Last data update: May 06, 2024. (Total: 46732 publications since 2009)
Records 1-11 (of 11 Records) |
Query Trace: Dove T[original query] |
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Communicating effectively to overcome misinformation
Khan A , Dove T , Segerlind S . J Environ Health 2021 83 (6) 44-46 Editor's Note: The National Environmental Health Association strives to provide up-to-date and relevant information on environmental health and to build partnerships in the profession. In pursuit of these goals, we feature a column on environmental health services from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in every issue of the Journal. | | In these columns, authors from CDC's Water, Food, and Environmental Health Services Branch, as well as guest authors, will share insights and information about environmental health programs, trends, issues, and resources. The conclusions of these columns are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of CDC. | | Water Management Programs Are Key to Managing Legionella Growth and Spread | Elaine Curtiss, MEd, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | Janie Hils, MPH, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDR Jasen Kunz, MPH, REHS/RS, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | In summer 2021, several U.S. public health jurisdictions reported increases in Legionnaires' disease cases above their respective 5-year baseline averages. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not know to what extent building water systems might have contributed to these increases, periods of reduced building occupancy or building closure and low water usage can create hazards for occupants. Reopening schools, workplaces, and businesses—and more people traveling and staying in hotels—can elevate the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria if appropriate steps are not taken. Environmental health professionals have an important role in reminding building owners, building operators, and cooling tower operators of ways to safely reopen buildings to prevent the growth of Legionella. | | Water management programs help people identify hazardous conditions and take steps to minimize the growth and spread of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens in building water systems. Developing and maintaining a water management program is a multistep process that requires continuous review. This month's column provides several different resources from CDC to aid in the development of water management programs and prevent the spread and growth of Legionella. |
Accurate spatiotemporal mapping of drug overdose deaths by machine learning of drug-related web-searches.
Campo DS , Gussler JW , Sue A , Skums P , Khudyakov Y . PLoS One 2020 15 (12) e0243622 Persons who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk for overdose death (ODD), infections with HIV, hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), and noninfectious health conditions. Spatiotemporal identification of PWID communities is essential for developing efficient and cost-effective public health interventions for reducing morbidity and mortality associated with injection-drug use (IDU). Reported ODDs are a strong indicator of the extent of IDU in different geographic regions. However, ODD quantification can take time, with delays in ODD reporting occurring due to a range of factors including death investigation and drug testing. This delayed ODD reporting may affect efficient early interventions for infectious diseases. We present a novel model, Dynamic Overdose Vulnerability Estimator (DOVE), for assessment and spatiotemporal mapping of ODDs in different U.S. jurisdictions. Using Google® Web-search volumes (i.e., the fraction of all searches that include certain words), we identified a strong association between the reported ODD rates and drug-related search terms for 2004-2017. A machine learning model (Extremely Random Forest) was developed to produce yearly ODD estimates at state and county levels, as well as monthly estimates at state level. Regarding the total number of ODDs per year, DOVE's error was only 3.52% (Median Absolute Error, MAE) in the United States for 2005-2017. DOVE estimated 66,463 ODDs out of the reported 70,237 (94.48%) during 2017. For that year, the MAE of the individual ODD rates was 4.43%, 7.34%, and 12.75% among yearly estimates for states, yearly estimates for counties, and monthly estimates for states, respectively. These results indicate suitability of the DOVE ODD estimates for dynamic IDU assessment in most states, which may alert for possible increased morbidity and mortality associated with IDU. ODD estimates produced by DOVE offer an opportunity for a spatiotemporal ODD mapping. Timely identification of potential mortality trends among PWID might assist in developing efficient ODD prevention and HBV, HCV, and HIV infection elimination programs by targeting public health interventions to the most vulnerable PWID communities. |
