Epidemic Threat Research Articles

One Amazon, One Health: Understanding Asháninka People’s Perspectives to Health and Well-Being in Response to Epidemic Threats, Like COVID-19

One Amazon, One Health: Understanding Asháninka People’s Perspectives to Health and Well-Being in Response to Epidemic Threats, Like COVID-19

Krztusiec w Polsce w 2022 roku

IntroductionThe epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland in 2022 was influenced by the cancellation of the COVID-19 epidemic and the introduction of an epidemic threat. Decisions related to the gradual easing of restrictions on social contacts and the abolition of the obligation to wear masks caused the number of pertussis cases to slowly start to increase. The most effective strategy for preventing pertussis remains the immunization of children in accordance with the National Immunization Program, and in the case of adults, vaccination repeated systematically every 10 years and immunization of pregnant women in the second/third trimester of each pregnancy. Pertussis remains a public health problem because the immunity obtained through vaccination does not last a lifetime.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland in 2022 compared to the situation in previous years, with particular emphasis on assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and assessing the vaccination status of children against pertussis.Material and MethodsThe assessment of the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland was made based on the results of the analysis of individual reports on pertussis cases registered at the NIPH NIH – NRI in the Epibaza system and data from the annual bulletins "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland" and the bulletin "Vaccinations in Poland in 2022".ResultsIn 2022, 371 cases of pertussis were recorded. The incidence was 0.98/100 000 and was 104% higher than in 2021. The highest incidence of pertussis occurred in children aged 0-4 years (6.7/100 000), and high in children aged 5-9 years (2.0/100 000). Over 51% of cases concerned people over 15 years of age. A higher incidence was observed in women in general compared to men, and a higher incidence in cities than in rural areas. In 2022, among people with pertussis, 151 (41%) required hospitalization. In 2022, the vaccination rate of children aged 2 years with 4 doses of the pertussis vaccine was 94.3% in total. In 2022, one case of disease resulting in death due to pertussis was reported to the epidemiological surveillance system.ConclusionsIn Poland, in 2022, there was an increase in the number of pertussis cases compared to the previous year, which was undoubtedly influenced by the gradual lifting of restrictions on social contacts and the obligation to wear masks. The increase in the number of people susceptible to pertussis may lead to the occurrence of compensatory epidemics in the future, therefore a high level of vaccination of the population (above 95%) should be maintained to prevent new cases.

Rapid virus inactivation by nanoparticles-embedded photodynamic surfaces

The persistent threat of viral epidemics poses significant risks to human health, highlighting the urgent need for antiviral surfaces to mitigate viral transmission through bioaerosols and surface contamination. However, there is still a scarcity of readily accessible antiviral coatings to address this critical concern. In this study, we demonstrate that photodynamic nanoparticle-embedded surfaces can swiftly inactivate both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. We prepared core–shell structured methylene blue (MB)-loaded SiO2 nanoparticles with a high reactive oxygen species (ROS) yield (0.47 ± 0.02). The superior ROS production was maintained after modifying these nanoparticles onto air filter fibers, likely due to the prevention of aggregation-caused quenching effects. Three viruses, including both enveloped and non-enveloped types, were rapidly inactivated within just 12 min (>6 log units) under medium light intensity (660 nm, 30 mW/cm2). Mechanistic studies revealed that envelope glycoproteins are the primary targets for this rapid inactivation. Thus, photodynamic nanoparticle-embedded surfaces offer a straightforward and adaptable strategy in the fight against viral epidemics.

Romania and the International Sanitary Conferences of the Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries

This paper traces Romania’s participation in the International Sanitary Conferences of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Romania’s interest in international sanitary diplomacy was directly linked to the country’s geographical location and the role of the Danube in the spread of epidemics. The cholera outbreak that reached the Lower Danube in 1865 demonstrated that the river, which connected the Levant to Central Europe via steamship companies, was one of the main gateways through which epidemics spread to the continent. With their busy commercial links to other Black Sea ports, Sulina, Galați and Brăila were equally vulnerable to the importation of diseases that reached Ottoman or imperial Russian ports by land, i.e., via Persia or Central Asia. Such serious health concerns became even more important to the Romanian government after the Danube Delta and Dobrudja became part of independent Romania in 1878. The text follows the various interests that Romania had during these decades, defended by diplomats and doctors who worked together to protect public health from various epidemic, political or economic threats.

