An outbreak of Norovirus infections associated with recreational lake water in Western Finland, 2014.

In July 2014, an outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred among visitors to lakes in Tampere, Finland. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using an internet-based survey, solicited by public announcement, to identify source of infection and to implement control measures. Of 1453 persons enrolled in the study, 244 met the case definition (attack rate, 17%). In the pooled univariate analysis, risk factors for gastroenteritis included getting water in the mouth while swimming (Risk ratio (RR) 3.32; 95% Confidence interval (CI), 2.36-4.68) and playing on the wet sand at the beach (RR 1.90; 95% CI 1.50-2.41). In a multivariable analysis (logistic regression), the source of the infection was likely at two lakes (lake A Odds ratio (OR) 1.66; 95% CI 1.15-2.39 and lake B, OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.49-3.72). Norovirus (NoV) was found in 19 stool samples. All water samples from implicated beaches had acceptable values of fecal indicator bacteria and were negative for NoV. The likely source of the outbreak was lake-water contaminated with NoV at two popular lakes. Closure of swimming beaches, advice on hygienic precautions and rapid outbreak alerts were efficient in controlling the outbreak. Results suggest a need for new indicators of water quality and development of evidence-based recommendations regarding timing of safe reopen of recreational water venues associated with outbreaks.

Outbreak of gastroenteritis caused by norovirus GII.4 Sydney variant after a wedding reception at a resort/activity centre, Finland, August 2012.

In August 2012, an outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred among 88 persons attending a wedding reception at a resort/activity centre in Ylöjärvi, Finland. Of 39 interviewed guests, 23 met the case definition. Two persons were hospitalized. Epidemiological, laboratory and environmental investigations were conducted to characterize the outbreak and to recommend control measures. Investigation confirmed the presence of a new strain of norovirus GII.4 Sydney variant in stool specimens obtained from two wedding guests and on several environmental surfaces in the centre. In the questionnaire study, none of the foods or beverages served during the reception were significantly associated with the illness. Additional cases of gastroenteritis that occurred at the centre before and after the wedding reception supported the hypothesis of environmental transmission of norovirus. After thorough cleansing and disinfection and 1 week's quarantine, no new cases with symptoms typical for norovirus infection were identified at the centre.

Did public health travel advice reach EURO 2012 football fans? A social network survey.

We posted a survey on the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)'s EURO 2012 Facebook profile to evaluate whether public health travel advice, specifically on the importance of measles vaccination,reached fans attending EURO 2012. Responses suggested that these messages were missed by 77% of fans. Social networks could serve as innovative platforms to conduct surveys, enabling rapid access to target populations at low cost and could be of use during upcoming mass gatherings such as the Olympics.

Increased incidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in Finland, 2010-2011.

The number of cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection detected by laboratory-based surveillance increased in Finland in late 2010. During 2011, the number of cases was four times higher than during the previous epidemic in 2005. The 2011 epidemic affected mostly school-age children. The increased number of cases was probably not due to changes in laboratory procedures, but public interest may have had an effect, since the number of Google queries followed closely the epidemic curve.

Differences in national influenza vaccination policies across the European Union, Norway and Iceland 2008-2009.

In 2009 the second cross-sectional web-based survey was undertaken by the Vaccine European New Integrated Collaboration Effort (VENICE) project across 27 European Union (EU) member states (MS), Norway and Iceland (n=29) to determine changes in official national seasonal influenza vaccination policies since a survey undertaken in 2008 and to compare the estimates of vaccination coverage between countries using data obtained from both surveys. Of 27 responding countries, all recommended vaccination against seasonal influenza to the older adult population. Six countries recommended vaccination of children aged between six months and <18 years old. Most countries recommended influenza vaccination for those individuals with chronic medical conditions. Recommendations for vaccination of healthcare workers (HCW) in various settings existed in most, but not all countries. Staff in hospitals and long-term care facilities were recommended vaccination in 23 countries, and staff in out-patient clinics in 22 countries. In the 2009 survey, the reported national estimates on vaccine coverage varied by country and risk group, ranging from 1.1% - 82.6% for the older adult population; to between 32.9% -71.7% for clinical risk groups; and from 13.4% -89.4% for HCW. Many countries that recommend the influenza vaccination do not monitor the coverage in risk groups. In 2008 and 2009 most countries recommended influenza vaccination for the main risk groups. However, despite general consensus and recommendations for vaccination of high risk groups, many countries do not achieve high coverage in these groups. The reported vaccination coverage still needs to be improved in order to achieve EU and World Health Organization goals.

Central action of intraventricularly-injected midodrine in rats.

The aim of the present paper was to investigate the effect of intracerebroventricular (i.v.c.) injections of midodrine on the central nervous system of the rat. It was shown that midodrine increased locomotor activity, decreased body temperature, increased sedation in reserpinized rats and the cataleptic effect of haloperidol. Midodrine enhanced amphetamine-stimulated locomotor activity and reduced the amphetamine and apomorphine sterotypy. Phenoxybenzamine, yohimbine and clonidine inhibited the midodrine-induced hyperactivity. Midodrine depressed the whole brain noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) concentrations and reduced NA turnover. The results suggest a stimulating action of midodrine on the catecholaminergic neurons.