Bloodmeal host selection of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Hannon ER , Jackson KC , Biggerstaff BJ , Raman V , Komar N . J Med Entomol 2019 56 (3) 603-608 St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) have recently emerged in the southwestern United States. Surveillance for arboviruses in Las Vegas, NV, detected a surge of SLEV activity in the southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus Say) during 2016. To identify candidate avian amplifiers, we assessed the identification, viral infection, and immune status of vertebrate hosts for 195 blood-engorged Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes collected in August and September 2016. Bloodmeals were identified from 164 engorged abdomens, representing 19 species of birds and three species of mammals. No SLEV or WNV viremia was detected, but one mosquito tested positive for Culex flavivirus. House finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) (Muller) was the most common bloodmeal, followed by domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) (Linnaeus), American robin (Turdus migratorius) L., house sparrow (Passer domesticus) (L.), great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) (Gmelin), northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) (L.) and mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) (L.). SLEV-reactive antibodies were detected in six identified bloodmeals and WNV-reactive antibodies were detected in 33. House sparrow and house finch were the most likely hosts to show previous exposure to SLEV and WNV, respectively. Over-utilization by Cx. quinquefasciatus for bloodmeal hosts was observed primarily among robin, finch and sparrow, all species that roost communally. House finch stands out as a candidate important amplifier for both SLEV and WNV because of its preference by mosquito vectors, and high competence for closely related virus strains. While implicated in previous outbreaks as an important mosquito vector, Cx. quinquefasciatus feeds infrequently on mammals in Las Vegas, indicating a low risk for bridge transmission to humans. |
Focal amplification and suppression of West Nile virus transmission associated with communal bird roosts in northern Colorado
Komar N , Panella NA , Burkhalter KL . J Vector Ecol 2018 43 (2) 220-234 To explain the patchy distribution of West Nile virus (WNV), we propose that avian immunity encountered by Culex vectors regulates WNV transmission, particularly at communal bird roosts. To test this hypothesis, we selected two test sites with communally roosting American robins (Turdus migratorius) and two control sites that lacked communal roosts. The density of vector-vertebrate contacts, represented by engorged Culex pipiens, was 23-fold greater at test sites compared to control sites, and the density of blood-engorged Cx. pipiens measured in resting mosquito traps correlated positively with the presence of robins and negatively with the presence of other birds, confirming an attraction to robins for blood feeding. WNV transmission was alternately up-regulated (amplification) and down-regulated (suppression) at both test sites. At one test site, infection in resting Cx. pipiens surged from zero to 37.2 per thousand within four weeks, and robin immunity rose from 8.4% to 64% before reducing to 33%. At this site, ten potentially infectious contacts between vector and vertebrates (including nine robins and a mourning dove [Zenaida macroura]) were documented. Infectious vector-vertebrate contacts were absent from control sites. The use of infectious vector-vertebrate contacts, rather than infected mosquitoes, to evaluate a transmission focus is novel. |
Forage ratio analysis of the southern house mosquito in College Station, Texas
Komar N , Panella NA , Golnar AJ , Hamer GL . Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018 18 (9) 485-490 Culex quinquefasciatus is the principal vector of West Nile virus (WNV) in the South Central United States, yet limited data on host utilization are available. We evaluated host utilization over a 3-month period in 2013 in a residential landscape in College Station, Texas. PCR sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene permitted molecular identification of vertebrate bloodmeals to the species level. Forage ratio analysis identified bird species that were overutilized and underutilized by comparing community feeding index values to expected relative abundance values of bird species, derived from eBird data. Community feeding index values were also used in conjunction with reservoir competence data from the literature to generate reservoir capacity index values, a means of identifying relative importance of vertebrate reservoir hosts. Of 498 blood-engorged Cx. quinquefasciatus, 313 (62.9%) were identified to vertebrate species. The majority (95.5%) of bloodmeals originated from avian species with the remainder from mammals, but not humans. Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) was the principal host for mosquito feeding in June and July, but northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) became primary host in August. Forage ratio analysis revealed the overutilization of house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), American robin (Turdus migratorius), northern mockingbird, northern cardinal, white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica), and mourning dove (Zenaida macroura). Great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus), blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), and Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) were under-utilized relative to availability. Reservoir capacity calculations suggested that northern mockingbird and northern cardinal were the principal amplifiers in the study area. These data identify the primary avian species contributing to the enzootic amplification of WNV in East-Central Texas and reveal that the heavy feeding on moderately competent hosts and no feeding on humans likely limit epidemics in this region. |
