Pandemics: the Invisible Enemy
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Mind the Gaps: Investigating Collective Health Aggression
ACTA SCIENTIFIC MICROBIOLOGY (ISSN: 2581-3226) Volume 3 Issue 3 March 2020 Case Review Mind the Gaps: Investigating Collective Health Aggression Victor Lage de Araujo* Received: January 27, 2020 Laboratory Medicine, International Fellow, College of American Pathologist, MSC, Evidence-Based Healthcare (UCL), Brazil Published: February 05, 2020 © All rights are reserved by Victor Lage de *Corresponding Author: Victor Lage de Araújo, Laboratory Medicine, International Fellow, College of American Pathologist, MSC, Evidence-Based Healthcare (UCL), Araujo. Brazil. DOI: 10.31080/ASMI.2020.03.0505 Abstract localise its source – especially if it is an event hitting big numbers of patients, with high severity and quick development of symptoms Whenever one suspects some intoxication, infective epidemics or other collective health harm, it is paramount first to define and [23,24]. An outbreak investigation routine must be early established, with a comprising strategy and pragmatical objectives oriented towards precise diagnosis. Those will grant a realistic assessing of risks for the community, curative measures needed towards the ill and prevention directed to future cases. Healthcare professionals must have great attention towards novel aggressions to men's health and their clinical manifestations; a careful analysis of the available data is needed, in order to avoid being misled by some false assumption that may impair the accuracy of the diagnoses and might delay the needful curative and preventive courses directed towards the population [25]. The determinants of emerging diseases and unusual behaviour of the known microorganisms, health-aggressive mediums and artefacts are multiple; therefore, epidemiologists must consider every item of evidence for each upsurge, including the ecology and environmental issues [1,2]. -
Apocalypse Now? Initial Lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic for the Governance of Existential and Global Catastrophic Risks
journal of international humanitarian legal studies 11 (2020) 295-310 brill.com/ihls Apocalypse Now? Initial Lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic for the Governance of Existential and Global Catastrophic Risks Hin-Yan Liu, Kristian Lauta and Matthijs Maas Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Abstract This paper explores the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic through the framework of exis- tential risks – a class of extreme risks that threaten the entire future of humanity. In doing so, we tease out three lessons: (1) possible reasons underlying the limits and shortfalls of international law, international institutions and other actors which Covid-19 has revealed, and what they reveal about the resilience or fragility of institu- tional frameworks in the face of existential risks; (2) using Covid-19 to test and refine our prior ‘Boring Apocalypses’ model for understanding the interplay of hazards, vul- nerabilities and exposures in facilitating a particular disaster, or magnifying its effects; and (3) to extrapolate some possible futures for existential risk scholarship and governance. Keywords Covid-19 – pandemics – existential risks – global catastrophic risks – boring apocalypses 1 Introduction: Our First ‘Brush’ with Existential Risk? All too suddenly, yesterday’s ‘impossibilities’ have turned into today’s ‘condi- tions’. The impossible has already happened, and quickly. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, both directly and as manifested through the far-reaching global societal responses to it, signal a jarring departure away from even the © koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2020 | doi:10.1163/18781527-01102004Downloaded from Brill.com09/27/2021 12:13:00AM via free access <UN> 296 Liu, Lauta and Maas recent past, and suggest that our futures will be profoundly different in its af- termath. -
Plague Manual for Investigation
Plague Summary Plague is a flea-transmitted bacterial infection of rodents caused by Yersinia pestis. Fleas incidentally transmit the infection to humans and other susceptible mammalian hosts. Humans may also contract the disease from direct contact with an infected animal. The most common clinical form is acute regional lymphadenitis, called bubonic plague. Less common clinical forms include septicemic, pneumonic, and meningeal plague. Pneumonic plague can be spread from person to person via airborne transmission, potentially leading to epidemics of primary pneumonic plague. Plague is immediately reportable to the New Mexico Department of Health. Plague is treatable with antibiotics, but has a high fatality rate with inadequate or delayed treatment. Plague preventive measures include: isolation of pneumonic plague patients; prophylactic treatment of pneumonic case contacts; avoiding contact with rodents and their fleas; reducing rodent harborage around the home; using flea control on pets; and, preventing pets from hunting. Agent Plague is caused by Yersinia pestis, a gram-negative, bi-polar staining, non-motile, non-spore forming coccobacillus. Transmission Reservoir: Wild rodents (especially ground squirrels) are the natural vertebrate reservoir of plague. Lagomorphs (rabbits and hares), wild carnivores, and domestic cats may also be a source of infection to humans. Vector: In New Mexico, the rock squirrel flea, Oropsylla montana, is the most important vector of plague for humans. Many more flea species are involved in the transmission of sylvatic (wildlife) plague. Mode of Transmission: Most humans acquire plague through the bites of infected fleas. Fleas can be carried into the home by pet dogs and cats, and may be abundant in woodpiles or burrows where peridomestic rodents such as rock squirrels (Spermophilus variegatus) have succumbed to plague infection. -
