Coronavirus Disease 2019 Transmission Research Articles

Edukasi Cuci Tangan dan Pembagian Masker bagi Ibu Hamil

Maternal mortality in Indonesia remains a big challenge. Currently, maternal health services cannot be separated from the impact both in terms of access and quality due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The World Health Organization stated that strict health care during a pandemic will have an impact on the use of health services, especially reproductive health services. The form of this activity is education on hand washing and distribution of masks for pregnant women. The expected output from this activity is the publication of an accredited institutional journal or journal. In addition, the results of this activity will be presented and published in a community service seminar. These activities include hand washing education, hand washing practices, provision of facilities for washing hands, distribution of masks and education on how to use masks correctly. Outreach and demonstrations have been proven effective in increasing knowledge and skills about washing hands and using masks as an effort to prevent transmission of COVID-19

Night-time population consistently explains the transmission dynamics of coronavirus disease 2019 in three megacities in Japan.

Mobility data are crucial for understanding the dynamics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but the consistency of the usefulness of these data over time has been questioned. The present study aimed to reveal the relationship between the transmissibility of COVID-19 in Tokyo, Osaka, and Aichi prefectures and the daily night-time population in metropolitan areas belonging to each prefecture. In Japan, the de facto population estimated from GPS-based location data from mobile phone users is regularly monitored by Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare and other health departments. Combined with this data, we conducted a time series linear regression analysis to explore the relationship between daily reported case counts of COVID-19 in Tokyo, Osaka, and Aichi, and night-time de facto population in downtown areas estimated from mobile phone location data, from February 2020 to May 2022. As an approximation of the effective reproduction number, the weekly ratio of cases was used. Models using night-time population with lags ranging from 7 to 14 days were tested. In time-varying regression analysis, the night-time population level and the daily change in night-time population level were included as explanatory variables. In the fixed-effect regression analysis, the inclusion of either the night-time population level or daily change, or both, as explanatory variables was tested, and autocorrelation was adjusted by introducing first-order autoregressive error of residuals. In both regression analyses, the lag of night-time population used in best fit models was determined using the information criterion. In the time-varying regression analysis, night-time population level tended to show positive to neutral effects on COVID-19 transmission, whereas the daily change of night-time population showed neutral to negative effects. The fixed-effect regression analysis revealed that for Tokyo and Osaka, regression models with 8-day-lagged night-time population level and daily change were the best fit, whereas in Aichi, the model using only the 9-day-lagged night-time population level was the best fit using the widely applicable information criterion. For all regions, the best-fit model suggested a positive relationship between night-time population and transmissibility, which was maintained over time. Our results revealed that, regardless of the period of interest, a positive relationship between night-time population levels and COVID-19 dynamics was observed. The introduction of vaccinations and major outbreaks of Omicron BA. Two subvariants in Japan did not dramatically change the relationship between night-time population and COVID-19 dynamics in three megacities in Japan. Monitoring the night-time population continues to be crucial for understanding and forecasting the short-term future of COVID-19 incidence.

Quantification of early nonpharmaceutical interventions aimed at slowing transmission of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in the Navajo Nation and surrounding states (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah).

During an early period of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Navajo Nation, much like New York City, experienced a relatively high rate of disease transmission. Yet, between January and October 2020, it experienced only a single period of growth in new COVID-19 cases, which ended when cases peaked in May 2020. The daily number of new cases slowly decayed in the summer of 2020 until late September 2020. In contrast, the surrounding states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah all experienced at least two periods of growth in the same time frame, with second surges beginning in late May to early June. Here, we investigated these differences in disease transmission dynamics with the objective of quantifying the contributions of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) (e.g., behaviors that limit disease transmission). We considered a compartmental model accounting for distinct periods of NPIs to analyze the epidemic in each of the five regions. We used Bayesian inference to estimate region-specific model parameters from regional surveillance data (daily reports of new COVID-19 cases) and to quantify uncertainty in parameter estimates and model predictions. Our results suggest that NPIs in the Navajo Nation were sustained over the period of interest, whereas in the surrounding states, NPIs were relaxed, which allowed for subsequent surges in cases. Our region-specific model parameterizations allow us to quantify the impacts of NPIs on disease incidence in the regions of interest.

Digital Therapy: Alleviating Anxiety and Depression in Adolescent Students During COVID-19 Online Learning - A Scoping Review.