Activity patterns of St. Louis Encephalitis and West Nile viruses in free ranging birds during a human encephalitis outbreak in Argentina
Diaz LA , Quaglia AI , Konigheim BS , Boris AS , Aguilar JJ , Komar N , Contigiani MS . PLoS One 2016 11 (8) e0161871 St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) (Flavivirus) is a reemerging arbovirus in the southern cone of South America. In 2005, an outbreak of SLEV in central Argentina resulted in 47 human cases with 9 deaths. In Argentina, the ecology of SLEV is poorly understood. Because certain birds are the primary amplifiers in North America, we hypothesized that birds amplify SLEV in Argentina as well. We compared avian SLEV seroprevalence in a variety of ecosystems in and around Cordoba city from 2004 (before the epidemic) and 2005 (during the epidemic). We also explored spatial patterns to better understand the local ecology of SLEV transmission. Because West Nile virus (WNV) was also detected in Argentina in 2005, all analyses were also conducted for WNV. A total of 980 birds were sampled for detection of SLEV and WNV neutralizing antibodies. SLEV seroprevalence in birds increased 11-fold from 2004 to 2005. Our study demonstrated that a high proportion (99.3%) of local birds were susceptible to SLEV infection immediately prior to the 2005 outbreak, indicating that the vertebrate host population was primed to amplify SLEV. SLEV was found distributed in a variety of environments throughout the city of Cordoba. However, the force of viral transmission varied among sites. Fine scale differences in populations of vectors and vertebrate hosts would explain this variation. In summary, we showed that in 2005, both SLEV and to a lesser extent WNV circulated in the avian population. Eared Dove, Picui Ground-Dove and Great Kiskadee are strong candidates to amplify SLEV because of their exposure to the pathogen at the population level, and their widespread abundance. For the same reasons, Rufous Hornero may be an important maintenance host for WNV in central Argentina. Competence studies and vector feeding studies are needed to confirm these relationships. |
Strategic planning for chronic disease prevention in rural America: looking through a PRISM lens
Honeycutt AA , Wile K , Dove C , Hawkins J , Orenstein D . J Public Health Manag Pract 2014 21 (4) 392-9 CONTEXT: Community-level strategic planning for chronic disease prevention. OBJECTIVE: To share the outcomes of the strategic planning process used by Mississippi Delta stakeholders to prevent and reduce the negative impacts of chronic disease in their communities. A key component of strategic planning was participants' use of the Prevention Impacts Simulation Model (PRISM) to project the reduction, compared with the status quo, in deaths and costs from implementing interventions in Mississippi Delta communities. DESIGN: Participants in Mississippi Delta strategic planning meetings used PRISM, a user-friendly, evidence-based simulation tool that includes 22 categories of policy, systems, and environmental change interventions, to pose what-if questions that explore the likely short- and long-term effects of an intervention or any desired combination of the 22 categories of chronic disease intervention programs and policies captured in PRISM. These categories address smoking, air pollution, poor nutrition, and lack of physical activity. Strategic planning participants used PRISM outputs to inform their decisions and actions to implement interventions. SETTING: Rural communities in the Mississippi Delta. PARTICIPANTS: A diverse group of 29 to 34 local chronic disease prevention stakeholders, known as the Mississippi Delta Strategic Alliance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Community plans and actions that were developed and implemented as a result of local strategic planning. RESULTS: Existing strategic planning efforts were complemented by the use of PRISM. The Mississippi Delta Strategic Alliance decided to implement new interventions to improve air quality and transportation and to expand existing interventions to reduce tobacco use and increase access to healthy foods. They also collaborated with the Department of Transportation to raise awareness and use of the current transportation network. CONCLUSIONS: The Mississippi Delta Strategic Alliance strategic planning process was complemented by the use of PRISM as a tool for strategic planning, which led to the implementation of new and strengthened chronic disease prevention interventions and policies in the Mississippi Delta. |
Experimental infection of Eurasian collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto) with West Nile virus