Simulation of Epidemic Dynamics Using a Multi-Agent Model: Analysis of Social Distancing Strategies and Their Impacts on Public Health and Economy

Infectious disease epidemics have played a crucial role in shaping public health responses, particularly in global health crises. This study emerges as part of the efforts to prepare effective responses to potential future pandemics, leveraging lessons learned during the COVID-19 crisis. The research uses an adapted compartmental epidemiological model and a synthetic multi-agent community to investigate how social variables influence epidemic forecasts in socioeconomically vulnerable regions. Focusing on the simulation of epidemic dynamics in the socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhood of Ilha Joana Bezerra in Recife, this study examines the impacts of social distancing strategies and other control measures, such as face masks and moderate social isolation. Through the adapted SEPAI3R3O model, which includes compartments for pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic states, this study provides a detailed analysis of disease dynamics in contexts characterised by high social vulnerability. The results underscore the importance of public health policies adapted to socio-economic factors, emphasising the need for continuous preparedness to manage future epidemic threats in vulnerable communities effectively.

Wastewater monitoring of human and avian influenza A viruses in Northern Ireland: a genomic surveillance study

Influenza Aviruses (IAVs) are significant pathogens of humans and other animals. Although endemic in humans and birds, novel IAV strains can emerge, jump species, and cause epidemics, like the latest variant of H5N1. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been shown capable of detecting human IAVs. We aimed to assess whether whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of IAVs from wastewater is possible and can be used to discriminate between circulating strains of human and any non-human IAVs, such as those of avian origin. Using a pan-IAV RT-quantitative PCR assay, six wastewater treatment works (WWTWs) across Northern Ireland were screened from Aug 1to Dec 5, 2022. Ananopore WGS approach was used to sequence RT-qPCR-positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences relative to currently circulating human and non-human IAVs was performed. Forcomparative purposes, clinical data (PCR test results) were supplied by The Regional Virus Laboratory, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK). We detected a dynamic IAV signal in wastewater from Sept 5, 2022, onwards across Northern Ireland, which did not show a clear positive relationship with the clinical data obtained for the region. Meta (mixed strain) whole-genome sequences were generated from wastewater samples displaying homology to only human and avian IAVstrains. The relative proportion of IAV reads of human versus avian origin differed across time and sample site. Adiversity in subtypes and lineages was detected (eg, H1N1, H3N2, and several avian). Avian segment 8related to those found in recent H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b was identified. WBE affords a means to monitor circulating human and avian IAV strains and provide crucial genetic information. As such, WBE can provide rapid, cost-effective, year-round One Health surveillance to help control IAV epidemic and pandemic-related threats. However, optimisation of WBE protocols are necessary to ensure observed wastewater signals not only correlate with clinical case data, but yield information on the wider environmental pan-influenz-ome. Department of Health for Northern Ireland.

Penyusunan rencana kontinjensi epidemi penyakit menular disebabkan oleh virus di Kota Banda Aceh [Development of contingency plan for infectious disease epidemics caused by viruses in Banda Aceh City

Contingency Plan for Outbreak/Epidemic Disaster in Banda Aceh City is a document that contains the process of identifying and preparing future plans based on potential disaster conditions. The purpose of making a Contingency Plan document that becomes a reference in the disaster outbreak/epidemic of Infectious Diseases Caused by Viruses in the City of Banda Aceh. Method The preparation process involved all disaster management institutions and actors, both government and non-government. The scope of activities carried out are: Technical Team Meeting, Public Seminar, and Plan Finalization. The results obtained by the issuance of the Banda Aceh Mayor's Regulation for the Contingency Plan for the epidemic of infectious diseases caused by viruses in the city of Banda Aceh which is regulated in a Banda Aceh Mayor's Regulation No. 68 of 2021 concerning the Contingency Plan for the Epidemic of Infectious Diseases Caused by Viruses in the City of Banda Aceh. In conclusion, Banda Aceh City has realized preparedness for the threat of epidemics of diseases caused by viruses by involving multi-sectors. To improve the function and sustainability of the document, data updates and projections of resource needs are needed to support the implementation/activation of the contingency plan that has been prepared.

