ReportWire

Tag: Epidemiology

  • Breast Cancer Awareness 2025: Share your stories, join our campaign

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    North of Boston Media Group is preparing to launch its 14th annual Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.

    And we want to share your stories surrounding this far-reaching disease.


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  • Annual Talbot Memorial Walk/Run this Sunday

    Annual Talbot Memorial Walk/Run this Sunday

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    DANVERS — The annual Talbot Memorial Walk/Run is set to step off Sunday for its 14th annual outing in memory of a Danvers couple who both died after battling cancer.

    “In 2011, our community rallied together for the first Lynda J. Talbot Memorial 5K Walk/Run to honor the life of our mom Lynda J. Talbot after her courageous battle with breast cancer,” Stacy (Talbot) Bazylinski said.

    “In 2022, we lost our dad Bruce after his incredibly courageous fight against lung cancer. To honor their memory and contribute to the ongoing fight against cancer, we have established this memorial 5K.”

    In the 13 years since it was established, the Talbot Memorial Fund has supported more than 100 individuals and families battling cancer on the North Shore.

    In addition, scholarships have been given to some 70 deserving Danvers High School seniors in the memory of the Talbots. Lastly, donations have been made to many cancer research organizations.

    Proceeds from this year’s race will, as always, go to the Talbot Memorial Fund to provide financial support to local families battling cancer and to scholarships to Danvers High students.

    “None of this would be possible without the generosity of all our sponsors and participants,” Julie (Talbot) Donnelly said. “Your commitment to this cause, year after year, has truly made a difference in people’s lives, and we wholeheartedly thank you.”

    Bruce and Lynda Talbot were lifelong Danvers residents. They both attended Danvers High School, created lasting relationships, and raised a family in the community.

    Family, friends, and those who would like to join the camaraderie are encouraged to sign up using the online link talbot.racewire.com

    The event begins at 10 a.m. at the Great Oak School, 76 Pickering St., Danvers.

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    By Buck Anderson | Staff Writer

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  • Breast Cancer Awareness 2024: Share your stories, join our campaign

    Breast Cancer Awareness 2024: Share your stories, join our campaign

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    The Eagle-Tribune is preparing to launch its 13th annual Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.

    And we want to share your stories surrounding this far-reaching disease.

    Our special Breast Cancer Awareness supplement due out in October will highlight stories of survival, courage, determination and hope.

    In addition, it will look at the role of caregivers, our local medical community, resource agencies and support networks that have joined forces to fight this complex disease across our North of Boston communities.

    Do you have a personal story to share or know someone who has waged a courageous battle against breast cancer? Do you know of individuals, organizations or agencies that have stepped up to support patients and their families as they navigate through the challenges of the disease?

    We hope to showcase these stories and more in our annual report and, in doing so, inspire, educate and raise awareness about the “Power of Pink” and the ongoing commitment to the fight for a cure.

    Send your ideas to Ann Reily at areily@northofboston.com. The deadline is Sept. 13.

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  • West Nile virus detected in Haverhill

    West Nile virus detected in Haverhill

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    HAVERHILL — The state Department of Public Health has confirmed that mosquitoes collected locally tested positive for West Nile virus.

    The mosquitoes were among those captured at a surveillance site in Haverhill, according to Deborah Ketchen, health agent for nearby Merrimac, and that town’s Board of Health.

    The board urged its residents to take proper precautions and offered tips in a news release issued Thursday night, noting that the town’s risk level for the West Nile virus remained the same.

    It was not noted whether these mosquitoes were among those that tested positive for West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis in Haverhill on July 30.

    Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett announced on the city’s website Aug. 2 that spraying for mosquitoes would begin three days later in a northeastern section of the community due to the positive findings.

    Trucks from the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control District were to begin spraying the insecticide Zenivex E4 RTU in an area “bounded by Main Street to Kenzoa Avenue to Amesbury Road to Kenzoa Street to Center Street to Millvale Road to East Broadway to Old Ferry Road to Lincoln Avenue to Water Street then back to Main Street,” the city said.

    Public health surveillance is conduced in the state for both mosquito-borne illnesses. The highest risk for contracting WNV or EEE is from late July to the first fall frost, according to Merrimac health officials.