Panella NA , Young G , Komar N . J Vector Ecol 2013 38 (2) 210-214 The Eurasian collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto) has recently experienced a population explosion in North America. It is frequently infected with West Nile virus (WNV). To test the hypothesis that the Eurasian collared-dove is competent to transmit WNV, we experimentally infected two cohorts of doves with two different strains of WNV, CO08, and NY99, respectively. Both virus strains induced a low-level viremia, capable of infecting a small fraction of vector mosquitoes. We suggest that the Eurasian collared-dove plays a relatively insignificant role as an amplifying host for WNV, but it may be important where it is locally abundant. |
Avian hosts of West Nile virus in Arizona
Komar N , Panella NA , Young GR , Brault AC , Levy CE . Am J Trop Med Hyg 2013 89 (3) 474-81 West Nile virus (WNV) causes sporadic outbreaks of human encephalitis in Phoenix, Arizona. To identify amplifying hosts of WNV in the Phoenix area, we blood-sampled resident birds and measured antibody prevalence following an outbreak in the East Valley of metropolitan Phoenix during summer, 2010. House sparrow (Passer domesticus), house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus), and mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) accounted for most WNV infections among locally resident birds. These species roost communally after early summer breeding. In September 2010, Culex vector-avian host contact was 3-fold greater at communal bird roosts compared with control sites, as determined by densities of resting mosquitoes with previous vertebrate contact (i.e., blood-engorged or gravid mosquitoes). Because of the low competence of mourning doves, these were considered weak amplifiers but potentially effective free-ranging sentinels. Highly competent sparrows, finches, and grackles were predicted to be key amplifying hosts for WNV in suburban Phoenix. |
Detection and molecular characterisation of noroviruses in hospitalised children in Malawi, 1997-2007
Trainor E , Lopman B , Iturriza-Gomara M , Dove W , Ngwira B , Nakagomi O , Nakagomi T , Parashar U , Cunliffe N . J Med Virol 2013 85 (7) 1299-1306 Despite the increasing recognition of noroviruses as major pathogens associated with community-acquired diarrhoea in children, there are few studies from Africa. Long-term surveillance studies of rotavirus gastroenteritis in Malawian children have provided an opportunity to undertake a study of the importance and epidemiological features of norovirus infection in this population. Faecal specimens were collected from children <5 years of age admitted to hospital with acute diarrhoea, as well as from a comparison group of diarrhoea-free children, in Blantyre, Malawi between 1997 and 2007. Norovirus was detected using real-time PCR and strains genotyped by nucleotide sequence analysis. Norovirus was detected in 220/1,941 (11.3%) faecal specimens, comprising genogroup GI (1.8%), GII (9.4%) and mixed GI/GII (0.1%). The median age of children with norovirus was 6 months (range, 0-48 months). Norovirus was detected throughout the year, with peaks at the end of the rainy season (March) and towards the end of the dry season (August-November). Norovirus GII.4 was the most commonly detected genotype accounting for 70% of strains characterised, followed by GII.2 (6%), GII.6 (4%) and GII.12 (4%). Sub typing of GII.4 noroviruses demonstrated local circulation of strains prior to their subsequent detection in association with global epidemics of gastroenteritis. The prevalence of norovirus in children without diarrhoea was similar to the level in cases. This largest study to date of norovirus infection in African children indicates the potential role of paediatric surveillance in predicting the emergence of norovirus strains with global epidemic potential. (2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.) |
The Culex pipiens complex in the Mississippi River basin: identification, distribution, and bloodmeal hosts
Savage HM , Kothera L . J Am Mosq Control Assoc 2012 28 93-9 Members of the Culex pipiens complex are the primary vectors of St. Louis encephalitis virus and West Nile virus in the Mississippi River basin (MRB). The Cx. pipiens complex in the MRB is composed of 4 taxa: Cx. p. pipiens form pipiens, Cx. p. quinquefasciatus, hybrids between Cx. p. pipiens f. pipiens and Cx. p. quinquefasciatus, and Cx. p. pipiens form molestus. Three studies on bloodmeal hosts with large sample sizes have been conducted on members of the Cx. pipiens complex in the MRB including 1 each on Cx. p. quinquefasciatus from Louisiana, Cx. p. pipiens-quinquefasciatus hybrids from Tennessee, and Cx. p. pipiens from Illinois. The top 8 bloodmeal hosts from each of the 3 sites accounted for 68-92% of bloodmeals. Only 14 species accounted for the top 8 bloodmeal hosts at each of the 3 sites. The most often utilized bloodmeal hosts for members of the Culex pipiens complex within the MRB are the American robin, Northern cardinal, human, raccoon, common grackle, house sparrow, mourning dove, dog, Northern mockingbird, blue jay, opossum, domestic horse, house finch and European starling. Human feeding varied widely among sites from 1% to 15.7% of bloodmeals. The proportion of bloodmeals taken on humans is an important epidemiological variable and future studies are needed to define the primary genetic and environmental factors that influence host utilization by members of the Cx. pipiens complex. |
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