Comparative Study on Two COVID-19 Outbreaks at a Long-Term Mental Health Facility in Korea in 2020 and 2022.

(1) Background and Objectives: There were two distinct coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks in 2020 and 2022 at a long-term mental health facility (LTMHF) in Gyeonggi Province, Korea. We aimed to compare the two outbreaks and identify differences in epidemiological and clinical outcomes due to changes in epidemic timing and management methods. (2) Materials and Methods: The structural, operational, and case-specific LTMHF data of COVID-19-confirmed patients during these outbreaks in 2020 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. (3) Results: Forty individuals (37 residents) in 2020 and thirty-nine (32 residents) in 2022 were confirmed to have COVID-19, and ten were infected twice. Facility isolation was implemented as an infection control measure, and one COVID-19-related death occurred in 2020. All residents and staff were vaccinated at least twice in 2022; moreover, in 2022, 38 patients (97.4%) received a third vaccination less than months before infection. The average Ct value of the cases in 2022 was significantly higher than that in 2020; however, vaccine-breakthrough (V-BT) and reinfection after vaccination rates were similar. (4) Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination could help lower the viral load of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which was inversely correlated with Ct values, and ventilation system improvements in health facilities might reduce transmissibility.

A new technique of suturing using adhesive skin closure for uncooperative patients.

Open wounds are usually closed with suture. However, young patients often do not cooperate and prevent proper suture placement. Young patients are often terrified of mild pain and wholly uncooperative, which is why we introduce this timesaving, less painful, more aesthetic technique of placing and removing stitches. 104 patients with facial lacerations aged 5 to 15 years were treated at a single center from May 2019 to March 2021. Patients were randomly assigned equally to a simple interrupted suture group (the SI group) or a continuous locking with Steri-Strip group (the CS group). Suture times, times for stitch removal, pain scores at stitch removal and mature scar scores were evaluated. Suture and stitch removal times were significantly shorter, and pain scores at stitch removal and observer scar assessment scale scores were lower in the CS group. Patient scar assessment scale score was non-significantly lower in the SI group. This study shows that the novel continuous locking with the Steri-Strip technique is easier and quicker to perform, causes less pain when removing stitches, provides better aesthetic results than the simple interrupted suture technique and suggests the continuous locking with Steri-Strip technique would be very useful for uncooperative young patients.

COVID-19 Outbreak and Presymptomatic Transmission in Pilgrim Travelers Who Returned to Korea from Israel.

BACKGROUND: On February 21, 2020, 2 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in pilgrim travelers from Korea to Israel were identified. We investigated the source of infection, clinical features of COVID-19, and transmission potential of presymptomatic and asymptomatic cases. METHODS: All 39 pilgrim travelers were aggressively tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Their clinical features and possible source of infection were investigated by interview and review of their medical records. Ten confirmed cases without symptoms at the first sampling dates were selected for follow-up reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests. RESULTS: Of 39 pilgrim travelers, 30 (77%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Among the 30 positive COVID-19 cases, 4 (13%) were asymptomatic. Available follow-up cycle threshold values from 10 cases gradually increased over time and were lower during the presymptomatic period than during the postsymptomatic period. Out of 328 contacts related to the COVID-19 cases in the pilgrim travelers, 22 additional cases (7%) were confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 infections. Three tertiary cases were identified to be transmitted by presymptomatic secondary cases. CONCLUSION: To prevent transmission of COVID-19, we need to focus on presymptomatic and asymptomatic cases, and massive testing for SARS-CoV-2 is required. More research about the possibility of presymptomatic transmission over 2 days before symptom onset is required.

Health-related quality of life in adult males with lower urinary tract symptoms.