Enhancing Emergency Response: The Role of Collective Competence in Epidemiological Teams for Effective Laboratory Data Collection and Analysis

Background: Health systems globally face ncreasing challenges from health crises and epidemic threats, necessitating the pivotal role of epidemiological teams in emergency response. This study investigates the significance of collective competence within these teams, focusing on their ability to collect, analyze, and manage laboratory data effectively. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used to survey epidemiological teams in Saudi Arabia. A structured questionnaire was developed based on existing literature and distributed electronically to participants. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), using descriptive and inferential statistics to summarize participant characteristics and explore associations between variables. Results: A total of 208 epidemiological teams member completed the questionnaire, yielding insights into their The Role of Collective Competence in Epidemiological Teams. The findings reveal high levels of agreement regarding the effectiveness of management approaches, knowledge sharing, and team collaboration, with the average score exceeding 4.0 on a 5-point scale. Notably, team efficacy was found to significantly enhance the efficiency of laboratory data collection and analysis, accounting for approximately 25.9% of the variance in efficacy. Discussion: These findings underscore the need to invest in developing team competencies within epidemiological teams to improve emergency response capabilities. The study provides practical insights into enhancing team collaboration and coordination, ultimately contributing to more effective public health interventions in future health crises.

Methodology for assessing the impact of emergencies on the spread of infectious diseases

The spread of infectious diseases is significantly influenced by emergencies, particularly military conflicts, which disrupt healthcare systems and increase the risks of epidemics. The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine has exacerbated these challenges, causing environmental damage, mass displacement, and the breakdown of healthcare services, all of which contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. This study aims to develop a comprehensive methodology for assessing the impact of emergencies on the spread of infectious diseases, focusing on the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The object of this study is to address epidemic threats posed by emergencies, particularly the increased spread of infectious diseases due to war-related disruptions. The subject of this study is methods and models of infectious disease transmission under conditions of emergencies, emphasizing the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The tasks of this study are to provide an analysis of the current state of research and develop a methodology for assessing the impact of emergencies on the spread of infectious diseases. The proposed methodology includes several key components. Comprehensive data from public health organizations includes infectious disease statistics, demographic shifts, healthcare disruptions, and environmental factors exacerbated by emergencies. Data preprocessing removes inconsistencies, standardization of formats, and normalization for population size differences. Machine learning models, including convolutional neural networks and recurrent neural networks, have been developed to simulate the spread of diseases based on demographic, environmental, and healthcare-related variables. Deep learning models analyze spatial and temporal patterns, whereas compartmental models such as SIR estimate changes in reproductive numbers (R₀ and Re). Additionally, models of excess mortality incorporate mixed effects to account for regional and time-based variations. The methodology incorporates real-time monitoring of epidemic threats using real-time data from multiple sources, enabling dynamic assessments of disease spread and facilitating predictive modeling. The models were trained on historical data and validated using cross-validation techniques to ensure robustness and reliability, with a specific focus on the pre- and post-invasion phases in Ukraine.Results: The study provides a comprehensive framework for collecting and processing data on infectious diseases and epidemic threats in emergencies. The proposed model introduces advanced machine learning and epidemiological models trained on pre- and post-invasion data to analyze disease transmission patterns and forecast future epidemic dynamics. Conclusion: The proposed methodology addresses current gaps in infectious disease during emergencies by integrating real-time data and machine learning techniques. This research improves decision-making in public health management and biosafety during crises, particularly in war-affected regions like Ukraine.

Research on the Socio-Spatial Resilience Evaluation and Evolution of the Central Area of Beijing in Transitional China

In recent decades, the increasing threats of global climate change, natural disasters, and epidemics have brought extensive attention to resilience theory. However, most studies focus on the physical aspects of cities, overlooking the significance of the social perspective. This study addresses this gap by using social areas as the core spatial unit for analysis. By constructing a scientific indicator system and employing the set pair analysis method, this study comprehensively evaluates the multidimensional resilience levels of Beijing’s central area during its transitional period (1990–2020). The findings reveal that socio-spatial divisions, which emphasize the network structure of social relations and the dynamic changes in social spaces, are more suitable than traditional administrative divisions as fundamental units for resilience assessment. During Beijing’s transitional period, the comprehensive resilience of the central area and all social areas steadily increased, although social capital resilience faced the challenges of loss and slow recovery. Social areas with a unique internal connection, such as those based on ethnicity, exhibited more positive social capital resilience development. Additionally, social areas with lower population diversity and greater homogeneity tended to have higher comprehensive resilience and a more positive trend in social capital resilience development, whereas highly heterogeneous social areas faced significant constraints in resilience development. These findings may provide valuable insights for cities and communities to enhance their capacity to address future uncertainties and assist policymakers in making informed governance decisions.

