An outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant and deaths of three lions in a zoo.

There have been reports of the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from humans to various mammalian species. Some infected animals show clinical signs and may even die in rare cases. Outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported in zoos where susceptible animals are bred in high population densities. However, there have been few reports of omicron variant outbreaks in zoo animals. From late 2022 to 2023, an outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant occurred in one Japanese zoo. A total of 24 lions were housed in the zoo; 13 of them showed respiratory symptoms, and the three oldest lions died. Molecular and histopathological analyses revealed that the deceased lions were infected with SARS-CoV-2 omicron BF.7.15. Virus-neutralization tests showed that all 21 lions were positive for antibodies against the omicron variant, but not against the delta variant. In addition, three tigers and one bear in the same or neighboring building as the lions possessed antibodies against the omicron variant. This is a very rare report on the outbreak of a SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant infection that resulted in the death of animals. This finding demonstrates the importance of continuous countermeasures to protect non-vaccinated animals from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Using Regular High-Quality Serosurveys to Identify and Close National Immunity Gaps-Measles and Rubella Elimination in Japan.

In Japan, periodic measles outbreaks occurred mainly among young children under the routine immunization program with one dose of the measles-containing vaccine (MCV). A second dose of MCV was introduced in 2006. During a nationwide measles resurgence in 2007-2008, the most affected age group was teenagers. The national serological surveillance for vaccine-preventable diseases made it clear that there was a measles immunity gap among teenagers who had not received a second dose of MCV. To fill this immunity gap, nationwide non-selective supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) were carried out as a five-year program from April 2008 to March 2013 by providing an opportunity to be vaccinated with the measles and rubella vaccine during the first year of junior high school (12-13 years old) and the last year of high school (17-18 years old). The SIA was conducted with the strong involvement of local governments in charge of vaccination delivery and collaboration between the health and education sectors. Japan was verified as achieving measles elimination in 2015 and this has been sustained to date. The challenge of rubella elimination following a similar strategy of a serological diagnosis of an immunity gap and targeted vaccination is also discussed.

Fatal SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Children, Japan, January-September 20221.

To determine the characteristics of pediatric patients 0-19 years of age who died after onset of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Japan during January 1-September 30, 2022, we reviewed multiple sources. We identified 62 cases, collected detailed information from medical records and death certificates, and conducted interviews, resulting in 53 patients with detailed information for our study. Among 46 patients with internal causes of death (i.e., not external causes such as trauma), 15% were <1 year of age, 59% had no underlying disease, and 88% eligible for vaccination were unvaccinated. Nonrespiratory symptoms were more common than respiratory symptoms. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest affected 46% of patients, and time from symptom onset to death was <7 days for 77%. Main suspected causes of death were central nervous system abnormalities (35%) and cardiac abnormalities (20%). We recommend careful follow-up of pediatric patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first week after symptom onset, regardless of underlying diseases.

Rapid response to a COVID-19 outbreak at a nightclub in Kagoshima prefecture, Japan, in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, June and July 2020: A descriptive epidemiological study.

INTRODUCTION: During COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, nightclubs were identified as high-risk locations for COVID-19 outbreaks, but an outbreak investigation in this setting is challenging because of the anonymous and opportunistic nature of interactions. METHODS: The joint rapid response team collected epidemiological data, conducted descriptive epidemiology to determine the characteristics of cases associated with the nightclub, and implemented countermeasures. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were performed by the Local Institute of Public Health, Kagoshima University, and several commercial laboratories. RESULTS: Between June 15 and July 20, 2020, 121 individuals tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (59 confirmed and 62 asymptomatic) of whom 8 were nightclub staff who had no travel history of outside Kagoshima, 66 were guests, and 47 were subsequent contacts. The median age was 32 years (interquartile range: 24-43 years). One individual showed severe symptoms but there were no fatal. The epidemic curve showed one peak on June 30 and July 1 with a limited number of cases subsequently. Of the 121 cases, 116 and 5 were in individuals living in and outside Kagoshima Prefecture, respectively. Haplotype network analysis showed 5 genome-wide single-nucleotide variants between the isolates before and during this outbreak. CONCLUSIONS: There is a possibility that unidentified guests from outside Kagoshima Prefecture could infect staff who could subsequently spread the virus to guests and other staff, who were mainly a younger population. The rapid outbreak response enabled onward transmission in the community to be minimized. This outbreak investigation could provide insights for effective responses to challenging situations in future pandemic.

