IJID regions最新文献

{"title":"From fragmentation to coordination: strengthening One Health research to support H5N1 preparedness in Cambodia","authors":"Sao Puth,&nbsp;Luis Sagaon-Teyssier,&nbsp;Chanroth Chhoung,&nbsp;Chhavarath Dary,&nbsp;Dyna Khuon,&nbsp;Kennarey Seang,&nbsp;Vonthanak Saphonn","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100967","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100967","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) remains a major zoonotic threat, characterized by persistent transmission in Cambodia since its re-emergence in 2023. Despite strengthened surveillance and the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee on One Health, limited integration of research across sectors constrains preparedness and response. This viewpoint examines how research supports the One Health system in Cambodia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This viewpoint draws on insights obtained from the first national multistakeholder workshop on H5N1, held in March 2026.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fragmentation across epidemiological, clinical, behavioral, environmental, and genomic domains limits the generation of actionable evidence and delays its translation into policy.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>We propose the establishment of a multisectoral technical working group on H5N1 research embedded within the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee on One Health to align research priorities, strengthen data integration, and improve evidence-to-policy translation. This approach could enhance national preparedness while simultaneously positioning Cambodia as a model for coordinated One Health research in the Western Pacific region and beyond.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100967"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148951060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Utilization of non-prescribed medications and associated factors for treating upper respiratory tract infection among children attending services at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2025","authors":"Fikadie Dagnew Baye,&nbsp;Gebrehiwot Berie Mekonnen,&nbsp;Yared Andargie,&nbsp;Dagnew Tigabu,&nbsp;Abere Gebru Abuhay,&nbsp;Lakachew Yismaw Bazezew,&nbsp;Worku Necho Asferie","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100972","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100972","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Utilization of non-prescribed medications remains high, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. It contributes to antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to identify the utilization of non-prescribed medication and its predictors for treating upper respiratory tract infections among children attending services at Debre Tabor.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A facility-based mixed study design was employed among 406 participants. A systematic random sampling technique and a purposive sampling technique were used to recruit the study participants. Data were collected using Kobo toolbox data collection tools and analyzed using SPSS (version 20). Descriptive statistics were presented in tables, figures, and text. Additionally, five participants were interviewed using an in-depth interview guideline. Multivariable regression analysis was computed to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. Variables with <em>P</em> &lt; 0.25 were included in the multivariable analysis, while <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05 was used to assess the strength of the association and statistical significance. In the qualitative study, thematic content analysis was used to examine the data, enhancing the quantitative findings. In the qualitative study, the opinions of mothers, the reasons behind non-prescribed medication use in children, and their perceptions were the primary themes that supplemented the results of the quantitative study.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The utilization of non-prescribed medication for treating upper respiratory infections in children was 12.6%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) (9.5-16.2). Urban residency (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.4, CI 1.04-5.52), maternal age between 31 and 40 years (AOR = 4.2, CI 2.44-7.19), maternal education level at primary school (AOR = 3.1, CI 1.09-8.72), and children with chronic diseases (AOR = 0.33, CI 0.14-0.78) were statistically significant factors. The qualitative study results supported the quantitative results.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The utilization of non-prescribed medication in children remains a concerning issue. Participants’ residency, age, educational status, and having children with chronic diseases were significantly associated with the utilization of non-prescribed medications. We recommend that health professionals and other stakeholders empower mothers to avoid the utilization of non-prescribed medication to treat their children.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100972"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149004511","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical, parasitological, and hematologic profile of pregnant women with malaria in Colombia: a retrospective cross-sectional study","authors":"Catalina Tovar Acero,&nbsp;Paola Aparicio,&nbsp;Roger Tovar-Falon","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100974","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100974","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to describe the clinical, parasitological, and hematologic profiles of pregnant women with malaria in Colombia and explore maternal, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes according to <em>Plasmodium</em> species.