SARS Epidemic in the Press
LETTERS SARS Epidemic in these peaks were identified by deter- on airport measures, increased quar- mining the most frequently covered antine measures in China, and the the Press topics, specifically: the death of Carlo identification of the civet cat as a To the Editor: On March 12 2003, Urbani, the Italian WHO officer who probable source of SARS-CoV. the World Health Organization identified the disease in Hanoi; the Coverage tended to be greater on (WHO) issued a global alert regarding first two probable cases in Italy; the weekends, probably because political severe acute respiratory syndrome death of a suspected case in Naples; stories constitute less competition for (SARS) in Vietnam, Hong Kong, and and the press conference announcing space on these days. China’s Guangdong Province. Three the first meeting of the Italian Evidently, the daily newspaper days later, for the first time in its his- National Task Force. The highest peak coverage of SARS has been quite tory, WHO recommended postponing occurred on April 23, after the extensive in Italy, especially in the nonessential travel to the affected announcement that the number of aftermath of WHO alerts and state- areas and screening airline passengers cases had reached 4,000 and that a ments by the Ministry of Health (1). These initiatives, together with vaccine would not be available any- regarding new cases and more strin- the awareness of the modes transmis- time soon. In the days after the peak, gent control measures. During out- sion of the coronavirus associated coverage remained quite high, in breaks of infections, both the media with SARS (SARS-CoV), led to association with the definition of and the public are often criticized for extensive press coverage. -
Good, Bad and Ugly: the History of Polio Vaccines Transcript
Good, Bad and Ugly: The History of Polio Vaccines Transcript Date: Thursday, 12 June 2014 - 1:00PM Location: Barnard's Inn Hall 12 June 2014 Good, Bad and Ugly: The History of Polio Vaccines Professor Gareth Williams The main villain of the piece is the poliovirus, one of the smallest and simplest viruses. It is usually spread by the faecal-oral route (dirty fingers!) and in most cases is confined to the gut. As travels down the intestine, it induces antibodies (immunity) against itself, which will protect the person against future attacks by the virus. In about 1% of cases, the virus floods into the bloodstream and infects the nerve cells in the spinal cord which drive the muscles. This causes the characteristic paralysis, which can affect one or more limbs and/or the muscles of respiration – in which case artificial ventilation (e.g. with the iron lung) may be needed to keep the patient breathing and alive. Polio originally caused sporadic clusters of paralysis, especially in children. For some reason, this pattern changed during the late 19th century into explosive epidemics which swept through many countries each summer. The first major outbreak, on the East Coast of the USA in the summer of 1916, caused 25,000 cases of paralysis and 6,000 deaths. Draconian public health measures were powerless to prevent the spread of polio, resulting in widespread panic across America. Each year, panic resurfaced as the polio season approached, with the wealthy leaving towns and cities in droves. During the early 1950s, Americans feared polio almost as much as the atom bomb. -
The Politics of the Coronavirus and Its Impact on International Relations
Vol. 14(3), pp. 116-125, July-September 2020 DOI: 10.5897/AJPSIR2020.1271 Article Number: FA1630564661 ISSN: 1996-0832 Copyright ©2020 African Journal of Political Science and Author(s) retain the copyright of this article http://www.academicjournals.org/AJPSIR International Relations Full Length Research Paper The politics of the coronavirus and its impact on international relations Bheki Richard Mngomezulu Department of Political Science, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of the Western Cape, South Africa. Received 7 June, 2020; Accepted 1 July, 2020 Pandemic outbreaks are not a new phenomenon globally. There is plethora of evidence to substantiate this view. However, each epidemic has its own defining features, magnitude, and discernible impact. Societies are affected differently. The coronavirus or COVID-19 is not an incongruity. Although it is still active, thus making detailed empirical data inconclusive, it has already impacted societies in many ways - leaving indelible marks. Regarding methodology, this paper is an analytic and exploratory desktop study which draws evidence from different countries to advance certain arguments. It is mainly grounded in political science (specifically international relations) and history academic disciplines. Firstly, the paper begins by looking at how the coronavirus has affected international relations – both positively and negatively. Secondly, using examples from different countries, it argues that the virus has exposed the political leadership by bringing to bear endemic socio-economic inequalities which result in citizens responding differently to government regulations meant to flatten the curve of infection. Thirdly, in the context of Africa, the paper makes a compelling argument that some of the socio-economic situations found within the continent are remnants of colonialism and apartheid. -