How do field epidemiologists learn? A protocol for a qualitative inquiry into learning in field epidemiology training programmes.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 underscored the importance of field epidemiology training programmes (FETPs) as countries struggled with overwhelming demands. Experts are calling for more field epidemiologists with better training. Since 1951, FETPs have been building public health capacities across the globe, yet explorations of learning in these programmes are lacking. This qualitative study will (1) describe approaches to training field epidemiologists in FETP; (2) describe strategies for learning field epidemiology among FETP trainees and (3) explain the principles and practices aligning training approaches with learning strategies in FETP. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The research design, implementation and interpretation are collaborative efforts with FETP trainers. Data collection will include interviews with FETP trainers and trainees and participant observations of FETP training and learning events in four FETP in the Western Pacific Region. Data analysis will occur in three phases: (1) we will use the constant comparison method of Charmaz's grounded theory during open coding to identify and prioritise categories and properties in the data; (2) during focused coding, we will use constant comparison and Polkinghorne's analysis of narratives, comparing stories of prioritised categories, to fill out properties of those categories and (3) we will use Polkinghorne's narrative analysis to construct narratives that reflect domains of interest, identifying correspondence among Carr and Kemmis's practices, understandings and situations to explain principles and processes of learning in FETP. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: We have obtained the required ethics approvals to conduct this research at The Australian National University (2021/771) and Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare (112206). Data will not be available publicly, but anonymised findings will be shared with FETP for collaborative interpretation. Ultimately, findings and interpretations will appear in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

Epidemiologic Trends and Distributions of Imported Infectious Diseases Among Travelers to Japan Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2016 to 2021: A Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the trends of imported infectious diseases among travelers to non-endemic countries during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This article aimed to describe those among travelers to Japan. METHODS: This is a descriptive study based on national surveillance data. Imported infectious disease cases were defined as those with a reported overseas source of infection among 15 diseases pre-selected based on the probability and impact of importation. The number of notified cases from April 2016 to March 2021 were described by disease and time of diagnosis. The relative ratio and absolute difference in case counts-both by number and per arrival-were calculated by disease comparing those from the pandemic period (April 2020-March 2021) to the pre-pandemic period (April 2016-March 2020). RESULTS: A total of 3,524 imported infectious disease cases were diagnosed during the study period, including 3,439 cases before and 85 cases during the pandemic. The proportionate distribution of diseases changed but notification counts of all 15 diseases decreased during the pandemic. Accounting for arrivals, however, seven diseases showed a two-fold or greater increase, with a notable absolute increase per million arrivals for amebiasis (60.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 41.5-78.7), malaria (21.7; 95% CI, 10.5-33.0), and typhoid fever (9.3; 95% CI, 1.9-16.8). CONCLUSION: The epidemiology of imported infectious diseases changed during the pandemic. While the number of imported infectious disease cases decreased, the number of cases per arrivals increased considerably both in relative and absolute terms for several diseases of public health and clinical importance.

Association of a promotional campaign for local dining facilities with the occurrence of COVID-19 in Asahikawa City, Japan, in November 2021.

Objectives: As social restrictions of COVID-19 are being eased worldwide, preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission among staff members and customers in dining facilities is essential to continuously running business because restaurants and bars are high-risk locations for COVID-19 outbreaks. In 2021, COVID-19 outbreaks occurred at restaurants or bars in Asahikawa city, Japan two weeks after the launch of a promotional campaign for local dining facilities. We investigated this event to assess the association between the promotional campaign and the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Study design: Cohort study. Methods: We assessed the association between the occurrence of COVID-19 cases in the restaurants and bars and their participation in the campaign by calculating risk ratio and 95% confidence interval. Results: Cases were identified among workers or customers in 4.0% (4/101) of the participating restaurants or bars and in 1.2% (39/3257) of the non-participating restaurants or bars. The risk ratio was 3.3 (95% confidence interval 1.2-9.0). Conclusion: The association between the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the restaurants or bars and participation in the campaign is undeniable. Promotional campaigns to vitalize dining facilities should be accompanied by enhanced infection prevention measures, especially ventilation.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Wrestlers after International Tournaments, April 2021.