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective cross-sectional study included the medical records of 166 pregnant women with microscopically confirmed malaria. Clinical, parasitological, hematologic, obstetric, and neonatal variables were compared according to the infecting <em>Plasmodium</em> species. Regression models were fitted for clinically relevant outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>Plasmodium vivax</em> accounted for 80.7% of cases. Anemia and thrombocytopenia were observed in 80.1% and 71.0% of women, respectively. Parasite density was higher in <em>P. vivax</em> than in <em>P. falciparum</em> infections. In adjusted analyses, <em>P. falciparum</em> infection was associated with a longer hospital stay (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.63), referral to higher-level care (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.09), and intrauterine growth restriction (aOR 2.80). Anemia was associated with a longer hospital stay (aIRR 1.70). Thrombocytopenia was associated with intensive care unit admission (aOR 8.07), intrauterine growth restriction (aOR 6.81), blood transfusion (aOR 5.25), and referral to higher-level care (aOR 3.25).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In this Colombian endemic setting, malaria in pregnancy was characterized by frequent anemia and thrombocytopenia. These findings support incorporating hematologic parameters, particularly, platelet count, into clinical assessments to identify women who may require closer monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100974"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148958164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and epidemiology of hepatitis C in Uzbekistan: results from a population-based serosurvey, 2022","authors":"Shaun Shadaker,&nbsp;Elizaveta Joldasova,&nbsp;Rania A. Tohme,&nbsp;Aybek Khodiev,&nbsp;Shakhida Karamatova,&nbsp;Nataliya Kan,&nbsp;Abdulaziz Abdurasulov,&nbsp;Botirjon Kurbanov,&nbsp;Zulfiya Abdurakhimova,&nbsp;Dilafkor Mirdjalilov,&nbsp;Saleem Kamili,&nbsp;Nino Khetsuriani,&nbsp;Erkin Musabaev","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100968","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100968","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Uzbekistan launched a national viral hepatitis elimination program in 2022, but precise estimates of hepatitis C prevalence are needed to guide elimination efforts. In 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional population-based seroprevalence survey among adults (aged ≥18 years) and children (aged 5-17 years) in Uzbekistan to estimate the prevalence and epidemiology of hepatitis C.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Interviewers collected information on demographics and potential exposures to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Blood samples were tested for HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) and, if positive, for HCV RNA. We calculated weighted prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and assessed factors associated with HCV exposure and infection using multivariable logistic regression.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Overall, 9066 adults and 4087 children were tested for hepatitis C. The prevalence of anti-HCV and HCV RNA among adults was 3.9% (95% CI: 3.3-4.6) and 2.0% (95% CI: 1.6-2.6), respectively, and among children was 1.1% (95% CI: 0.5-2.2) and 0.5% (95% CI: 0.2-1.0), respectively. Prevalence of anti-HCV and HCV RNA increased with age. Ever having surgery or an invasive medical procedure (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.65 [95% CI: 1.09-2.50]), and past incarceration (aOR 4.88 [95% CI: 1.46-16.29]) were associated with HCV exposure, whereas a history of invasive dental procedures (aOR 2.63 [95% CI: 1.11-6.22]) and receipt of a tattoo (aOR 3.84 [95% CI: 1.57-9.38]) were associated with chronic infection.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Uzbekistan could consider nationwide HCV screening, focusing first on older age groups and incarcerated persons, and implementing infection prevention and control measures in health care settings to help prevent future infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100968"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13564125/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148957285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Emergence and endemicity of arboviruses in Haiti: a review","authors":"Rigan Louis,&nbsp;Sk Nazmus Sakib,&nbsp;Z. Hugh Fan,&nbsp;Leslie Ann Parker,&nbsp;John A Lednicky,&nbsp;John Glenn Morris Jr.,&nbsp;Valery Madsen Beau De Rochars","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100964","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100964","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The increase in geographical spread of arboviruses and the incidence of arboviral diseases of humans is a rising public health concern, particularly in the context of ongoing population movements, climate change, and challenges to public health surveillance systems in countries where many of these viruses are endemic. We present here a scoping review and a synopsis of the existing literature on arboviruses that have been reported in Haiti, identify existing challenges in public health surveillance, and discuss the implications for Haiti, the Caribbean, and the Americas.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A scoping review of publications reporting arboviral infections among Haitians and returning travelers from Haiti, non-human vertebrates, or arthropod vectors was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Titles and abstracts screening, and full text reviews were performed independently by two reviewers.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 556 articles were retrieved from 6 different databases, only 36 satisfied the inclusion criteria for this scoping review. At least 12 arboviruses associated with human diseases, including 11 mosquito-borne and one biting midge-borne, are or have been present in Haiti.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Genetic data, where available, is consistent with ongoing movement of arboviruses within the Caribbean and South America. Where reliable, advance molecular approaches have been used, new and unexpected arboviruses have been identified, highlighting the importance of such diagnostic approaches for enhancing public health surveillance for endemic and new pathogens in Haiti.