The learning method has changed from offline to online since Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic cause mental health problems in students such as stress, anxiety, and even depression. Interventions to reduce mental health problems in adolescents need to be carried out digitally to reduce the transmission of Coronavirus Disease 2019. The purpose of this study is to explore methods of digital therapy to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression among students during the Coronavirus Disease 2019. A scoping review study design was used in this study. Database the study from CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus databases. This study used PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and for quality appraisal used JBI Quality Appraisal. The inclusion criteria for articles in this study are full text, randomized control trial or quasi-experiment research design, English language, students sample, and the publication period during COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2022). There were found 13 articles discussing digital therapy and it was found that the digital therapy model to reduce anxiety and depression includes directions through digital modules, directions via video, and asynchronous discussions via online meeting. The sample range in this study is 37-1986 students. Most of the articles come from developed countries. Delivery services of digital therapy consist of three phases, namely psycho-education, problem-solving, and implementation of problem-solving strategies. The authors found that there are four digital therapy methods, namely Improving psychological abilities, Bias-modification intervention, Self-help intervention, and Mindfulness intervention. The implementation of digital therapy must still pay attention to various aspects that affect students, so that therapists need to pay attention to physical, psychological, spiritual, and cultural aspects. Here we highlight, digital therapy interventions are proven for improving mental health by reducing depression and anxiety levels among students during the COVID-19 pandemic by paying attention to all aspects that affect students.

COVID-19 positive cases among asymptomatic individuals during the second wave in Ndola, Zambia.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a worldwide public health concern for healthcare workers. About 80% of cases appear to be asymptomatic, and about 3% may experience hospitalisation and later die. Less than 20% of studies have looked at the positivity rate of asymptomatic individuals. This study investigated the COVID-19 positivity rates among asymptomatic individuals during the second COVID-19 wave at one of Zambia's largest testing centre. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted on routine surveillance and laboratory data at the Tropical Diseases Research Centre COVID-19 laboratory in Ndola, Zambia, from 01 December 2020 to 31 March 2021. The study population was made up of persons that had tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection as a requirement for travel. Microsoft Excel was used to come up with an epidemiological curve of daily COVID-19 positive cases; proportions for gender were described using frequencies and percentages. A total of 11 144 asymptomatic individuals tested for SARS-CoV-2 were sampled for the study and 1781 (16.0%) returned positive results. The median age among those tested was 36 years (interquartile range: 29-46). Testing for COVID-19 peaked in the month of January 2021 (37.4%) and declined in March 2021 (21.0%). The epidemiological curve showed a combination of continuous and propagated point-source transmission. The positivity rate of 16.0% among asymptomatic individuals was high and could imply continued community transmission, especially during January 2021 and February 2021. We recommend heightened testing for SARS-CoV-2 among asymptomatic individuals. This study adds critical knowledge to the transmission of COVID-19 among asymptomatic travellers who are usually a key population in driving community infection. This knowledge is critical in instituting evidence-based interventions in the screening and management of travellers, and its control.

Motivations of Wearing Face Mask: A Cross-sectional Study

Background and Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which initially appeared in China in December 2019 and has since spread to most countries in the global. Initial preventive recommendations called for the use of masks for protection against infection. To reduce COVID-19 transmission in the community. The purpose of this study was to assess motivation factors for wearing surgical face masks and investigate reasons for not wearing face coverings, and gain insights from our study population about messaging strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional Descriptive study of 297 administrative staff of Hawler Medical University was conducted from February to October 2022. The data was gathered through direct interviews using a questionnaire that had been modified, include socio-demographic information and fifteen questions about the reason participants want to use face covering. The data were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 25). Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests were used to determine the study's result. The P-value was considered significant at ≤ 0.05. Results: The result revealed the highest percentage of the administrative staff was 34-46 years old (54.3%). Most of the participants in this study were female (55.6 %). Half of the participants demonstrated a high level of motivation (51.9 %). The highest level of motivation was related to "I want to protect people who are vulnerable (85.7%) and "I feel a responsibility to wear a facemask (81.9%) and wearing a facemask could prevent me from giving COVID-19 to the family (80.9%). Conclusion: The studied sample had a high motivational level for wearing a face mask; the desire to protect people who are vulnerable and the feeling of responsibility to wear a face mask and oneself are often the driving motivation for using face coverings.