PURPOSE: To assess the status and impact of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a community-based sample of Korean adult males. METHODS: We analyzed the data of 101,606 adult males aged ≥ 19 years of age obtained during the 2011 Korean Community Health Survey. Subject data were assessed for LUTS and HRQoL using international prostate symptom scores, and EuroQol-five-dimensions three-level version (EQ-5D-3L) and EuroQol-visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) scores. RESULTS: Of the 101,606 subjects, 53,323 (52.5%) reported having at least one LUTS and 3116 (3.1%) had an IPSS of ≥ 20, indicating severe LUTS. In those aged 19-39 years, 28.7% (8343/29,072) reported they had mild to severe LUTS. The prevalence of LUTS was high among those aged 40-59 years (47.7%), 60-79 years (80.5%), and ≥ 80 years (91.2%). In addition, EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS scores decreased as LUTS severity and frequency increased. CONCLUSIONS: Adult men of all ages with mild to severe LUTS have poorer health statuses and quality of life. Even among young males, LUTS severity and was found to negatively affect HRQoL.

Factors Associated with Atopic Dermatitis and Allergic Rhinitis among Residents of Two Municipal Areas in South Korea.

Background and Objectives: The growing burden and deleterious health consequences of allergic diseases, especially of allergic rhinitis (AR) and atopic dermatitis (AD), in developed countries remains an important public health issue. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence and to identify the risk factors of atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis among residents of Pohang-Si and Yeongdeok-Gun, two municipal areas in South Korea. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in both municipal areas between 12 November and 13 December 2017. A total of 302 subjects were recruited from 100 households (25 apartments and 25 houses in each municipality), by system extraction according to district code numbers. Data were collected using International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Standard Questionnaires for children and a health questionnaire for adults. Risk factors were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 302 study participants, 12.9% and 25.5% had AD and AR, respectively. The significant factors associated with AD by multivariate logistic regression analysis were age ≥19 years (aOR (adjusted odds ratio) 6.9; 95% CI (confidence interval) (2.9-16.37)), residence in Pohang-Si (aOR 2.5; 95% CI (1.18-5.53)), and family history of allergic disease (aOR 2.3; 95% CI (1.09-4.9)). Similarly, the significant factors associated with AR were male gender (aOR 2.3; 95% CI (1.24-4.42)), age ≥19 years (aOR 4.4; 95% CI (2.28-8.48)), residence in Pohang-Si (aOR 2.8; 95% CI (1.51-5.37)), and family history of allergic disease (aOR 6.7; 95% CI (3.50-12.82)). Conclusion: The present study shows that age ≥19 years, residence in Pohang-Si, and family history of allergic disease are risk factors for AD and AR, and that, additionally, male gender is a risk factor of AR. Understanding the risk factors of allergic diseases can aid the design and implementation of evidence-specific strategies to reduce the long-standing problems associated with allergic disease.

Prevalence of behavioral risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and associated socio-economic factors among pregnant women in a rural area in Southern Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have dramatically infiltrated populations living in abject poverty in Low- and Middle-income Countries (LMICs), and poor maternal and child health outcomes have been frequently reported for those with CVD risk factors. However, few studies have explored the behavioral risk factors of CVDs among pregnant women in rural settings. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and identifying the socio-economic predictors of behavioral risk factors of CVDs among pregnant women in rural area in Southern Nepal. METHODS: A Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 52 clusters of Dhanusha District of Nepal in a total of 426 pregnant women in their second trimester using multistage cluster sampling method. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess independent associations between behavioral risk factors during pregnancy and maternal socio-economic characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 426 study participants, 86.9, 53.9, 21.3 and 13.3%, respectively, reported insufficient fruits and vegetables consumption, insufficient physical activity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol drinking. Socio-economic factors significantly associated with more than one behavioral risk factors in expectant mothers with a primary level education (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.78; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (1.35-5.72)), 20-34 years age group (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 0.27; 95% CI (0.13-0.56)), and those with the highest wealth index (AOR 0.36; 95% CI (0.16-0.84)). CONCLUSION: Higher prevalence of behavioral risk factors for CVDs and their socio-economic factors prevailing among pregnant women living in rural Nepal call for immediate health promotion interventions such as community awareness and appropriate antenatal counseling.