    Mosquitoes receive WNV and EEE by biting infected birds. People and animals contract these diseases by being bitten by an infected mosquito.

    Most people bitten by mosquitoes carrying WNV will either have no symptoms or very mild symptoms and recover on their own. People over age 50 have the highest risk of becoming seriously ill, the Merrimac officials said. Additional monitoring and testing of mosquitoes in Haverhill was expected.

    Merrimac health officials and Barrett encourage the public to take precautions, including using DEET mosquito repellant, wearing long sleeves and pants, and avoiding outdoor activities from dusk to dawn.

    Residents are also asked to check their property for containers of standing water that could attract mosquitoes. Tightly fitted screens are needed for windows and doors, the officials said.

    More information about WNV and EEE is available by calling the state Department of Public Health recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968), or the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

    A fact sheet is available at mass.gov/doc/wnv-factsheet-english/download.

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  • Merrimac health officials warn about West Nile virus

    Merrimac health officials warn about West Nile virus

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    MERRIMAC — Town health officials ask residents to take precautions after the discovery of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in nearby Haverhill.  

    The insects were among those trapped at a specific mosquito surveillance site, Merrimac Health Agent Deborah Ketchen and the town’s Board of Health announced in a news release Thursday night.  

    The state Department of Public Health later confirmed that the mosquitoes tested positive for the potentially deadly virus, the health officials said.

    The Health Board urged local residents to take proper precautions and offered tips, noting that the town’s risk level for West Nile virus remained the same.

    It was not noted whether these mosquitoes were among those that tested positive for West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis in Haverhill on July 30.

    Last week, Newburyport confirmed a case of West Nile virus in the city and urged its residents to take precautions. None of the cases in either community involve infected humans.

    Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett announced on the city’s website Aug. 2 that spraying for mosquitoes would begin three days later in a northeastern section of the community due to the positive findings.

    Trucks from the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control District were to begin spraying the insecticide Zenivex E4 RTU in an area “bounded by Main Street to Kenzoa Avenue to Amesbury Road to Kenzoa Street to Center Street to Millvale Road to East Broadway to Old Ferry Road to Lincoln Avenue to Water Street then back to Main Street,” the city said. 

    Public health surveillance is conduced in the state for both mosquito-borne illnesses. The highest risk for contracting WNV or EEE is from late July to the first fall frost, according to Merrimac officials. 

    Mosquitoes receive WNV and EEE by biting infected birds. People and animals contract these diseases by being bitten by an infected mosquito.

    Most people bitten by mosquitoes carrying WNV will either have no symptoms or very mild symptoms and recover on their own. People over age 50 have the highest risk of becoming seriously ill, the Merrimac officials said. Additional monitoring and testing of mosquitoes in Haverhill was expected.

    Merrimac health officials and Barrett encourage the public to take precautions, including using DEET mosquito repellant, wearing long sleeves and pants, and avoiding outdoor activities from dusk to dawn.

    Residents are also asked to check their property for containers of standing water that could attract mosquitoes. Tightly fitted screens are needed for windows and doors, the officials said.   

    More information about WNV and EEE is available by calling the state Department of Public Health recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968), or the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

    A fact sheet is available at mass.gov/doc/wnv-factsheet-english/download.

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  • CDC to warn some travelers to watch for Marburg virus symptoms as it investigates outbreaks in Africa | CNN

    CDC to warn some travelers to watch for Marburg virus symptoms as it investigates outbreaks in Africa | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is sending personnel to Africa to help stop outbreaks of Marburg virus disease and is urging travelers to certain countries to take precautions. The CDC is also taking steps to keep infections from spreading to the United States.

    Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania are facing their first known outbreaks of Marburg virus, a viral fever with uncontrolled bleeding that’s a close cousin to Ebola. This week, the CDC urged travelers to both countries to avoid contact with sick people and to watch for symptoms for three weeks after leaving the area. Travelers to Equatorial Guinea should take enhanced precautions and avoid nonessential travel to the provinces where the outbreak is ongoing, the agency said.

    In the United States, the agency will post notices in international airports where most travelers arrive, warning them to watch for symptoms of the virus for 21 days and to seek care immediately if they become ill. They will also get a text reminder to watch for symptoms.