Epidemiologic and genomic investigation of SARS-CoV-2 infections in members of Japan's national wrestling team after participation in international tournaments in 2021 revealed multiple lineages of SARS-CoV-2 not reported in Japan. The attack rate among wrestlers was high. Results suggest possible transmission during matches. We recommend early case detection and response practices.

National Surveillance of Pediatric Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Etiology, Japan, October 2021-December 2022.

Pediatric acute hepatitis of unknown etiology has been reported globally since April 2022. In Japan, 139 possible cases with onset dates after October 2021 were reported as of December 2022. Three patients required liver transplants, but none died. Rates of adenovirus positivity (11/125, 9%) were lower than those for other countries.

Specific COVID-19 risk behaviors and the preventive effect of personal protective equipment among healthcare workers in Japan.

As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks in healthcare facilities are a serious public health concern, we performed a case-control study to investigate the risk of COVID-19 infection in healthcare workers. We collected data on participants' sociodemographic characteristics, contact behaviors, installation status of personal protective equipment, and polymerase chain reaction testing results. We also collected whole blood and assessed seropositivity using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and microneutralization assay. In total, 161 (8.5%) of 1,899 participants were seropositive between August 3 and November 13, 2020. Physical contact (adjusted odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1-5.6) and aerosol-generating procedures (1.9, 1.1-3.2) were associated with seropositivity. Using goggles (0.2, 0.1-0.5) and N95 masks (0.3, 0.1-0.8) had a preventive effect. Seroprevalence was higher in the outbreak ward (18.6%) than in the COVID-19 dedicated ward (1.4%). Results showed certain specific risk behaviors of COVID-19; proper infection prevention practices reduced these risks.

Baseline and seasonal trends of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis from clinical samples in Japan.

Background: Outbreaks of Bacillus cereus bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a concern in Japanese medical settings. Aim: This study determined baseline values for B. cereus detection in clinical samples that are useful as reference values for hospitals when assessing the need for intervention. Method: A retrospective analysis of B. cereus detection in the Japan Nosocomial Infections Surveillance data from 2008 to 2014 was performed; it included 950 individual hospitals across the country. Findings: Bacillus spp. were detected in 0.54% of the clinical specimens submitted for bacteriological testing. Specimens positive for Bacillus spp. were mainly blood (24.6%), stool (26.5%), and respiratory specimens (23.3%). Identification of Bacillus spp. at the species level (i.e., B. cereus or B. subtilis) was reported in 55.3%, 14.7%, and 15.4% of cases, of which 88.9%, 48.3%, and 33.1% were B. cereus in blood, stool, and respiratory specimens, respectively. Of the 4105 hospital-years, 75.7% had blood specimens with Bacillus spp., with a median of 0.85 blood specimens/100 beds annually (interquartile range, 0.17-2.10). The B. cereus detection showed significant summer seasonality, regardless of specimen type or geographic distribution. The B. subtilis detection did not show seasonality, and its detection remained constant throughout the year. The seasonality of Bacillus spp. reflects the high proportion of B. cereus. Conclusions: The increased detection rate of Bacillus spp. during summer should be interpreted as a risk factor for B. cereus BSIs. A post-summer decrease in Bacillus spp. should not be interpreted as an effect of interventions.

Transmission of COVID-19 in Nightlife, Household, and Health Care Settings in Tokyo, Japan, in 2020.