Serologic Survey and Risk Factors for Coxiella burnetii Infection among Dairy Cattle Farmers in Korea.

BACKGROUND: The zoonotic disease Q fever is caused by Coxiella burnetii and usually affects high-risk human populations. We conducted a serological survey of dairy cattle farmers in Korea to determine seroreactivity and identify risk factors for C. burnetii infection. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1,824 of 7,219 dairy cattle farms (25.3%) in the study region. The selected dairy cattle farmers visited the nearest public health centers or branches with completed questionnaires. Serum samples from the farmers were tested using an indirect immunofluorescence assay to detect phase II C. burnetii immunoglobulin (Ig) G or M antibodies. RESULTS: A total of 1,222 dairy cattle farmers from 784 dairy cattle farms (43.0%) participated in this study, and 11.0% (134/1,222) exhibited seroreactivity, defined as a phase II antigen IgG or IgM titer ≥ 1:16. In the multivariate analysis, male sex, residence in Gyeonggi Province, a larger herd size, and ocular/oral contact with birth products during calf delivery were significantly associated with a higher risk of C. burnetii infection. Furthermore, the risk was significantly lower among farmers who always wore protective gloves while cleaning cattle excretion, compared to those who sometimes or rarely wore protective gloves. CONCLUSION: Dairy cattle farmers should exercise caution by avoiding ocular/oral contact with birth products during calf delivery and by using protective equipment (including gloves).

Henoch-Schönlein purpura following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination: a case report.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine was developed to provide immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which was first reported in 2019. The vaccine has proven to be effective in reducing severity and mortality and preventing infection. Henoch-Schönlein purpura is an autoimmune vasculitis (immunoglobulin A vasculitis). Historically, vaccines have been administered primarily to children, and Henoch-Schönlein purpura has often been reported in children following vaccination. However, since the start of COVID-19 vaccination, an increasing number of cases have been reported in adults. Here, we report a case of a patient who developed hematuria and proteinuria after receiving the messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccine. A 22-year-old man presented to the hospital with a lower extremity rash, bilateral ankle pain, and abdominal pain 18 days after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The man had no significant medical history and was not taking any medications. Laboratory tests showed normal platelet counts but elevated white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels. He was treated with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pheniramine and prednisolone. At 40 days after starting treatment, C-reactive protein levels were within normal limits, and no hematuria was observed. Treatment was terminated when the purpura disappeared. This report is intended to highlight the need for further research to be proactive and carefully monitor for conditions associated with the COVID-19 vaccine.

Analysis of Clinical Characteristics of Tuberculosis Patients with Dementia in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea.

(1) Background: Among Korean research papers there have been studies on the correlation between tuberculosis-hypertension and diabetes and the correlation between dementia-hypertension and diabetes, but there were no analysis data specifically on tuberculosis and dementia. (2) Methods: A total of 2992 tuberculosis patients in the Gyeongbuk region were analyzed through a final analysis of integrated disease and health management system data collected from 2021 to 2022. In this selection, patients with tuberculosis under 50 years of age and 368 people diagnosed with tuberculosis were excluded. (3) Results: From 2021 to 2022, among the 2992 tuberculosis patients in Gyeongsangbuk-do aged 50 or older, 2722 (91.0%) belonged to the general tuberculosis patient group, while 270 (9.0%) belonged to the dementia-tuberculosis patient group. The average age in the dementia-tuberculosis group was 81.4 years, significantly higher than the general group's average of 75.7 years. Within the dementia-tuberculosis patient group, 235 patients (87.0%) had underlying medical conditions in addition to dementia and tuberculosis. The tuberculosis treatment cure rate was 56.3% (1477 patients) in the general group and 38.9% (105 patients) in the dementia-tuberculosis patient group. (4) Conclusions: The cure rate was notably higher in the general group. Similarly, the mortality rate (deaths due to tuberculosis) was significantly higher in the dementia-tuberculosis patient group (7.0%, 19 patients) compared to the normal group (3.0%, 81 patients). The mortality rate in the dementia group was more than twice that of the general group.