    The CDC is standing up a “center-led” emergency response; it’s not as all-encompassing as when the CDC stands up its Emergency Operations Center, such as for Covid-19 and mpox. But it will refocus the efforts and attention of the staff of its National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases to respond to the outbreaks, which are in two countries on opposite sides of Africa, indicating that the deadly hemorrhagic fever is spreading.

    Equatorial Guinea, on the coast in West Africa, declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in mid-February with cases spread across multiple provinces. As of March 22, Equatorial Guinea had 13 confirmed cases, including nine people who have died and one who has recovered, according to the World Health Organization. Nine CDC staffers are on the ground there. They have established a field laboratory and are assisting with testing, case identification and contact tracing.

    Tanzania, on the coast in East Africa, declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease on March 21, with cases reported in two villages in the Kagera region, according to the CDC. As of March 22, Tanzania has had eight confirmed cases, including five deaths. The CDC has a permanent office in Tanzania that is assisting with the outbreak. It is sending additional staff to support those efforts.

    Marburg virus is a rare and deadly virus that causes fever, chills, muscle pain, rash, sore throat, diarrhea, weakness or unexplained bleeding or bruising. It is spread through contact with body fluids and contaminated surfaces. People can also catch it from infected animals. It is fatal in about half of cases who get it. Other countries in Africa have had to quell outbreaks before.

    In its early stages, the infection is difficult to distinguish from other illnesses, so a history of travel to either of those countries will be essential to helping clinicians spot it.

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  • Chexout Named to Inc. 5000 2022 List of Fastest Growing Private Companies

    Chexout Named to Inc. 5000 2022 List of Fastest Growing Private Companies

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    Virginia-based SaaS Provider Emerging as a “Backbone” of U.S. Public Health Infectious Disease Surveillance Data Management, Control and Modernization Initiatives

    Press Release
    –

    Aug 16, 2022


    VIENNA, Va., August 16, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Chexout, the nation’s leading provider of infectious disease surveillance and clinic data management software designed exclusively for Public Health, announced its inclusion in Inc. Magazine‘s prestigious Inc. 5000 annual list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. Chexout debuts at 221st on the list of 5,000 with a three-year growth rate of 2,402%, placing them as the 15th fastest-growing company in health services, the 7th fastest-growing company headquartered in Virginia, and the 8th fastest-growing company in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

    The Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States was first introduced by Inc. Magazine in 1982. Over the years, the Inc. 5000 list has become a measure of entrepreneurial success in the United States. Companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 have been ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2018 to 2021. Notable companies previously named to the list include Microsoft, Oracle, Under Armour, Pandora, and Patagonia.

    To be selected as one of the 5000 fastest-growing companies out of over 7 million privately held companies in the U.S. is a tribute to Chexout’s commitment to serving its customers’ mission. The Inc. 5000 recognition puts Chexout in the top 0.00003 of all privately owned companies in America in terms of multi-year growth. This year’s list is particularly special because it showcases organizations that have flourished amidst a uniquely challenging economic landscape.

    “Being cited as an INC. 5000 honoree represents a ‘win-win’ for both Chexout and our Public Health clients. Chexout’s software modernizes the way Public Health agencies manage infectious disease surveillance and prevention protocols through interoperability and a fully integrated software that provides patient-facing services through to reporting to State and Federal Electronic Disease Surveillance Systems (EDSS). Our technology has enabled Public Health agencies to respond effectively during an unprecedented need for Public Health services,” said Chexout CEO Joseph Paulini. 

    Early in the Covid-19 pandemic, Chexout was chosen from a field of nearly 50 companies for the 2020 Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Contact Tracing Pilot. The pilot was canceled by the Administration in May 2020, but Paulini said the selection validated Chexout’s software as the most advanced disease surveillance software available.

    David Harvey, National Director of the National Coalition of State STD Directors and a national advocate for infectious disease prevention and control, said, “Chexout has been a steadfast partner, investing in next-generation Public Health data system modernization and disease surveillance for STDs and other reportable diseases for over a decade prior to the Covid pandemic. Their experts thoroughly understand the needs of state and local health departments and will continue to be an integral partner in being prepared for emerging infectious disease crises in the days, weeks, and months ahead.”