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100964"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148951061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microbiology laboratory consolidation at the National Reference Laboratory, United Arab Emirates: implementation, early outcomes, and lessons learned from a hub-and-spoke network redesign","authors":"Mubarak Alfarsi,&nbsp;Laila AbdelWareth,&nbsp;Arun Kumar Jha,&nbsp;Imran Mirza,&nbsp;Mohammed Ahmed Nagi,&nbsp;Shweta Narang,&nbsp;Andrew Turner,&nbsp;The NRL Microbiology Department group","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100971","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100971","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This case study examines the planning, design, and initial post-implementation outcomes of a phased microbiology laboratory consolidation project within the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) network. The project sought to enhance operational efficiency; minimize inter-site variability; safeguard urgent diagnostic pathways; expand access to advanced microbiology resources; and eliminate unnecessary duplication of space, instrumentation, quality activities, and labor.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The consolidation used a selective hub-and-spoke model, designating NRL Industrial City of Abu Dhabi as the reference center for routine, non–time-critical assays, whereas peripheral sites retained urgent and stability-dependent testing. The network comprises a central reference laboratory and two peripheral laboratories that serve our clients within the United Arab Emirates. The project encompassed service mapping, hub selection, workflow testing, risk assessment, laboratory information system validation, transport and readiness planning, phased implementation, and structured post-implementation refinement. Baseline workload and collection timing data informed staffing, courier scheduling, and the extent of centralization.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Urgent diagnostic pathways were maintained at existing testing sites, and standardization and governance were enhanced at all locations. Turnaround times improved across several routine culture workflows: the aggregate bacterial culture category decreased by 35.3% (<em>P</em> = 0.01) and methicillin-resistant <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> screening by 13.3% (<em>P</em> = 0.04). The aggregate bacterial culture figure is an unweighted summary of the routine culture menu and is not weighted by individual test volume; test-level changes are reported separately in Figure 4. Urine culture contamination rates declined from 0.99% to 0.80% (<em>P</em> ≈ 0.045), whereas the median blood culture turnaround time remained stable at approximately 5 days. The estimated annual savings amounted to United Arab Emirates dirham 180,500, with a projected operational efficiency gain of one to two full-time equivalents.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Phased, selective hub-and-spoke consolidation enables the centralization of routine microbiology while preserving time-critical diagnostics. Contingent upon reliable transport, it protects urgent workflows, harmonizes standard operating procedures, validates laboratory information system routing, enables active stakeholder communication, and sustains governance from the outset.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100971"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148958163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnostic performance of Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra among smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis cases in southwestern Oromia, Ethiopia","authors":"Dawit Abera,&nbsp;Zegeye Bonsa,&nbsp;Wakjira Kebede,&nbsp;Mulualem Tadesse,&nbsp;Kedir Abdella,&nbsp;Getu Balay,&nbsp;Gemeda Abebe","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100963","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100963","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Diagnosing smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis poses significant challenges due to the low bacillary load, which often results in delayed diagnosis and poor treatment outcomes. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert Ultra) in detecting <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</em> among patients with presumptive smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis in southwestern Oromia, Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Jimma University Medical Center from January to June 2023. A total of 255 sputum samples were collected from patients with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) who had negative results on two sputum smear microscopy results for acid-fast bacilli. All samples were tested using Xpert Ultra and Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube 960 (MGIT 960) culture. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of Xpert Ultra were calculated using MGIT 960 culture as the reference standard.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 255 patients with presumptive smear-negative pulmonary TB, Xpert Ultra detected <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</em> in 38 (14.9%), whereas MGIT 960 culture identified 41 (16.1%) cases. Compared with MGIT 960 culture, Xpert Ultra demonstrated a sensitivity of 90.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 76.9-97.3%) and a specificity of 99.5% (95% CI: 97.3-100.0%). The positive and negative predictive values were 97.4% (95% CI: 83.9-99.6%) and 98.1% (95% CI: 95.2-99.2%), respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The Xpert Ultra offers a rapid, sensitive, and specific method for diagnosing active TB in patients with presumptive smear-negative pulmonary TB cases. Expanding access to Xpert Ultra could improve the management of smear-negative pulmonary TB.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100963"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148854443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Monitoring the 2023 Omicron waves in Morocco: Trends in incidence, variants, and testing disparities","authors":"El Kamouni Youssef,&nbsp;Almaggoussi Rim,&nbsp;Arsalane Lamiae,&nbsp;Merabet Moad,&nbsp;El Youbi Mohammed,&nbsp;Zouhair Said","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100948","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100948","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To highlight the epidemiologic and evolutionary aspects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Morocco during 2023.