Is a 3 mm Surgical Margin Safe for Basal Cell Carcinoma in the Head and Neck that is Less than 2 cm, Considering Different Risk Factors?

Background Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Typically, resection requires a safety margin of ≥4 mm. When removing tumor cells, achieving complete excision with minimal safety margins and reconstructing the defect to preserve the original appearance are important. In this study, we used a 3-mm resection margin to confirm recurrence and re-resection rates. Methods Electronic medical records and photographic data were obtained for patients with primary BCC lesions less than 2 cm in diameter who underwent wide excision with a 3-mm surgical margin from January 2015 to November 2021. We analyzed factors determining recurrence and re-resection rates, such as tumor size, location, age, sex, underlying diseases (including immunosuppression state), ethnicity, subtypes, tumor borders, etc. Results This study included 205 patients. The mean age and follow-up period were 73.0 ± 11.5 years and 10.2 ± 8.0 months, respectively. The recurrence and re-resection rates were 1.95% and 25.85%, respectively. A statistically significant correlation was found between recurrence rate and tumor border ( p = 0.013) and the re-resection rate was correlated statistically with location ( p = 0.022) and immunosuppressed patients ( p = 0.006). Conclusion We found that a 3-mm excision margin provided sufficient safety in small facial BCC, resulting in ease of surgery and better aesthetic outcomes. However, surgical margins must be determined case by case by integrating various patient factors. In particular, a surgical margin of ≥4 mm is required for BCC in high-risk areas, immunosuppressed patients, or poorly defined border.

Is Farming a Risk Occupation for Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases? A Scoping Review on Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease Risk in Farmers.

Objectives: In the Republic of Korea, cardiocerebrovascular disease (CCVD) is recognized as an occupational disease when sufficient evidence of a work-related burden exists. In 2021, approximately 26.8% of the payments from occupational disease insurance under the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act were allocated to CCVDs. However, due to the specific nature of insurance policies for farmers, CCVD is not acknowledged as an occupational disease in their case. Methods: We reviewed studies on the differences in the incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates of CCVDs between farmers and the general population or other occupations and described the exposure of farmers to risk factors for CCVDs. Results: Several studies showed that farming is a high-risk occupation for CCVDs, with the following risk factors: long working hours, night work, lack of holidays, and strenuous physical labor; physical factors (noise, cold, heat, humidity, and vibration); exposure to hazardous gases (diesel exhaust, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, carbon disulfide, nitrogen oxides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), pesticides, and dust (particulate matter, silica, and organic dust); exposure to a hypoxic environment; and job-related stress. Social isolation and lack of accessible medical facilities also function as additional risk factors by preventing farmers from receiving early interventions. Conclusions: Farmers are exposed to various risk factors for CCVDs and are an occupation at risk for CCVDs. More studies are needed in the future to elucidate this relationship. This study lays the groundwork for future research to develop guidelines for approving CCVDs as occupational diseases among farmers.

Central retinal vein occlusion following hypobaric chamber exposure.

BACKGROUND: Mountain climbers who ascend to a high altitude could suffer high altitude retinopathy, which varies from tortuous retinal vessels and hemorrhages to retinal vascular obstruction. As hypobaric chamber training could imitate a fast ascent and could lead to decompression sickness, a simulated flight could also lead to a high altitude retinopathy. CASE REPORT: This paper will present a case of central retinal vein occlusion that occurred after exposure to a hypobaric chamber and Valsalva maneuver. Although the patient was treated with an intravitreal bevacizumab injection, his macular edema was aggravated after a helicopter flight, which involved re-exposure to high altitudes and a Valsalva maneuver. DISCUSSION: Systemic evaluation including blood coagulation and carotid Doppler studies did not reveal any lesion. Notably, central retinal vein occlusion can occur in young, healthy individuals after hypobaric chamber exposure.