    “COVID taught our nation’s leaders that a chronically underfunded Public Health put us all at risk, and if we have learned anything, it’s that being unprepared for the next pandemic is not an option. Chexout stands ready to work with Public Health no matter the challenges ahead,” Paulini noted.

    About Chexout

    Chexout is a Healthcare IT SaaS, revolutionizing public health communications, case management, contact tracing, disease surveillance and reporting, infectious disease prevention, and patient care and coordination. Chexout offers a comprehensive suite of products that generate substantial cost saving, productivity, and patient management efficiencies for healthcare providers.

    Chexout brings a high-value proposition to health providers by cost-effectively filling gaps in available services with a HIPAA/HITECH-compliant suite of products and by acting as a universal translator of data from EMRs, EHRs and Labs. For more information, visit http://www.chexout.com. 

    MEDIA CONTACT:
    Nancy Rose Senich
    +1-202-262-6996 cell./text
    nsenich@chexout.com 

    Source: Chexout

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  • New Model Accurately Describes COVID-19 Waves and Plateaus

    New Model Accurately Describes COVID-19 Waves and Plateaus

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    Social activity model shows COVID-19 will be endemic, sticking around like the flu and the common cold


    URBANA, Ill., December 14, 2021 (Newswire.com)
    –
    To better understand the factors governing the wave and plateau dynamics of the spread of COVID-19, a team of scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory, the University of California San Diego (UCSD), and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) has developed an epidemiological model inspired by real-world observations based on proximity data, like the fact that any given individual’s social activity tends to happen in bursts over short time scales, with longer in-between periods reverting to average sustained social-activity levels. 

    The new model—dubbed the stochastic social activity (SSA) model—was paired with a traditional epidemiological model and validated against empirical data taken from four U.S. regions before introducing COVID-19 vaccines. Stochastic refers to individual social activity being random and unpredictable, a variable that can nevertheless be captured in mathematical equations through probability distributions that are averaged out over time. 

    The new model builds on the team’s earlier work published in April of this year in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that showed the concept of “herd immunity” does not apply to the COVID-19 pandemic because this type of collective immunity to the disease turns out to be short-lived. Instead, what emerges is a fragile and temporary state of collective immunity, which they coined “transient collective immunity” (TCI). The prior study also considers individual differences in the size of social networks. 

    The team reports in the current work that this newly accounted-for random dynamic factor will always produce waves or plateaus of infections—like those seen throughout the pandemic—whether the model also accounts for individuals changing their social behavior based on knowledge of current infection rates. The model further tells us that COVID-19 may be here to stay—it shows a clear path for it to become endemic in the global population, much like the common cold or the flu.

    “Our new model describes three phenomena: why during a pandemic a wave stops; how it can progress at a nearly constant rate, forming a plateau; and why new pathogens actually stay with us permanently, entering what’s called an endemic state. Classical theory tells us when a new pathogen is introduced, it will eventually kill itself off by infecting enough people that herd immunity is developed, unless biological immunity is very short-lived. But even in the case where long-term biological immunity is developed, we explain the scenario of how a new pathogen stays endemic in a population,” notes lead author and physicist in the Theory and Computation Group at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN), a DOE Office of Science User Facility at Brookhaven Lab, Alexei Tkachenko. 

    “What we are providing here is yet another factor that contributes to the dynamics of a pandemic that consists of multiple waves. In our case, our waves are caused exclusively by changes in the time-averaged level of social activity of individuals. The fluctuations in activity level led to a significant change in the propagation of the epidemic in waves and plateaus,” adds Sergei Maslov, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign professor of bioengineering and physics and Bliss Faculty Scholar.

    These results are published online in the Dec. 14, 2021, issue of the journal eLife.

    Read the full press release. 

    Alexei Tkachenko and Sergei Maslov performed the pen-and-paper calculations for the new model. Agent-based computer simulations applying those equations were developed by recent UIUC physics Ph.D. graduate Tong Wang, now a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School. 

    Media Contact:
    Siv Schwink, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: sschwink@illinois.edu

    Expert Contacts:
    Alexei Tkachenko, Brookhaven National Laboratory: oleksiyt@bnl.gov
    Sergei Maslov, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: maslov@illinois.edu
    Nigel Goldenfeld, University of California San Diego: nigelg@ucsd.edu

    Source: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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