The Justinianic Plague's Origins and Consequences
The Justinianic plague’s origins and consequences Georgiana Bianca Constantin1, Ionuţ Căluian2 1Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dunarea de Jos University Galati, Romania 2Valahia University Targoviste, Romania Corresponding author: Georgiana Bianca Constantin Abstract The bubonic plague is an extremely old disease (apparentely from the late Neolitic era). The so-called “Justinianic plague”of the sixth century was the first well-attested outbreak of bubonic plague in the history of the Mediterranean world. It was thought that the Justinianic Plague, along with barbarian invasions, contributed directly to the so-called “Fall of the Roman Empire.” Keywords: plague, pandemics, history Introduction The bubonic plague is an extremely old disease, and scientists have detected the DNA of the pathogen that causes it—the bacterium Yersinia pestis—in the remains of late Neolithic era [1]. The limited details in historical texts have led scholars to question whether the causative agent of Justinianic Plague was truly Yersinia pestis, a debate that was only resolved recently through ancient DNA analysis [2-4]. Three major plague epidemics have been recorded worldwide so far: the “Justinian” plague in the 6th century, the “Black Death” in the 14th century and the recent 20th century pandemic [5]. The plague first hit cities in the southeastern Mediterranean, and moved swiftly through the Levant to the imperial capital of Constantinople. It seems that the plague arrived in Constantinople in 542 CE and the outbreak continued to sweep throughout the Mediterranean world for another 225 years, finally disappearing in 750 CE [1,6]. It is difficult to approximate the overall mortality rate due to the 542 plague, because of the lack of demographical data. -
(Sars) and Other Outbreak-Prone Diseases
REPORT OF THE REGIONAL COMMITTEE 17 (4) to collaborate with Member States and partners to monitor the TB control programme, including conducting joint programme reviews; (5) to support Member States to respond more effectively to the impact of poverty and marginalization on TB control; (6) to support Member States to develop better estimations of TB incidence by using all available data and improving estimation methods and in so doing to enable a more accurate assessment of the case detection rate; (7) to support Member States to improve surveillance for and management of TBIHIV and multi drug-resistant TB; (8) to ensure that the recommendations of the external evaluation team are carried out. Ninth meeting, 12 September 2003 WPRlRC54/SRJ9 WPRlRC54.R7 SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (SARS) AND OTHER OUTBREAK-PRONE DISEASES The Regional Committee, Recalling resolution WHA56.29 on severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and WHA56.28 on the revision of the International Health Regulations; Recognizing the dedication and courage of the health workers of the Western Pacific Region in responding to SARS outbreaks; Further recognizing the health workers who lost their lives combating the disease and WHO staff member Dr Carlo Urbani, who in late February 2003 first brought SARS to the attention of the international community and died ofSARS on 29 March 2003; Acknowledging that strong government commitment, excellent collaboration between Member States and the international community, and rapid mobilization of human and financial resources -
Jonas Salk at the National Press Club, April 12, 1965
Jonas Salk at the National Press Club, April 12, 1965 Jonas Salk, May 1962. A.F.P. – D.P.A. Photos. National Press Club Archives On the tenth anniversary of the licensing of the polio vaccine he developed, Dr. Jonas E. Salk (1914-1995) visited Washington to accept a joint congressional resolution that hailed the vaccine as “one of the most significant medical achievements of our time.” At the White House, President Johnson offered Salk his congratulations. The day also marked the twentieth anniversary of the death of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who, having suffered from paralytic polio since 1921, had established the foundation that funded Salk’s efforts. Following his meetings with Congress and the President, Salk gave a talk and answered reporters’ questions at a National Press Club luncheon. In the title of its lead editorial ten years earlier celebrating the successful testing of the new vaccine, the New York Times proclaimed the “Dawn of a New Medical Day.” Testing of the vaccine, like the funding for its development, had engaged the participation of millions of ordinary American citizens. Through March of Dimes campaigns, hundreds of thousands of volunteers went door-to-door raising $41 million in 1952 alone from average donations of 27 cents. The tests involved 1.8 million school children, 200,000 volunteers, 64,000 teachers, and 60,000 physicians, nurses, and health officials, making it the largest clinical trial in history. Interpreting the jubilant 1 reaction to news that the vaccine had been proven safe and effective, the Times commented, “Gone are the old helplessness, the fear of an invisible enemy, the frustration of physicians.” Poliomyelitis, also known as infantile paralysis, is an extremely contagious viral infection caused by any of three types of poliovirus. -