Pulmonary Embolism after Vaccination with the COVID-19 Vaccine (Pfizer, BNT162b2): A Case Report.

Pulmonary embolism causes pulmonary vascular obstruction and damages circulation, leading to death in serious cases. Various cases of thrombosis have been reported as adverse reactions after vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines, and reliable studies on thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) have been confirmed, especially for viral vector vaccines. However, the association with mRNA vaccines has not been proven. We report a case of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis that occurred after using mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (BNT162b2).

Epidemiological analysis of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients on ships arriving at Busan port in Korea, 2020.

Quarantine played an important role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases between countries in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak. In particular, in ports, infection during transit can cause a large number of patients on board ships and can flow into the community. In this study investigated cause of the cause of transmission in ships and suggested the way of preventing secondary transmission by analyzing clinical and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 patients identified at Busan Port (South Korea) in 2020. During the study period, out of 19,396 ships that arrived at Busan Port, 50 ships had COVID-19 confirmed cases. Among the 50 ships, type of deep-sea fishing vessels (24 ships, 48.0%), ships weighing less than 5,000 tons (31 ships, 62.0%), and ships from Russia (41 ships, 82.0%) had the highest positivity rates. Total 283 of the 25,450 arrivals tested positive for COVID-19 (a positivity rate of 1.1%), and 270 (95.4%) were asymptomatic. Moreover, the number of COVID-19 patients increased with the duration of the waiting period between arrival and sample collection (12.7% to 37.4%), and the positivity rate was significantly higher for those working as stewards (64.3%). These results indicate secondary transmission was active on board ships and that infection among stewards importantly contributed to group outbreaks. In addition, onboard residence time after arrival significantly elevated to COVID-19 positivity rates, indicating that rapid isolation, as determined using various screening techniques, might be effective at preventing onboard transmission and subsequent community outbreaks.

Anti-Shiga toxin immunoglobulin G antibodies in healthy South Korean slaughterhouse workers.

BACKGROUND: Slaughterhouse workers are in direct contact with cattle nearly every day. The purpose of this study was to survey the presence and distribution of anti-Shiga toxin 1 (Stx1) immunoglobulin G (IgG) in slaughterhouse workers, enabling a study of the serologic response to this toxin while working in an area at high-risk of Stx-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection. METHODS: One thousand seven hundred and twenty-nine serum samples from healthy slaughterhouse employees were collected and surveyed by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Among the 5 slaughterhouse positions, slaughterers had the highest distribution of anti-Stx1 IgG values by an ELISA. Based on the ELISA values, 25% (433/1729) of the workers had anti-Stx1 IgG. Slaughterers, residual products handlers, inspectors, livestock hygiene controllers, and grading testers had anti-Stx1 IgG-positive rates of 28%, 25%, 20%, 19%, and 17%, respectively. The ELISA values of anti-Stx1 IgG increased with increases in the number of years worked by slaughterers, but not by residual products handlers, inspectors, livestock hygiene controllers, or grading testers. CONCLUSIONS: From these results, slaughterhouse workers are healthy and asymptomatic; slaughterers in particular are at high-risk for STEC exposure.

Seroepidemiologic evidence of Q fever and associated factors among workers in veterinary service laboratory in South Korea.