Income and Residence related Disparities of Information and Knowledge about COVID-19 and Behavioral response: Evidence from COVID-19 Community Risk Perception and Behavioral Response survey in Ethiopia

Introduction: The Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has caused enormous stress among the public in China initially and then after the whole world. This study aims to examine the income and residence-related disparities in information and knowledge about COVID-19 in Ethiopia. Methods: The data for this study was extracted from the community risk perception and behavioral response toward the COVID-19 survey data set. Out of 8005 survey participants, 7970 participants were used for the current study. Results of this study were presented by frequency, percent, concentration curve, tables and p-values used to indicate the significance level. Result: The concentration index of Knowledge of COVID-19 causes, COVID-19 transmission, COVID-19 symptoms, and its prevention across income status was (0.08, 0.02, 0.02, and 0.01), respectively. Indicating that participants of the highest income level had better knowledge than participants of the lowest income level. Similarly, the concentration index of information about COVID-19 from multimedia, print media, and social media across income status was (0.05, 0.37, and 0.07) respectively. The concentration index information about COVID-19 from health care professionals and community networks across residences was (-0.10) and (-0.07) respectively. Implying that participants of the rural resident had better access to information about COVID-19 from health care professionals and community networks than participants of the urban resident. Conclusion: COVID-19 causes, spread, symptoms, and prevention strategies were disproportionately more known to those with the highest income levels and those who lived in urban areas. Also, those with the highest income and those who live in urban areas have disproportionately more access to COVID-19 information from multimedia, print media, and social media than those with the lowest income level, and rural residents have disproportionately more access to COVID-19 information from health care professionals and community networks than urban residents.

Tinjauan karakteristik petugas dengan kasus positif COVID-19 di RS X Kota Yogyakarta

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Relman 2020 said that this virus can be transmitted from human to other humans. The process of transmission of COVID-19 is caused by the release of droplets containing the SARS-COV 2 virus into the air by infected patients when coughing or sneezing. Even humans who have not shown symptoms of coronavirus infection can also spread it to other humans (Kumar & Dwivedi, 2020).
 Officers who work in hospitals either directly and indirectly or who do not treat patients are at risk of exposure to the virus, either from infected patients, contaminated environments, infected from family or from the community. This study used Cross sectional design with a sample of 126 respondents. The single variable of the study was the characteristics of officers with COVID-19 at X Jogja Hospital. Sampling using an online survey filled out by confirmed officers in the period February-March 2022. Data analysis was carried out descriptively according to the measurement scale and the distribution of cases was broken down according to people, places and times.
 The results obtained were respondents with the female gender were exposed more (77%), with workplaces in non-COVID zones exposed more (69.1%), while the nursing profession was exposed the most (50.8%). The most common symptoms were runny nose 73% and cough 69%, respondents with a history of vaccination were three (3) times more exposed (85.7%), while the source of the most exposure was from family (40.5%).
 The average age of respondents exposed was 38.42 years, and as many as 96.8% of respondents underwent non-hospitalized isoman with an outcome of 100% of respondents recovered.

Intensive care unit nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices of COVID-19 infection prevention and control.

Intensive care units (ICUs) had to rapidly adapt infection prevention and control (IPC) practices during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To determine ICU nurses' COVID-19 IPC-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions. A mixed-methods study was conducted at the Groote Schuur Hospital ICU, Cape Town, South Africa (20 April 2021 and 30 May 2021). Participants completed anonymous, self-administered, knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) questionnaires. Individual interviews were conducted regarding nurses' lived experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 IPC in critical care. In total, 116 ICU nurses participated (93.5% response rate) including 57 professional nurses (49%), 34 enrolled nurses (29%) and 25 enrolled nursing assistants (22%); young females (31-49 years) predominating (n = 99; 85.3%). Nurses' overall COVID-19 IPC knowledge scores were moderately good (78%); professional nurses had greater knowledge of COVID-19 transmission (p < 0.001). Intensive care unit nurses' attitude scores towards COVID-19 IPC were low (55%), influenced by limited IPC training, insufficient time to implement IPC and shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE). Respondents' scores for self-reported COVID-19 IPC practices were moderate (65%); highest compliance rates were for hand hygiene after touching patient surroundings (68%). Only 47% ICU nurses underwent N95 respirator fit-testing despite working in a COVID-19 ICU. Regular COVID-19 IPC training is needed to equip ICU nurses with the knowledge and skills to prevent healthcare-associated COVID-19 transmission. Enhanced IPC training and consistent PPE availability may support more favourable attitudes and better IPC practices. Comprehensive IPC and occupational health support should be offered to ensure ICU nurses' wellbeing during pandemics. Enhanced IPC training and consistent PPE availability may support better attitudes and IPC practices.

