-
Research Article
Investigation of Malaria Outbreak in Sagambe Area, Mutasa District, Zimbabwe
Maxwell Moyoweshumba
,
Maxwell Mhlanga*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
152-161
Received:
1 August 2024
Accepted:
27 August 2024
Published:
11 September 2024
Abstract: The burden of Malaria remains a global concern, killing millions of people annually, yet it is a preventable and curable disease.. Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite, leads to fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms, and can be fatal if untreated. In Zimbabwe, the malaria incidence rate decreased from 39 cases per 1,000 people in 2014 to 25 per 1,000 in 2015, a 36% reduction. A study in Sagambe, Mutasa District aimed to identify risk factors for contracting malaria. Using a 1:1 unmatched case-control study, 88 cases and 88 controls were examined. Data were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires for cases and controls, and self-administered questionnaires for key informants. Evening outdoor activity significantly increased the risk of malaria (AOR = 9.71, 95% CI 1.97-47.85). Other risk factors included sex (p = 0.023), not owning a mosquito net (OR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.14-0.49), not sleeping under a net the previous night (OR = 0.14, 95% CI 0.07-0.35), not closing windows after sunset (OR = 4.39, 95% CI 1.79-11.11), and not wearing long sleeves outdoors (OR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.56). The outbreak was linked to evening outdoor activities. Participants had high knowledge of malaria transmission but limited awareness of symptoms beyond headache and general body weakness. The study suggests enhancing health education campaigns in Sagambe.
Abstract: The burden of Malaria remains a global concern, killing millions of people annually, yet it is a preventable and curable disease.. Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite, leads to fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms, and can be fatal if untreated. In Zimbabwe, the malaria incidence rate decreased from 39 cases per 1,000 people in 2...
Show More
-
Research Article
An Analysis of Heat Waves in Disaster Management
Benjamin Rundbaken*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
162-168
Received:
3 September 2024
Accepted:
18 September 2024
Published:
10 October 2024
Abstract: This paper examines the current state of disaster management for heat waves in the United States. The paper begins by providing the status of heat waves in the U. S. A. and the detrimental effects they can have on society, such as human and animal health concerns, damage to infrastructure, and strained power grids. The paper then provides a synopsis of the disaster management framework provided by the U. S. government. This entails a description of the five stages of disaster management: Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery. Next, the current public health measures taken to address extreme heat are organized within this framework, described, and assessed based on a review of existing literature. These public health measures include protection of the power grid, incorporating green and cool spaces into city design, cooling centers, and heat warning systems. The results of the literature review show that actions taken prior to an extreme heat event are more effective than actions taken in response to the event or during the recovery from it. Measures taken in the Protection and Mitigation stages have a more reliable and documentable benefit to human health than measures in the Response and Recovery stages. Additionally, these actions, such as safeguarding power grids and installing green infrastructure in urban environments, generally provide financial benefits that exceed their costs, making them good investments for both public and private entities. It is therefore recommended to focus programs and investment on measures in the Protection and Mitigation phases.
Abstract: This paper examines the current state of disaster management for heat waves in the United States. The paper begins by providing the status of heat waves in the U. S. A. and the detrimental effects they can have on society, such as human and animal health concerns, damage to infrastructure, and strained power grids. The paper then provides a synopsi...
Show More
-
Research Article
Developing a Novel Contact Tracing Mobile Application for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for Improving Testing Capacity and Controlling the Spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
169-177
Received:
27 August 2024
Accepted:
21 September 2024
Published:
18 October 2024
Abstract: In this study, a novel contact tracing model that leverages smartphone technology to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and extend the duration of contact tracing efforts is developed. This model utilizes smartphones as identification systems, collecting data on the proximity of other smartphone users through integrated Bluetooth and GPS technology. The study examines the frequency, duration, and proximity of interactions between smartphone devices in a clinical setting, highlighting potential implications for infectious disease transmission to pilot the mobile application developed. Contact data from six pairs of devices were analyzed, focusing on metrics such as total contacts, total contact time, average contact time, average distance, and the percentage of contacts occurring within 1.5 meters. The results showed varying levels of interaction across device pairs, with Devices 1 & 3 showing the highest number of contacts (175), and Devices 3 & 4 displaying the longest average contact time (20,133,193.01 seconds). Correlation analysis revealed weak and statistically insignificant relationships between total contacts and average distance (r = 0.13, p = 0.81), contact time and the percentage of close contacts (r = -0.15, p = 0.78). These findings suggest that while there are observable trends in contact patterns, the statistical insignificance highlights the need for further investigation to establish stronger associations that could inform infection control practices in healthcare settings.
Abstract: In this study, a novel contact tracing model that leverages smartphone technology to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and extend the duration of contact tracing efforts is developed. This model utilizes smartphones as identification systems, collecting data on the proximity of other smartphone users through integrated Bluetooth and GPS technology....
Show More