Importance: There have been few studies on the heterogeneous interconnection of COVID-19 outbreaks occurring in different social settings using robust, surveillance epidemiological data. Objectives: To describe the characteristics of COVID-19 transmission within different social settings and to evaluate settings associated with onward transmission to other settings. Design, Setting, and Participants: This is a case series study of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases in Tokyo between January 23 and December 5, 2020, when vaccination was not yet implemented. Using epidemiological investigation data collected by public health centers, epidemiological links were identified and classified into 7 transmission settings: imported, nightlife, dining, workplace, household, health care, and other. Main Outcomes and Measures: The number of cases per setting and the likelihood of generating onward transmissions were compared between different transmission settings. Results: Of the 44 054 confirmed COVID-19 cases in this study, 25 241 (57.3%) were among male patients, and the median (IQR) age of patients was 36 (26-52) years. Transmission settings were identified in 13 122 cases, including 6768 household, 2733 health care, and 1174 nightlife cases. More than 6600 transmission settings were detected, and nightlife (72 of 380 [18.9%]; P < .001) and health care (119 [36.2%]; P < .001) settings were more likely to involve 5 or more cases than dining, workplace, household, and other settings. Nightlife cases appeared in the earlier phase of the epidemic, while household and health care cases appeared later. After adjustment for transmission setting, sex, age group, presence of symptoms, and wave, household and health care cases were less likely to generate onward transmission compared with nightlife cases (household: adjusted odds ratio, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.02-0.05; health care: adjusted odds ratio, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.41-0.79). Household settings were associated with intergenerational transmission, while nonhousehold settings mainly comprised transmission between the same age group. Among 30 932 cases without identified transmission settings, cases with a history of visiting nightlife establishments were more likely to generate onward transmission to nonhousehold settings (adjusted odds ratio, 5.30 [95% CI, 4.64-6.05]; P < .001) than those without such history. Conclusions and Relevance: In this case series study, COVID-19 cases identified in nightlife settings were associated with a higher likelihood of spreading COVID-19 than household and health care cases. Surveillance and interventions targeting nightlife settings should be prioritized to disrupt COVID-19 transmission, especially in the early stage of an epidemic.

Rapid response to a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in a psychiatry hospital-Kanazawa City, Japan, March to April 2020.

A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in a psychiatry hospital revealed specific challenges in its response such as difficulty in isolation, transfer, and identification of close contacts, suboptimal infection control practices, and shortage of personal protective equipment, which were overcome by support from the public health center and a neighboring university hospital.

Singing Is a Risk Factor for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: A Case-Control Study of Karaoke-Related Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreaks in 2 Cities in Hokkaido, Japan, Linked by Whole Genome Analysis.

Background: Singing in an indoor space may increase the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We conducted a case-control study of karaoke-related coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks to reveal the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among individuals who participate in karaoke. Methods: Cases were defined as people who enjoyed karaoke at a bar and who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction between 16 May and 3 July 2020. Controls were defined as people who enjoyed karaoke at the same bar during the same period as the cases and tested negative. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. ORs of key variables adjusted for each other were also estimated (aOR). Results: We identified 81 cases, the majority of whom were active elderly individuals (median age, 75 years). Six cases died (case fatality ratio, 7%). Among the cases, 68 (84%) were guests, 18 of whom had visited ≧2 karaoke bars. A genome analysis conducted in 30 cases showed 6 types of isolates within 4 single-nucleotide variation difference. The case-control study revealed that singing (aOR, 11.0 [95% CI, 1.2-101.0]), not wearing a mask (aOR, 3.7 [95% CI, 1.2-11.2]), and additional hour spent per visit (aOR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.1-2.7]) were associated with COVID-19 infection. Conclusions: A karaoke-related COVID-19 outbreak that occurred in 2 different cities was confirmed by the results of genome analysis. Singing in less-ventilated, indoor and crowded environments increases the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection. Wearing a mask and staying for only a short time can reduce the risk of infection during karaoke.

Dynamic changes in clinical characteristics and serotype distribution of invasive pneumococcal disease among adults in Japan after introduction of the pediatric 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in 2013-2019.

Nationwide population-based surveillance for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is being conducted in few Asian countries. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and serotype distribution among Japanese adult patients with IPD after introduction of the pediatric 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in 2013. IPD surveillance was conducted among adults between 2013 and 2019, and 1,995 patients were analyzed by time period (early, 2013-2015; middle, 2016-2017; late, 2018-2019). We found that the period of 2018-2019 was independently associated with a lower risk of fatal outcome, compared with the period of 2013-2015. The proportion of those with serotype PCV13-nonPCV7 decreased significantly in patients aged 15-64 years and in those aged ≥ 65 years within 3 years after the introduction of pediatric PCV13. By contrast, the proportion of those with nonvaccine serotype increased significantly in those aged ≥ 65 years, but not in those aged 15-64 years. No significant change was found in the proportion of 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (PPSV23)-nonPCV13 in both of adults aged 15-64 years and ≥ 65 years. The proportions of PCV15-, PCV20- and PCV24-covered serotypes were 38%, 56% and 58% in adult patients with IPD aged ≥ 65 years during the late period. Our data on the serotype distribution support an indirect effect from pediatric PCV13 use among adults, and afford a basis for estimates of protection against IPD by vaccination with newly developed PCVs in older adults in Japan.