Risk factors associated with indoor transmission during home quarantine of COVID-19 patients.

The study aimed to identify potential risk factors for family transmission and to provide precautionary guidelines for the general public during novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) waves. A retrospective cohort study with numerous COVID-19 patients recruited was conducted in Shanghai. Epidemiological data including transmission details, demographics, vaccination status, symptoms, comorbidities, antigen test, living environment, residential ventilation, disinfection and medical treatment of each participant were collected and risk factors for family transmission were determined. A total of 2,334 COVID-19 patients participated. Compared with non-cohabitation infected patients, cohabitated ones were younger (p = 0.019), more commonly unvaccinated (p = 0.048) or exposed to infections (p < 0.001), and had higher rates of symptoms (p = 0.003) or shared living room (p < 0.001). Risk factors analysis showed that the 2019-nCov antigen positive (OR = 1.86, 95%CI 1.40-2.48, p < 0.001), symptoms development (OR = 1.86, 95%CI 1.34-2.58, p < 0.001), direct contact exposure (OR = 1.47, 95%CI 1.09-1.96, p = 0.010) were independent risk factors for the cohabitant transmission of COVID-19, and a separate room with a separate toilet could reduce the risk of family transmission (OR = 0.62, 95%CI 0.41-0.92, p = 0.018). Patients showing negative 2019-nCov antigen tests, being asymptomatic, living in a separate room with a separate toilet, or actively avoiding direct contact with cohabitants were at low risk of family transmission, and the study recommended that avoiding direct contact and residential disinfection could reduce the risk of all cohabitants within the same house being infected with COVID-19.

Standard precautions should include 'safe ventilation' to minimise far-afield airborne transmission in health and social care settings.

Standard precautions should include 'safe ventilation' to minimise far-afield airborne transmission in health and social care settings.

HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP MASYARAKAT TERHADAP KEPATUHAN PENERAPAN PROTOKOL KESEHATAN PADA MASA PANDEMI COVID-19 DI KABUPATEN JEMBRANA

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS Cov-2). The community has a role in breaking the chain of transmission of COVID-19 and does not create a source of transmission as a result of interactions between individuals and groups at a point in the location. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between individual characteristics knowledge and attitudes towards compliance with the application of health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic in Jembrana Regency. The design of this study was observational, with adesign cross sectional. The number of samples is 117 people. The sampling technique in this study used non probability sampling, which is a combination of snowballing and voluntary sampling which was conducted in Jembrana Regency in April-June 2021. The results showed that 77.78% complied with the application of health protocols and 22.22% did not comply. Variables of age, gender, income, last education and attitude have no relationship, age group 18-25 (p = 0.8941; OR = 1.14; 95%CI = 0.42-3.11), age group 26-45 (p= 0.8941;OR= 0.90; 95%CI=0.42-3.11), gender (p=0.2496,OR=1.68;95%CI:0.69-4.03 ), income (p=0.1574;OR=2.2;95%CI :0.69-4.03), last education (p= 0.6508; OR=1.26; 95%CI: 0.45- 3.50). The related variables were knowledge and public attitudes, knowledge (p=0.0032; OR=4.4;95% CI: 1.66-11.66), attitudes (p=&lt;0.001; OR=7, 27; 95%CI: 2.69-19.65). It can be concluded that there is a relationship between knowledge and attitudes towards compliance with the implementation of COVID-19 health protocols. It is recommended to mobilize cadres in each of the Neighborhood Associations to maximize IEC, information communication and education to the public regarding COVID-19 and the implementation of the COVID-19 health protocol which is carried out online.&#x0D; Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, COVID-19, Health Protocol &#x0D;

Mitigation of COVID-19 During Dental Treatment in a State Prison System.

In congregate living settings when active coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission is present, limiting the scope of dental care to urgent and emergent treatment minimizes exposure risk for patients and staff. Engineering controls to mitigate aerosol production during dental procedures, including enhanced high-volume evacuation, high-efficiency particulate absorbing air filtration, and the use of a dental dam provide additional protection for dental providers and staff. Properly fitted N-95 respirators are of particular importance to limit COVID-19 transmission when SARS-CoV-2 containing aerosols may be present. When patients are known to be COVID-19 positive, the use of powered air-purifying respirators is appropriate. Further protection against the spread of disease among patients and staff may be provided by point-of-care testing for patients prior to dental procedures during outbreaks.