Changes in the lifestyle of Polish students as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the light of direct research

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes in the lifestyles of all social groups. As a result of the subsequent restrictions resulting from the epidemic threat, all areas of both professional and private life had to be modified. Students were a social group whose lifestyle changes were particularly visible. For most of this period, universities conducted classes remotely, using Internet platforms. Therefore, it was necessary to make changes in the current way of life, often associated with a change of place of residence, modification of the way of spending free time and current habits. A significant part of these changes may be permanent and remain after the end of the pandemic state or threat. The aim of the paper is to analyze the changes in the lifestyle of Polish students in the light of our own surveys addressed to them. The students’ opinions on the changes in the way of acquiring and testing knowledge, in relations with the university and peers, and in the process of communicating with them will be presented and critically assessed. Changes in the process of nutrition, healthcare, including the length of sleep and physical activity, and the pursuit of one’s own interests will also be taken into account. The conclusions of the research will be confronted with the results of other studies and analyses devoted to various problems of lifestyle changes under the influence of COVID-19.

Clostridium perfringens in the Intestine: Innocent Bystander or Serious Threat?

The Clostridium perfringens epidemic threatens biosecurity and causes significant economic losses. C. perfringens infections are linked to more than one hundred million cases of food poisoning annually, and 8-60% of susceptible animals are vulnerable to infection, resulting in an economic loss of more than 6 hundred million USD. The enzymes and toxins (>20 species) produced by C. perfringens play a role in intestinal colonization, immunological evasion, intestinal micro-ecosystem imbalance, and intestinal mucosal disruption, all influencing host health. In recent decades, there has been an increase in drug resistance in C. perfringens due to antibiotic misuse and bacterial evolution. At the same time, traditional control interventions have proven ineffective, highlighting the urgent need to develop and implement new strategies and approaches to improve intervention targeting. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the spatial and temporal evolutionary characteristics, transmission routes, colonization dynamics, and pathogenic mechanisms of C. perfringens will aid in the development of optimal therapeutic strategies and vaccines for C. perfringens management. Here, we review the global epidemiology of C. perfringens, as well as the molecular features and roles of various virulence factors in C. perfringens pathogenicity. In addition, we emphasize measures to prevent and control this zoonotic disease to reduce the transmission and infection of C. perfringens.

Development of a core outcome set for maternal and perinatal health research and surveillance in light of emerging and ongoing epidemic threats.

Maternal and perinatal health is often directly and indirectly affected during infectious disease epidemics. Yet, a lack of evidence on epidemics' impact on women and their offspring delays informed decision-making for healthcare providers, pregnant women, women in the post-pregnancy period and policy-makers. To rapidly generate evidence in these circumstances, we aim to develop a Core Outcome Set (COS) for maternal and perinatal health research and surveillance in light of emerging and ongoing epidemic threats. We will conduct a Systematic Review and a four-stage modified Delphi expert consensus. The systematic literature will aim to inform experts on outcomes reported in maternal and perinatal research and surveillance during previous epidemics. The expert consensus will involve two individual, anonymous online surveys to rate outcomes' importance and suggest new ones, one virtual meeting to discuss disagreements, and one in-person meeting to agree on the final COS, outcomes definitions and measurement methods. Four panels will be established to participate in the modified Delphi with expertise in (a) maternal and perinatal health, (b) neonatal health, (c) public health and emergency response, and (d) representation of civil society. We will recruit at least 20 international experts for each stakeholder group, with diverse backgrounds and gender, professional, and geographic balance. Only highly-rated outcomes (with at least 80% of ratings being 7-9 on a 9-point Likert scale) and no more than 10% of low ratings (1-3) will be included in the final COS. Implementing this COS in future maternal and perinatal research and surveillance, especially in the context of emerging and ongoing epidemic threats, will facilitate the rapid and systematic generation of evidence. It will also enhance the ability of policy-makers, healthcare providers, pregnant women and women in the post-pregnancy period and their families to make well-informed choices in challenging circumstances.

