ObjectiveTo describe the clinical features and disability associated with Barmah Forest virus (BFV) infection. DesignRetrospective postal survey. SettingNorth Coast Public Health Unit, Lismore, New South Wales, January to October 1995. SubjectsAll 84 subjects notified by mandatory laboratory reporting as positive for BFV lgM by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Outcome measuresDemographic information, self‐reported symptoms, disability and treatment. ResultsResponse rate was 77%. Peak incidence was in the 30‐50 years age group, with almost identical numbers of men and women affected. The most common symptoms were lethargy (89%), joint pain (82%) and rash (68%). These were also generally the first symptoms to appear. Thirty of 54 respondents (56%) reported time off work and 27 of 53 (51%) reported illness lasting more than six months. Those who had a rash were significantly more likely to have recovered by the time of the survey than those who had no rash (odds ratio, 10.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.8‐76.6). No treatment led to more than slight relief of symptoms. ConclusionSymptoms of BFV infection appear similar to those of the better‐known Ross River virus infection, and clinicians should consider both in patients with symptoms of arboviral disease. The wide distribution and long duration of illness make BFV a potentially significant cause of morbidity in Australia. A possible association between the presence of a rash and improved prognosis needs further investigation.
Background: Second-hand smoking (SHS) has been strongly associated with poor health outcomes, higher risk of lung cancer in adults, increased frequency of respiratory disease in children. This study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of exposure, investigate the possible associated risk factors and to assess the knowledge and awareness towards SHS. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted and data's pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics, sources of exposure, respiratory symptoms and awareness were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and evaluated. Results: Nearly 72.98% participants reported that maximum exposure to second-hand smoke were in Estirah (social club) followed by Internet cafe (35.48%), Park (22.98%), Shopping malls (22.18%), Playground (19.76%), College (8.87%) and Restaurants (7.26%). Parental smoking had a major risk of exposure inside the home (30.24%) and friends outside (28.63%) the home. The risk of SHS was less common with people who had adequate knowledge and also with educated parents. A significant association was found between SHS exposure and chronic phlegm (42.74%), dyspnoea (41.13%) chronic cough (27.96%), wheezing (23.79%). The knowledge and awareness among people on SHS were adequate though the practices were poor. 76.21% of the parents reported that SHS exposure made their child's health worse and 72.58% opted for smoke-free public places while 26.21% participants allowed visitors to smoke in their house. Conclusion: Hence, it is very important to develop and propagate effective measures to promote smoke-free homes and public places. Health education programs should also address the more complex problem of motivating people to change their attitudes.
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