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We performed a descriptive retrospective study from January 1 to December 31, 2023. We included all patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or rapid antigen test from the national database of the National Public Health Emergency Operations Center of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 6674 cases were recorded in 2023, with discrepancies between regions. In total, 218,745 tests were performed nationally. Furthermore, the positivity rate showed relative uniformity across all regions of Morocco, with an average of 3%. Two peaks corresponding to the circulation of Omicron variants were registered. A total of 53 severe cases of COVID-19 were recorded. Among these, 46% of patients had received three doses of the vaccine, and 15% of the patients with severe COVID-19 were completely unvaccinated.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study highlights a mixed picture, marked by a significant reduction in severity and mortality while also revealing persistent challenges in certain regions. This emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and improved public health strategies. By strengthening testing capacities and international collaboration, Morocco will be better prepared for future epidemics and ensure a rapid and appropriate response to new health threats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100948"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148950960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Management and clinical outcomes of meningococcal disease in pediatric and adolescent patients in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: A retrospective bicenter study","authors":"Alaa Mashabi,&nbsp;Hanadi Alrammaal,&nbsp;Nada Safhi,&nbsp;Zain Khayyat","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100941","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100941","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The study aimed to determine the incidence and characteristics of meningococcal disease in pediatric patients admitted to Maternity and Children Hospital and Al-Noor Specialist Hospital in Makkah from August 2016 to August 2024.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This bicenter retrospective cohort study included pediatric patients (≤ 18 years) with culture-confirmed <em>Neisseria meningitidis</em> infection identified through hospital electronic records using International Classification of Diseases codes. Due to limited case numbers, descriptive analysis was used to explore incidence, serogroup distribution, treatment outcomes, and correlations with patient characteristics.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Two cases were identified. Case 1 was a 22-day-old Saudi infant with <em>N meningitidis</em> conjunctivitis during Ramadan (Umrah season) showing localized infection. Case 2 was a 12-year-old Egyptian girl with classical meningococcal meningitis acquired during Hajj 1445 AH. Neither patient had long-term complications or travel to the African meningitis belt; only Case 2 had a clear Hajj exposure.</div><div>Both cases were successfully managed and discharged without complications.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Although rare, meningococcal infections continue to emerge during mass gatherings like Hajj and Umrah, with varying clinical presentations. These cases demonstrate the broad spectrum of meningococcal disease (from localized conjunctivitis to invasive meningitis) and underline the need for continuous surveillance, stricter vaccination enforcement, and awareness of nontraditional presentations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100941"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13562408/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148957356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hospital burden and clinical features associated with admission among confirmed measles cases during the 2025-2026 outbreak at a tertiary care hospital in Mexico","authors":"Luis Eduardo del Moral-Trinidad,&nbsp;Paola Elizabeth Trejo-González,&nbsp;Christian Alberto Acosta-Aguilar,&nbsp;Brian Rafael Rubio-Mora,&nbsp;Karla Isis Avilés-Martínez,&nbsp;Melva Guadalupe Herrera-Godina,&nbsp;Martín Guerrero-Becerra,&nbsp;Rodrigo Escobedo-Sánchez,&nbsp;Esteban González-Díaz,&nbsp;Gilberto Silva-Bañuelos","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100965","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2026.100965","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Measles has re-emerged as a public health concern despite effective vaccination. This study describes the clinical and epidemiological characteristics associated with hospital admission among confirmed measles cases attended at a tertiary referral hospital in Jalisco, Mexico, during the 2025-2026 outbreak.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted an observational, hospital-based cohort study of confirmed measles cases attended from November 2025 to May 2026. Congenital measles cases and records with missing hospitalization status were excluded. Data were obtained from clinical records and surveillance systems. Univariable logistic regression and two multivariable models were fitted: an epidemiological model excluding respiratory severity markers and a clinical presentation model including oxygen saturation and respiratory rate.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 609 confirmed cases, 186/609 patients (30.5%) were hospitalized. Most were pediatric patients (460/609 [75.5%]), and 489/609 (80.3%) were eligible but unvaccinated. Among hospitalized patients, pneumonia was the most frequent complication (51/186 [27.4%]), and 107/186 (57.5%) required supplemental oxygen. In the epidemiological model, each additional day from symptom onset to medical care was associated with hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.14 per day; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.25), lower oxygen saturation (aOR 3.51 per 5-percentage-point decrease; 95% CI 2.53-4.98), and higher respiratory rate (aOR 1.27 per 5 breaths/min increase; 95% CI 1.05-1.54).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Hospital admission was common and was mainly characterized by delayed care and objective respiratory compromise.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100965"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148951063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}