Impact of methamphetamine use on HIV and other health outcomes at an urban HIV medicine clinic.

The methamphetamine epidemic threatens progress towards ending the HIV epidemic in the United States. Further characterizing the prevalence and impact of methamphetamine use among people with HIV (PWH) is necessary to inform integrated HIV and methamphetamine treatment strategies. We conducted a retrospective chart review to characterize methamphetamine use among 3092 PWH at an urban HIV Medicine clinic between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. The chi-squared test was utilized to assess for statistically significant differences in demographics and HIV and other health outcomes among PWH who use and do not use methamphetamine. The prevalence of methamphetamine use among PWH in this cohort was 17%. PWH who used methamphetamine were more likely to be <40 years of age, identify as White race, live in neighborhoods with low Healthy Places Index scores, identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, report male sex with men (MSM), MSM and injection drug use (IDU), or IDU as HIV transmission risk factor, miss scheduled HIV primary care visits, and screen positive for hepatitis C virus antibody, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and major depressive disorder. PWH who use methamphetamine were also less likely to be virally suppressed and have a CD4 + cell count ≥200 cells/mm 3 . Methamphetamine use is prevalent among PWH at this urban HIV Medicine Clinic and is associated with worse HIV and other health outcomes which likely increase the risk of HIV transmission. The integration of methamphetamine use disorder treatment into HIV primary care is necessary to work toward ending the syndemics of methamphetamine and HIV.

IMPACT OF THE BODY SCANNER APPLICATION ON PASSENGER SCREENING THROUGHPUT

The development of airport security screening systems requires the use of increasingly sophisticated and effective equipment to detect prohibited or hazardous items and substances. However, this can lead to a reduction in the throughput of the security checkpoint (SCP). This paper addresses the operationally important problem of the dilemma between screening effectiveness and screening checkpoint throughput, which is important to the real operational capabilities of an airport. In this paper, a comparison of traditional walk-through metal detectors (WTMD) gates and newer technology body scanners (BSs) was carried out in terms of SCP throughput as an element determining the operational capabilities of the airport. For this purpose, a simulation model was developed to study throughput based on a colored timed Petri net. The analysis showed that, depending on the characteristics of the available staff, the level of terrorist and epidemic threat, as well as the time of year, it is advantageous to use different strategies to vary the size of the stream of passengers directed for screening by the WTMD gate and BS.

Insect Cell-Based Quadrivalent Seasonal Influenza Virus-like Particles Vaccine Elicits Potent Immune Responses in Mice.

Influenza viruses can cause highly infectious respiratory diseases, posing noteworthy epidemic and pandemic threats. Vaccination is the most cost-effective intervention to prevent influenza and its complications. However, reliance on embryonic chicken eggs for commercial influenza vaccine production presents potential risks, including reductions in efficacy due to HA gene mutations and supply delays due to scalability challenges. Thus, alternative platforms are needed urgently to replace egg-based methods and efficiently meet the increasing demand for vaccines. In this study, we employed a baculovirus expression vector system to engineer HA, NA, and M1 genes from seasonal influenza strains A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B/Yamagata, and B/Victoria, generating virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine antigens, H1N1-VLP, H3N2-VLP, Yamagata-VLP, and Victoria-VLP. We then assessed their functional and antigenic characteristics, including hemagglutination assay, protein composition, morphology, stability, and immunogenicity. We found that recombinant VLPs displayed functional activity, resembling influenza virions in morphology and size while maintaining structural integrity. Comparative immunogenicity assessments in mice showed that our quadrivalent VLPs were consistent in inducing hemagglutination inhibition and neutralizing antibody titers against homologous viruses compared to both commercial recombinant HA and egg-based vaccines (Vaxigrip). The findings highlight insect cell-based VLP vaccines as promising candidates for quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccines. Further studies are worth conducting.

A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy Pandemic: The 1977 "Russian Flu".

