In a two year prospective survey of outbreaks of salmonella infection in hospitals in England and Wales 55 outbreaks were identified. Reports of investigation of these outbreaks were reviewed for evidence of food borne infection and cross infection. Food borne infection probably accounted for only six outbreaks, but these made up 40% of the 15 outbreaks in which there were more than five patien...

This chapter examines the investigation of possible waterborne outbreaks (due to drinking water) and, in particular, the role of laboratory analyses in the investigation. Outbreaks are the most obvious manifestation of waterborne disease, though not all such disease is associated with outbreaks. The detection and investigation of outbreaks provides some of the best insights into the microbial a...

Population outbreaks in tundra rodents have intrigued scientists for a century as a result of their spectacular appearances and their general lessons in ecology. One outstanding question that has led to competing hypotheses is why sympatric lemmings and voles differ in regularity and shape of their outbreaks. Lemming outbreaks may be lost for decades while vole populations maintain regular popu...

Rapid detection, reporting, and response to an infectious disease outbreak are critical to prevent localized health events from emerging as pandemic threats. Metrics to evaluate the timeliness of these critical activities, however, are lacking. Easily understood and comparable measures for tracking progress and encouraging investment in rapid detection, reporting, and response are sorely needed...

The outbreaks notified to both local Human Public Health (HPH) and Hellenic Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (HCDCP), from 1 st January 2005 to 31 st December 2007, were analyzed via the comprehensive forms filled in by HCDCP professionals. The attack rate was similar to other European countries 0.5/100 000 population. A total of 160 outbreaks were reported, 36% domestic, 42% restaura...

We introduce a dengue model (SEIR) where the human individuals are treated on an individual basis (IBM) while the mosquito population, produced by an independent model, is treated by compartments (SEI). We study the spread of epidemics by the sole action of the mosquito. Exponential, deterministic and experimental distributions for the (human) exposed period are considered in two weather scenar...

Introduction: Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis and foodborne disease in the United States, causing an estimated one in 15 U.S. residents to become ill each year as well as 56,000–71,000 hospitalizations and 570–800 deaths, predominantly among young children and the elderly. Whereas noroviruses often spread through person-to-person contact, foodborne transmission can cause...

BACKGROUND Reports of outbreaks in Canada and the United States (U.S.) indicate that approximately 50% of all waterborne diseases occur in small non-community drinking water systems (SDWSs). Summarizing these investigations to identify the factors and conditions contributing to outbreaks is needed in order to help prevent future outbreaks. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to: 1) i...

INTRODUCTION Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis and foodborne disease in the United States, causing an estimated one in 15 U.S. residents to become ill each year as well as 56,000-71,000 hospitalizations and 570-800 deaths, predominantly among young children and the elderly. Whereas noroviruses often spread through person-to-person contact, foodborne transmission can cause ...

Background & Objectives: Dengue and Chikungunya risk, based on socio-cultural and environmental factors and its possible spatial relationship to be investigated broadly. The aim of study is to explore epidemiology of risk factors of Dengue and Chikungunya prevalence and incidence, mapping the diseases prevalence in the year 2011for future planning containment measures in Western Ghats districts...