PWUD, in turn increasing HCV and HIV risks. In Central and Southern Appalachia specifically, PWUD have identified fear of law enforcement harassment and arrest as a barrier to engaging in harm reduction behavior, and a deterrent to seeking help at the scene of an overdose. Moreover, stigmatizing and punitive treatment in healthcare settings can deter PWUD from seeking care, with life or death consequences. This evaluation research study assessing the successes and impacts of a grant-funded project to increase access to safer drug consumption supplies and overdose prevention education for PWUD, including justice-involved participants of a syringe access program (SAP), in public housing and beyond in a South-Central Appalachian setting used key informant and opportunistic sampling. Mixed-methods data were compiled and collected including secondary program data; primary interview and participant-observation data.ResultsThe evaluation research identified that grant deliverables were largely achieved, despite challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, SAP participants and staff reported larger themes surrounding grant-funded activities, in which they perceived that widespread local law enforcement harassment of PWUD increased participants’ risks for overdose death and infectious disease risks and that punitive local healthcare settings and policies acted as deterrents to care-seeking for many PWUD.ConclusionsOverall, the evaluation research found that participants’ experiences with and perceptions of local law enforcement harassment combined with their understandings and experiences of local punitive healthcare settings and policies; together compounding and increasing overdose risks and negative health consequences for local justice-involved PWUD.

Adverse human health effects of climate change: an update.

The world is currently facing a process of climate change, which may adversely impact human health in many different ways. The safety of food, water and urban environments is endangered by the consequences of climate change. Sea level and temperature rise, along with more frequent and longer heat waves, represent only a few of the effects of climate change. The increased risk of extreme climate events (e.g., cyclones, droughts and floods) is another serious public health issue. These adverse effects are enhanced in areas and countries not having the capacity to effectively deal with climate change. We primarily aimed at summarizing the impacts of climate change on public health. A further aim was to identify the most concerning consequences of this phenomenon and the vulnerability factors that amplify the negative effects of climate change. PubMed and other literature databases were used as literature sources for this narrative review based on the search terms 'climate change' and 'diseases categories' up to January 2024, in order to assess the most recent and relevant scientific evidence about the relation between climate change and public health, identify knowledge gaps and priorities for future research. We also screened the websites of major agencies devoted to human health protection and environmental health. Climate change appears to induce a broad spectrum of generally adverse effects on public health. It may increase the risk of infectious diseases, psychiatric disorders, cancer and other diseases. Currently, we are not effectively counteracting this phenomenon, since pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing alongside temperatures. A host of measures are required in order to prevent and fight climate change and related health effects. These include the adoption of a holistic approach and the collaboration of different kinds of expertise in order to design more effective strategies. Special attention should be paid to those who live in disadvantaged countries, and those who are more vulnerable to the adverse health consequences of climate change.

Infectious risk profile and strategies for prevention and control of outbreaks in refugee, asylum seekers and migrant populations in EU/EEA countries: a systematic narrative review of evidence.

The recent surge in migration to and within the European Union and European Economic Area has brought the development of migration policy, including health policy, to the forefront of regional priorities. While migrants, in general, do not pose a health threat to the host population, specific subgroups of migrants, including refugees, asylum seekers, and irregular migrants, are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases. To support public health policies in this area, the Emergency Preparedness and Management' working group of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health has conducted a systematic narrative review with the aim to comprehensively analyze the infectious disease risk within the refugee and asylum seeker populations in EU, EEA, and EU-applicant countries. Forty-two studies were systematically selected from scientific articles in the MEDLINE/PubMed database from January 1, 2008, to June 1, 2023. The infectious risk associated with each infectious disease among refugees and asylum seekers, as well as the strategies to prevent and control outbreaks, was collected from all available studies. The congregate living conditions in refugee camps, transit centers, and temporary housing facilities make this population particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases. As such, implementing stringent hygiene and preventive measures is critical to safeguarding the health of refugees and reducing the risk of outbreaks that may affect both the refugee population and the host communities. Effective vaccination and preventive strategies for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers are vital for public health and the well-being of these populations. They should be delivered as part of universal health care. By addressing barriers and implementing tailored programs, we can ensure equitable access to vaccines and protect the health of these vulnerable individuals.