Surprisingly, the 1977 "Russian flu" H1N1 pandemic influenza virus was genetically indistinguishable from strains that had circulated decades earlier but had gone extinct in 1957. This essay puts forward the most plausible chronology to explain the reemergence of the 1977 H1N1 pandemic virus: (1) in January-February 1976, a self-limited small outbreak of a swine H1N1 influenza virus occurred among Army personnel at Fort Dix, New Jersey; (2) in March 1976, the US launched a nationwide H1N1 swine influenza vaccine program; (3) other countries then also launched their own H1N1 R&amp;D efforts; (4) a new H1N1 outbreak, genetically unrelated to the Fort Dix swine virus but indistinguishable from previously extinct H1N1 viruses, was detected early in 1977 in China; (5) the leading Chinese influenza virologist later disclosed that the Chinese military had conducted large H1N1 vaccine R&amp;D studies in 1976. It is likely that the resurrected H1N1 influenza viruses were laboratory-stored strains that were unfrozen and studied as part of the emergency response to a perceived epidemic threat, and that accidentally escaped. The fear of a possible H1N1 pandemic was the critical factor that gave rise to the actual H1N1 pandemic, resulting in an avoidable "self-fulfilling prophecy pandemic."

Environmental data in epidemic forecasting: Insights from predictive analytics

Epidemic forecasting plays a critical role in public health preparedness and response, enabling proactive measures to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases. Environmental data, encompassing factors such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and geographical features, holds valuable insights for predicting and identifying areas prone to epidemics. This paper explores the integration of predictive analytics with environmental data to enhance epidemic forecasting capabilities. By leveraging predictive analytics techniques, researchers and public health officials can analyze environmental data to identify regions at higher risk of experiencing epidemic outbreaks. Through statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and computational simulations, predictive analytics utilize environmental indicators to forecast the likelihood and spread of diseases. For example, areas with high temperatures and humidity may be conducive to mosquito-borne diseases, while regions with poor air quality may experience increased rates of respiratory infections. Case studies highlight the application of predictive analytics in various contexts, including forecasting mosquito-borne diseases in tropical regions and tracking respiratory infections in urban areas with poor air quality. Early warning systems, informed by environmental data, provide timely alerts to potential epidemic threats, enabling proactive interventions and resource allocation. While the integration of environmental data into epidemic forecasting offers significant benefits, challenges remain, including data quality, availability, and ethical considerations. Continued research and collaboration are essential to address these challenges and further enhance the effectiveness of predictive analytics in identifying and mitigating epidemic risks. In conclusion, this paper underscores the importance of leveraging environmental data and predictive analytics for epidemic forecasting, emphasizing their potential to improve public health outcomes and enhance preparedness efforts in the face of emerging infectious diseases and climate change. Keywords: Environmental Data, Epidemic Forecasting, Predictive Analytics.

The views of scientists-police officers on the problem of epidemic prevention

The subject of the study is the provisions formulated by foreign and domestic jurists in the field of policeistics regarding the prevention of epidemic threats. The article provides a comparative legal analysis of the views of cameralist authors on these issues in antithesis with the views of representatives of social Darwinism. The aim of the study is the scientific reconstruction of the political and legal model of the functioning of state power structures, namely the executive and medical police for the prevention of epidemic diseases, presented in the works of scientists-police officers of the late XVIII – early XX centuries. Abstraction, comparative legal and content analysis were chosen as the methods of study, with the help of which the works of political scientists were studied. The scope of application of the results and their novelty lies in the awareness of the value of the accumulated social and state-legal experience in the prevention of various kinds of epidemics. In the context of the emergence of a new coronavirus infection, the problem of determining and promptly applying a set of effective anti–epidemic measures has become particularly acute, many of which had deep historical roots and were reanimated as living conditions and everyday life, on the one hand, and the imperious dictates of the state, on the other. The conclusions and results of the work were accumulated on the basis of studying the works of representatives of the science of the police state and law. It was revealed that the stated problems are historically imperishable. The complex of preventive measures of an anti-epidemic nature was developed which historically spontaneously and entered into the usual norms of everyday life in Russia since ancient times. Since the XIV century, all kinds of quarantine and other restrictive measures have been taken to counteract mass diseases. At the same time, these diverse measures had a common focus despite the various sources of origin and development.

Mpox, smallpox and the increasing threat of orthopoxvirus epidemics

An epidemic of clade I mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo, low population immunity to orthopoxviruses and advances in synthetic biology should be the triggers to raise our level of preparedness for resurgent orthopoxvirus epidemics.