Overview of Clinical Symptoms of Pediatric Patients Infected with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia

Introduction: COVID-19 is a disease caused by infection with a new coronavirus with the name SARS-CoV-2 and can be transmitted between humans. Transmission of COVID-19 occurs through droplets produced by infected people. Indonesia is a country affected by COVID-19, with cases reaching 2,203,108 cases. The number of cases in Indonesia also includes COVID-19 infections in children. This study aimed to present an overview of the clinical symptoms of pediatric patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia. Methods: This study is a descriptive observational study. A total of 50 research subjects participated in this study. Observations of sociodemographic data and observations of clinical data were carried out in this study. Univariate data analysis was performed to present the distribution of frequencies and percentages of each variable. Results: The majority of clinical symptoms of pediatric COVID-19 patients are fever. Apart from fever symptoms, the majority of clinical symptoms of child COVID-19 patients have symptoms of runny nose, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea. Conclusion: Fever is a clinical symptom of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection in children at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia.

Face masks for respiratory viral illness prevention in healthcare settings: a concise systemic review and meta-analysis.

There are conflicting views regarding face mask guidelines amongst healthcare staff to prevent transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), influenza and other respiratory viral infections (RVIs). We conducted a thorough meta-analysis to statistically compare mask use versus no mask use efficacy for RVIs in healthcare settings. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used for selecting researches published between 2003 and June 2022 from different databases, including Publisher Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, etc.; 6 studies qualified for inclusion. Data was pooled from in vivo randomized control, case-control and observational studies dealing with the relationship between face mask use and no use by patients or health personnel and RVI prevention in healthcare setups. The fixed and random-effects model was carried out to determine pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their respective 95 percent confidence intervals (CIs). The results revealed that wearing a face mask significantly reduced the risk of contracting a respiratory viral illness in hospital settings, with pooled OR (95% CI) of 0.11 (0.04 to 0.33) (probability value (P) <0.08). Masks largely succeeded in stopping respiratory virus transmission, as evidenced by the meta-analysis of 6 studies (a total of 927 individuals).

Factors Affecting Indoor Air against the Transmission Risk of Coronavirus Disease 2019: Systematic Review and Policy Analysis

BACKGROUND:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is thought to be transmitted primarily through droplets and contaminated surfaces through aerosols. AIM: Therefore, this study aims to identify the risk of COVID-19 agents in aerosol form and how indoor air control technique plays a role in the risk of disease transmission. It also examines the existing policies as administrative controls in managing the risk of COVID-19 transmission through indoor air control techniques. METHODS: This is a systematic review and policy study carried out in line with the preferred reporting item for systematic review and meta-analysis guidelines using ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases. Furthermore, the search strategy was carried out using keywords with the Boolean AND and OR operations, namely, “COVID-19 AND (Transmission OR Spread) AND (aerosol OR airborne OR microdroplet) AND (Indoor OR Indoor Air OR Ventilation). RESULTS: In the policy review, the analysis unit was obtained from the official websites of the Indonesian Government and World Health Organization in the form of regulations, recommendations, guidelines, or other protocols that regulate indoor activities during the pandemic. There is a risk of COVID-19 agents from aerosols in indoor air. Meanwhile, the control of indoor air techniques plays a role in reducing the risk of transmission through aerosols by (1) increasing the exchange of indoor with outdoor air, (2) using air purifiers, and (3) paying attention to the layout of ventilation devices, airflow direction and distribution, as well as the flow of clean and dirty air in a room. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, the existing policies are still minimal in preventing transmission risk through indoor aerosols; hence, policy development is needed.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID-19 in Indonesia: A post delta variant wave cross-sectional study.

Public information and regulations related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been widely published and continuously changed. The Indonesian government has responded to the emerging evidence by regularly updating its unprecedented and preventive measures against the transmission of COVID-19 to the public. It is important to understand how the public responded to these updates. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Indonesians toward COVID-19 after the emergence of the delta variant wave. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the adult population of non-healthcare workers in Indonesia through an online questionnaire using the SurveyMonkey platform. A total of 1,859 respondents completed this survey from September to October 2021. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices data were analyzed descriptively to find their frequency and percentage. A multivariate analysis was conducted to confirm the factors affecting the respondents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices with a p-value of <0.05 set as significant. Being female, having a higher education level, and having a higher frequency of access to COVID-19 news showed significant impacts on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (p<0.001). Older age stratification influenced the knowledge level (p<0.05) but had no significant effect on people's attitudes and practices toward COVID-19. Respondents' perceived probability of being exposed to COVID-19 (p < 0.05) and their COVID-19 infection frequency (p < 0.001) significantly influenced their knowledge. Household income and respondents' knowledge significantly affected their attitudes toward COVID-19. Furthermore, only their attitudes had a significant impact on the respondents' practices. Perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, and vaccination status did not significantly influence their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (p > 0.05). After more than a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesians maintain their high level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices. COVID-19 disinformation must be combatted by strengthening authorized media, empowering communities, and improving governance among institutions during and post-pandemic.