The incidence of Q fever has rapidly increased in South Korea since 2015. This study was undertaken to investigate the seroprevalence and seroreactivity of Q fever and the risk factors associated with its seroprevalence among workers in the veterinary service laboratory (VSL) in South Korea. This seroepidemiologic study was conducted in a total of 661 human subjects out of 1,328 subjects working in 50 VSL existing in South Korea between July 15 and July 29, 2019. Data were collected by administering survey questionnaires and by analyzing collected blood samples to determine the presence of antibodies against Coxiella burnetii. The seroprevalence and seroreactivity of C. burnetii infection were determined based on serum titers as (phase II IgG ≥1:256 and/or IgM ≥1:16) and (phase II IgG ≥1:16 and/or IgM ≥1:16) as determined by indirect immunofluorescent assay. Work, work environment, behavioral risk and protective factors associated with seroprevalence of Q fever were assessed by employing multivariable logistic regression analysis. Among the 661, the seroprevalence and seroreactivity of C. burnetii infection were 7.9% and 16.0%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the risk factors significantly associated with seroprevalence were the antemortem inspection of cattle, goats, or sheep (APR (adjusted prevalence ratio), 2.52; 95% CI, 1.23-4.70)), animal blood splashed into or around eyes (APR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.04-4.41), and contact with animals having Q fever (APR, 6.58; 95% CI, 3.39-10.85) during the previous year. This study suggests the need for precautions when contact with cattle, goats, or sheep is expected, especially during the antemortem inspection, when dealing with C. burnetii infected animals, or when there is a risk of ocular contact with animal derivatives. Therefore, we recommend the consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment and other protective measures including PPE treatment and washing of body surfaces after work to prevent C. burnetii infections among VSL staff in South Korea.

Differences between Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage and IgE-sensitization to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin on risk factors and effects in adult population.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus (SA) nasal carriage (SA carriage) and IgE-sensitization to SA enterotoxin (SE IgE-sensitization) are known to be associated with chronic airway disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the differences in risk factors, type 2 inflammation and respiratory symptoms between SA carriage and SE IgE-sensitization. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of a community-based adult population to evaluate the environmental exposure and health impact of the Pohang Industrial Complex, Korea. Participants were examined based on self-reported questionnaires, nasal swab, and blood sampling. RESULTS: There were 307 participants, and the overall prevalence of SA carriage and SE IgE-sensitization was 26.1% (80/307) and 25.7% (79/307), respectively. An urban environment was significantly correlated with SA carriage, whereas age and obesity were significantly correlated with SE IgE-sensitization. SA carriage was not associated with an increase in total IgE and blood eosinophil count, whereas SE IgE-sensitization was associated with an increased total IgE and blood eosinophil count. SA carriage was significantly correlated with cough persisting for more than three weeks (OR, 3.044; 95% CI, 1.137-8.153) and sputum (OR, 2.429; 95% CI, 1.008-5.854). SE IgE-sensitization was a significant correlation with only sputum (OR, 2.452; 95% CI, 1.066-5.640). SA carriage and SE IgE-sensitization showed a synergistic effect on the prevalence of cough and sputum. CONCLUSION: SA carriage was associated with the urban environment, and SE IgE-sensitization was associated with the elderly and obesity. SA carriage and SE IgE-sensitization had different correlation with type 2 inflammation and airway symptoms.

Seroprevalence and Factors Associated with Scrub Typhus Infection among Forestry Workers in National Park Offices in South Korea.

Scrub typhus is caused by the arthropod-borne bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi and is an endemic infectious disease in the Asia-Pacific area. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of scrub typhus and identify associated risk and protective factors among forestry workers, a neglected risk group for scrub typhus, in National Park Offices in South Korea. A nationwide cross-sectional serosurvey was carried out on 1945 National Park Office forestry workers (NPOFWs) in South Korea during December 2016. We visited 29 main offices and used a structured questionnaire to collect data regarding general characteristics, work activities, work hygiene-related factors, and other potential risk factors. Serum samples from NPOFWs were tested using indirect immunofluorescence assay to detect O. tsutsugamushi immunoglobulin (Ig) G and M antibodies. Of the 1945 NPOFWs, 718 (36.9%) participated in this cross-sectional study. The seroprevalence, defined as ≥1:256 for IgG and/or ≥1:16 for IgM, was 4.9% (35/718). In multivariate logistic analysis, longer duration of work in national parks (≥15 years; odds ratio (OR), 4.19; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.71-10.28) and dry field farming (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.12-5.46) were significantly associated with a higher risk of scrub typhus infection. Furthermore, the risk of scrub typhus infection was significantly lower among NPOFWs who washed working clothes daily (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.18-0.75). This study indicated that scrub typhus is an important disease among NPOFWs in South Korea. Work hygiene, especially washing working clothes daily, needs to be emphasized among NPOFWs. Additionally, more precautions are required to diminish the rate of scrub typhus infection among NPOFWs who perform dry field farming.

