A large multi-country outbreak of monkeypox across 41 countries in the WHO European Region, 7 March to 23 August 2022.

Following the report of a non-travel-associated cluster of monkeypox cases by the United Kingdom in May 2022, 41 countries across the WHO European Region have reported 21,098 cases and two deaths by 23 August 2022. Nowcasting suggests a plateauing in case notifications. Most cases (97%) are MSM, with atypical rash-illness presentation. Spread is mainly through close contact during sexual activities. Few cases are reported among women and children. Targeted interventions of at-risk groups are needed to stop further transmission.

Mass SARS-CoV-2 serological screening, a population-based study in the Principality of Andorra.

BACKGROUND: Andorra is a small country located in the Pyrenees attracting millions of visitors for tourism, mostly associated with skiing, and nature-related activities. As its neighbouring countries, Spain and France, it has been heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We estimated SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in the entire country by universal serological testing under a lockdown environment. METHODS: A total of 77,543 inhabitants of Andorra were invited to participate in the study. From 4-28 May, 2020, two cross sectional serological surveys were conducted using a rapid serological test (nCOV IgG/IgM) on a finger prick blood sample in 59 drive-through or walk-through checkpoints, all over Andorra. We calculated seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and analysed the main sociodemographic factors associated with being seropositive. FINDINGS: 70,494 inhabitants (90.9% of the population) participated in at least one survey. Overall seroprevalence was 11.0%. The most affected age groups were those over 90 years old (15.2%) and 80-89 (13.8%), followed by adults 50-59 (13.6%) and adolescents 10-19 (13.7%). Most seropositive participants, 6,061 (95.1%), were asymptomatic before the surveys. The multivariable analysis showed that the odds of being seropositive was higher among seasonal workers (OR 2.41; 95% CI 1.07-5.45) or in the population living in La Massana region, a popular ski-related area (OR 2.66; 95% CI 2.44-2.89). A higher seroprevalence was observed in those familiar nuclei with greater numbers of cohabitants: 18% in families with 6 household members or more; 13% in medium size families (3/4/5 people) and 12% in small size (1 to 2 people) nuclei. INTERPRETATION: The prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the population of Andorra was high during the first wave of the pandemic. Seasonal workers and inhabitants based in La Massana presented a higher seroprevalence. Mass antibody screening allows to identify infection hotspots and should contribute to the design of tailored interventions to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Andorra. FUNDING: Andorran Ministry of Health, Andorran Health Services.

Efectos de una intervención de consejo anticonceptivo en adolescentes de barrios desfavorecidos con alta proporción de inmigrantes / Effects of a contraceptive counselling intervention in adolescents from deprived neighbourhoods with a high proportion of immigrants

Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de una intervención de consejo contraceptivo en adolescentes según sexo y origen. Métodos: Diseño pre-post con entrevista a los 3 meses. Participaron adolescentes de tres barrios desfavorecidos de Barcelona que recibieron una intervención de consejo contraceptivo. Se compararon el uso de contracepción en la última relación sexual, y diversos conocimientos, creencias y autoeficacias, estratificando por sexo y origen (autóctono o inmigrante), con pruebas de McNemar y ji2. Resultados: 138 adolescentes completaron el seguimiento (76%). El 55% eran chicas, el 85% tenían 16-19 años y el 71% eran inmigrantes. Tras la intervención mejoraron los conocimientos y diversas autoeficacias. El uso de contracepción efectiva aumentó en todos los grupos. En la muestra total, el uso de preservativo aumentó un 5,4% y la ausencia de método se redujo un 7,7%. Conclusiones: Tras la intervención mejoró el uso de contracepción y sus determinantes en los adolescentes, particularmente en los inmigrantes (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a contraceptive counselling intervention among adolescents by sex and origin. Methods :A pre-post study with a 3-month follow-up was conducted in adolescents from three disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Participants received a counselling session at a community centre. Contraception use at last intercourse and knowledge, beliefs and self-efficacy before and after the intervention were compared with ji2 and McNemar tests, stratified by sex and origin (autochthonous or immigrant). Results: A total of 138 (76%) participants completed the follow-up. Fifty-five percent of the participants were girls, 85% were aged 16-19 years and 71% were immigrants. Knowledge and several self-efficacies increased after the intervention. Condom use increased by 5.4% and the proportion not using any method declined by 7.7%. Conclusions: Contraceptive counselling in the community setting increased the use of contraception and improved psychosocial determinants, especially in immigrant adolescents (AU)

[Effects of a contraceptive counselling intervention in adolescents from deprived neighbourhoods with a high proportion of immigrants]. / Efectos de una intervención de consejo anticonceptivo en adolescentes de barrios desfavorecidos con alta proporción de inmigrantes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a contraceptive counselling intervention among adolescents by sex and origin. METHODS: A pre-post study with a 3-month follow-up was conducted in adolescents from three disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Participants received a counselling session at a community centre. Contraception use at last intercourse and knowledge, beliefs and self-efficacy before and after the intervention were compared with χ(2) and McNemar tests, stratified by sex and origin (autochthonous or immigrant). RESULTS: A total of 138 (76%) participants completed the follow-up. Fifty-five percent of the participants were girls, 85% were aged 16-19 years and 71% were immigrants. Knowledge and several self-efficacies increased after the intervention. Condom use increased by 5.4% and the proportion not using any method declined by 7.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Contraceptive counselling in the community setting increased the use of contraception and improved psychosocial determinants, especially in immigrant adolescents.