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Topic: Public Health Policy and Practice
February 12, 2020
Early lessons from the frontline of the 2019-nCoV outbreak
Zhang describes the challenges early in the Wuhan 2019-nCoV outbreak. Areas mentioned with implications for policy include transparency of information, including timely public information; provider awareness of atypical presentations, potentially affecting spread across provider settings and insufficient use of respiratory precautions by providers; appreciation of alternate, non-respiratory routes of transmission; availability of personal protective equipment;…
Primary Care Practitioners’ Response to 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak in China
A national survey of primary care providers in China to assess 2019-nCoV prevention practices had a 62% response rate. Most respondents were proactively studying 2019-nCoV (99%); and guiding patients on preventive measures (94%). While only 48% were referring patients meeting a suspect case definition [undefined here] to hospitals for further diagnosis and treatment, this response…
February 11, 2020
Emerging threats from zoonotic coronaviruses-from SARS and MERS to 2019-nCoV
Lee and Hsueh review the emergence of the zoonotic coronaviruses SARS, MERS, and 2019-nCoV. They provide a high level review of reservoirs, mechanisms of infection, routes of transmission, clinical presentation and pandemic potential, with an emphasis on using this information to inform current 2019-nCoV containment. Lee P-I and Hsueh P-R (Feb 4, 2020). Emerging threats…
A qualitative study of zoonotic risk factors among rural communities in southern China
In a qualitative evaluation of general zoonotic transmission risk factors in rural China, Li, et al. present information from predominantly agrarian communities. Interesting findings include: Dogs or cats kept for companionship, home protection or preventing rat infestations Poultry, pigs and cattle raised for meat consumption; animal waste sometimes used as crop fertilizer; seeking medical treatment…
February 7, 2020
Novel coronavirus: Australian GPs raise concerns about shortage of face masks
Shortages in Australia of personal protective equipment amplified by recent brush fires draw concern from general practitioners. Mahase (Feb 5, 2020). Novel coronavirus: Australian GPs raise concerns about shortage of face masks. BMJ. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m477
February 6, 2020
Nonpharmaceutical measures for pandemic influenza in nonhealthcare settings—personal protective and environmental measures
Personal protective measures assessed were hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and face masks. Environmental hygiene measure assessed was surface and object cleaning with viral disinfectants. While hypothetically promising, in practice, none of the personal protection measures (as used by the general public) appeared to affect influenza spread. Hand hygiene was noted as still effective for other…
Nonpharmaceutical measures for pandemic influenza in nonhealthcare settings—international travel–related measures
International travel measures: No evidence was found that traveler screening was an effective method to prevent spread of pandemic influenza. Travel restrictions limiting the overall movement of people between locations (e.g., strict restrictions on all airline travel) may delay the arrival to a new locale, but does not ultimately prevent it. Complete boarder closure was…
Nonpharmaceutical measures for pandemic influenza in nonhealthcare settings—social distancing measures
The CDC published three early release articles in Emerging Infectious Diseases on nonpharmaceutical measures for pandemic influenza in nonhealthcare settings. Given similarities in modes of transmission and potentially effective prevention strategies, these articles may inform current 2019-nCoV policies. Contact tracing was deemed useful early in an epidemic, or for specific, vulnerable populations, decreasing in utility…
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