Impact assessment of immunization and the COVID-19 pandemic on varicella across Europe using digital epidemiology methods: A descriptive study.

Varicella is usually a mild disease in children but may be life-threatening, especially in adolescents and adults. Infection control measures implemented during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have suppressed varicella transmission, potentially creating an 'immunity debt', particularly in countries without universal varicella vaccination. To assess trends in Google search engine queries for varicella keywords as a proxy for varicella infection rates and to evaluate the effect of universal varicella vaccination on these trends. A further objective was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on varicella keyword search query trends in countries with and without universal varicella vaccination. This study used the keyword research tool, Google Trends, to evaluate trends in time series of the relative search query popularity of language-specific varicella keywords in 28 European countries from January 2015 through December 2021. The Google Ads Keyword Planner tool was used to evaluate absolute search volumes from March 2018 through December 2021. The relative search query popularity of varicella keywords displayed marked seasonal variation. In all 28 countries, the relative search query popularity of varicella keywords declined after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020), compared with pre-pandemic levels (range, -18% to -70%). From April 2020 to July 2021, a period of intense COVID-19 transmission and infection control, absolute search volumes for varicella keywords were lower than pre-pandemic levels but rebounded after July 2021, when infection control measures were relaxed. This evaluation of search query trends demonstrated that search query data could be used as a proxy for trends in varicella infection rates and revealed that transmission of varicella may have been suppressed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consideration should be given to using search query data to better understand the burden of varicella, particularly in countries where surveillance systems are inadequate.

Mathematical Models Used to Assess the COVID-19 Outbreak and Preventive Measures

Background: Mathematical modelling is one of the most powerful methods for exploring the diverse range of intervention strategies, determining the fundamental reproduction rate, and forecasting disease spread. This paper reviews the mathematical models that were utilized to investigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission dynamics. Methods: We looked through four electronic databases for research that evaluated the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 using a mathematical modeling strategy based on compartmental models. Research describing COVID-19 transmission utilizing compartmental models and published in English in preprints and peer-reviewed publications between December 30, 2019 and May 25, 2020 was eligible for inclusion. This limitation period of time was chosen because it’s when the disease emerged and peaked in many countries worldwide. Results: A total of 46 studies that used compartmental models to explain COVID-19 transmission were included in the review. Six studies employed the age-structured SEIR model, making up the majority of studies’ (37/46) use of the Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR) framework. In one of the eight investigations that used SIR, an age-structured model was used. One study evaluated COVID-19 transmission using the generalized SIRS model. To anticipate the onset of the disease, 36 of the 46 studies calculated the basic reproduction number, and 5 estimated the effective reproduction number. Conclusion: Modelling studies applied generalised and age-structure models to assess the transmission and control of the COVID-19, suggesting that combined mitigations have a substantial impact on disease transmission

Highly Sensitive Poly-N-isopropylacrylamide Microgel-based Electrochemical Biosensor for the Detection of SARS-COV-2 Spike Protein

ObjectiveLate 2019 witnessed the outbreak and widespread transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a new, highly contagious disease caused by novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Consequently, considerable attention has been paid to the development of new diagnostic tools for the early detection of SARS-CoV-2. MethodsIn this study, a new poly-N-isopropylacrylamide microgel-based electrochemical sensor was explored to detect the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S protein) in human saliva. The microgel was composed of a copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid, and gold nanoparticles were encapsulated within the microgel through facile and economical fabrication. The electrochemical performance of the sensor was evaluated through differential pulse voltammetry. ResultsUnder optimal experimental conditions, the linear range of the sensor was 10−13–10−9 mg/mL, whereas the detection limit was 9.55 fg/mL. Furthermore, the S protein was instilled in artificial saliva as the infected human saliva model, and the sensing platform showed satisfactory detection capability. ConclusionThe sensing platform exhibited excellent specificity and sensitivity in detecting spike protein, indicating its potential application for the time-saving and inexpensive detection of SARS-CoV-2.