Pneumococcal meningitis in adults in 2014-2018 after introduction of pediatric 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Japan.

We assessed the impact of the pediatric 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) on pneumococcal meningitis in adults in Japan in 2014-2018 by comparing epidemiological characteristics of adults with invasive pneumococcal disease with (n = 222) and without (n = 1258) meningitis. The annual incidence of pneumococcal meningitis in 2016-2018 was 0.20-0.26 cases/100,000 population. Age (p < 0.001) and case fatality rate (p = 0.003) were significantly lower in patients with meningitis than in those without meningitis. The odds of developing meningitis were higher in asplenic/hyposplenic or splenectomized patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.29, 95% CI 1.27-4.14), for serotypes 10A (aOR 3.26, 95% CI 2.10-5.06) or 23A (aOR 3.91, 95% CI 2.47-6.19), but lower for those aged ≥ 65 years (aOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.44-0.81). PCV13 had an indirect effect on nonmeningitis, but its impact on meningitis was limited because of an increase in non-PCV13 serotypes. Of meningitis isolates, 78 (35.1%) and 3 (1.4%) were penicillin G- or ceftriaxone-resistant, respectively. We also confirmed an association of the pbp1bA641C mutation with meningitis (aOR 2.92, 95% CI 1.51-5.65).

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during a 2-h domestic flight to Okinawa, Japan, March 2020.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly spread globally. Potentially infected individuals travel on commercial aircraft. Thus, this study aimed to investigate and test the association between the use of face masks, physical distance, and COVID-19 among passengers and flight attendants exposed to a COVID-19 passenger in a domestic flight. METHODS: This observational study investigated passengers and flight attendants exposed to COVID-19 on March 23, 2020, on board a flight to Naha City, Japan. Secondary attack rates were calculated. Whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 was used to identify the infectious linkage between confirmed cases in this clustering. The association between confirmed COVID-19 and proximity of passengers' seats to the index case and/or the use of face masks was estimated using logistic regression. RESULTS: Fourteen confirmed and six probable cases were identified among passengers and flight attendants. The secondary attack rate was 9.7%. Twelve of 14 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences in confirmed cases were identical to that of the index case or showed only one nucleotide mutation. Risk factors for infection included not using a face mask (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 7.29, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.86-28.6), partial face mask use (aOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 0.83-10.8), and being seated within two rows from the index patient (aOR: 7.47, 95% CI: 2.06-27.2). CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 was transmitted on the airplane. Nonuse of face masks was identified as an independent risk factor for contracting COVID-19 on the airplane.

Epidemiology of Coronavirus Disease Outbreak among Crewmembers on Cruise Ship, Nagasaki City, Japan, April 2020.

In April 2020, a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak occurred on the cruise ship Costa Atlantica in Nagasaki, Japan. Our outbreak investigation included 623 multinational crewmembers onboard on April 20. Median age was 31 years; 84% were men. Each crewmember was isolated or quarantined in a single room inside the ship, and monitoring of health status was supported by a remote health monitoring system. Crewmembers with more severe illness were hospitalized. The investigation found that the outbreak started in late March and peaked in late April, resulting in 149 laboratory-confirmed and 107 probable cases of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Six case-patients were hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia, including 1 in severe condition and 2 who required oxygen administration, but no deaths occurred. Although the virus can spread rapidly on a cruise ship, we describe how prompt isolation and quarantine combined with a sensitive syndromic surveillance system can control a COVID-19 outbreak.

Increase in congenital syphilis cases and challenges in prevention in Japan, 2016-2017.

In Japan, the increase in congenital syphilis (CS) notifications has become a public health concern. We conducted a case series study to describe the characteristics of CS patients and their mothers. Of the 13 mothers who consented to participate, seven had regular prenatal care visits, including four who had tested negative at their first trimester syphilis screening. Only three mothers noted that their partners were tested, with all three partners being diagnosed with syphilis. Raising awareness for syphilis prevention during pregnancy, partner testing, and considering additional syphilis testing at the third trimester of pregnancy during times of increased syphilis prevalence is imperative.