Norovirus Background
DOH 420-180 Norovirus Background Clinical Syndrome of Norovirus Symptoms Norovirus can cause acute gastroenteritis in persons of all ages. Symptoms include acute onset non- bloody diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by low-grade fever, body aches, and headache.2,3 Some individuals may only experience vomiting or diarrhea. Dehydration is a concerning secondary outcome.2 Symptoms typically resolve without treatment in 1-3 days in healthy individuals. Illness can last 4-6 days and may manifest more severely in young children elderly persons, and hospitalized patients.2,3 Diarrhea is more common in adults, while vomiting is more common among children.4 Up to 30% of norovirus infections are asymptomatic.2 Incubation The incubation period for norovirus is 12-48 hours.2 Transmission The only known reservoir for norovirus is humans. Transmission occurs by three routes: person-to- person, foodborne, or waterborne.2 Individuals can be infected by coming into contact with infected individuals (through the fecal-oral route or by ingestion of aerosolized vomitus or feces), contaminated foods or water, or contaminated surfaces or fomites.1,2 Viral shedding occurs for 4 weeks on average following infection, with peak viral shedding occurring 2-5 days after infection.2 Norovirus is extremely contagious, with an estimated infectious dose as low as 18 viral particles, indicating that even small amounts of feces can contain billions of infectious doses.2 The period of communicability includes the acute phase of illness up through 48 hours after conclusion of diarrhea. Treatment Treatment of norovirus gastroenteritis primarily includes oral rehydration through water, juice, or ice chips. -
The Epidemic of Justinian (Ad 542): a Prelude to the Middle Ages 1. Introduction
Acta Theologica Supplementum 7 2005 THE EPIDEMIC OF JUSTINIAN (AD 542): A PRELUDE TO THE MIDDLE AGES ABSTRACT The epidemic that struck Constantinople and the surrounding countries during the reign of Justinian in the middle of the 6th century, was the first documented pan- demic in history. It marked the beginning of plague as a nosological problem that would afflict the world until the 21st century. The symptoms of the disease, as de- scribed by various contemporary writers (especially the historian and confidant of the emperor, Procopius, and the two church historians, John of Ephesus and Euagrius), are discussed. There is little doubt that the disease was the plague. The most com- mon form in which it manifested was bubonic plague, which is spread by infected fleas and is not directly contagious from patient to patient. There is also evidence of septicaemic plague and possibly even pneumonic plague. The disastrous effects of the plague were described vividly by contemporary writers. A major problem was to find ways to dispose of infected corpses. It is estimated that about one third of the popu- lation died — a figure comparable to the death rate during the Black Death in the Middle Ages. Famine and inflation, the depopulation of the countryside, and a cri- tical manpower shortage in the army were further effects which all contributed to bringing to a premature end Justinian’s attempt to restore the grandeur of the Roman empire, and precipitating the advent of the Middle Ages. 1. INTRODUCTION The epidemic which devastated Constantinople in the 6th century during the reign of Justinian formed part of the first genuine pandemic in history to be documented. -
Terrible Typhoid Mary.” Much of What We Know About the Deadly Cook (CCSS ELA-LITERACY.RI 6-10.1-3; CCSS ELA-L.6-10.4-6; Comes from Other People
educator’s guide Terribleby Susan Typhoid Campbell Bartoletti Mary About the Author Susan Campbell Bartoletti is the award winning author of several books for young readers, includ- ing Black Potatoes: The Story of the Great Irish Famine, 1845–1850, winner of the Robert F. Sibert Medal. She lives in Moscow, Pennsylvania. Pre-Reading Activities Ask students to work in small groups and use print and online resources to define the following nine- teenth-century American terms: Industrial Revolution, Urbanization, First Wave of Immigration, Second Wave of Immigration, Tenement Housing, Infectious Disease, Sewage Systems, Germ Theory of Disease, and Personal Hygiene. (CCSS ELA-LITERACY.L.6-10.4-5) The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are included with the discussions and activities. You can locate the standards at: www.corestandards.org/the- About the Book standards H “Energetic, even charming prose will easily engage Discussion Questions readers.” —School Library Journal, starred review CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6-10.1 applies to each discussion question. H “Completely captivating.”—Booklist, starred review • Discuss the meaning of the similes, metaphors, H “Excellent nonfiction.” —Horn Book, starred review and allusions that comprise the book’s old-fash- With clarity, verve, and intelligence, Bartoletti presents ioned chapter titles both separately and in rela- the tale of “Typhoid Mary” Mallon, the Irish immigrant tionship to the body of the text. (CCSS ELA-LITERA- cook identified in the early 1900s as the first symptom- CY.L.6-10.5,6; CCSS ELA-LITERACY.RI.6-10.2,4) free carrier of an infectious disease. The author kicks off Mallon’s story with an outbreak of typhoid fever • Based on the information in the book’s early chap- in the Long Island home where she worked as a cook.