Underweight and Associated Factors Among Teenage Adolescent Girls in Resource-poor Settings: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Understanding the undernutrition status of teenage adolescent girls living in urban slums and its associated factors is meaningful to formulate customized health strategies. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of being underweight and associated factors among teenage adolescent girls in urban slums. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled a total of 418 teenage adolescent girls from five of 210 urban slums of Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh, India employing two-stage probability sampling for the selection of households and subjects, between September 2016 and July 2017. The study of underwight subjects was assessed with BMI for age using standard criteria. Factors associated with being underweight were determined by multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 418 study subjects, 49.76% (208/418) were underweight. Results revealed that sociodemographic factors such as teenage adolescent girls who were from SC/ST (schedule caste/schedule tribe) caste/ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.02, 95%CI: 1.00-4.23), subjects whose father's education level was primary or lower (AOR=1.87, 95%CI: 1.12-3.11), and number of people in the family >4 (AOR=2.18, 95%CI: 1.18-4.03) were associated with being underweight. Likewise, dietary behavior-related factors such as vegetarian (AOR=2.21, 95%CI: 1.25-3.92), and <3 meals per day (AOR=2.36, 95%CI: 1.40-3.98) than their counterparts were associated with being underweight. In addition, teenage adolescent girls from food-insecure households (AOR=3.33, 95%CI: 2.01-5.51) were more likely to be underweight than those from food-secure households. CONCLUSION: The higher burden of underweight among teenage adolescent girls in Indian urban slums needs to be addressed through specific public health interventions such as by improving education, providing education regarding dietary behavior, and having access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious foods.

A Diarrhoeagenic EnteropathogenicEscherichia coli (EPEC) Infection Outbreak That Occurred among Elementary School Children in Gyeongsangbuk-Do Province of South Korea Was Associated with Consumption of Water-Contaminated Food Items.

(1) Background: In response to the notification made by an elementary school authority that reported a number of elementary school children being absent in three schools as a result of gastroenteritis symptoms on 4 July 2018, in Gyeongsangbuk-Do Province, South Korea, an epidemic investigation was carried out to determine the extent, cause, and source of the outbreak in order to prevent secondary cases and make recommendations to prevent future recurrences. (2) Methods: In this epidemiologic study, a total of 106 human subjects (school children, staff members, and cooks) who had consumed the possibly contaminated foodstuffs were enrolled retrospectively. Human specimens from clinically defined cases, food and drinks, supply and storage of them, and environmental and sanitary conditions were also assessed by observation, laboratory tests, and survey questionnaires-where and whatever applicable. The attack rate and positive rate for human specimens were first presented followed by the calculation of the relative risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI (confidence intervals) in order to identify the exposure and outcome relationships. (3) Results: The attack rate was 12.26% (13/106) for those who had ingested the food items at the three schools and the positive rate of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) was 15.38% (2/13). The relative risk (RR) of developing food poisoning of those who consumed the cucumber chili with ssamjang and seasoned cucumber and chives were 4.55 (95% CI 1.05-19.54) and 9.20 (95% CI 1.24-68.22), respectively. In addition, within the human specimens as well as the water and environmental samples different strains of diarrhoeagenic enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) were detected. (4) Conclusions: Provision of safe and wholesome water access to all elementary schools by concerned authorities, especially during the likely seasons of water source contamination, as well as health education promotion about foodborne outbreaks to all school stakeholders is therefore recommended.