Evaluation of 17 years of MERIN (Meningitis and Encephalitis register in Lower Saxony, Germany) surveillance system: participants acceptability survey, completeness and timeliness of data.

Background: A Meningitis and Encephalitis Surveillance (MERIN) was implemented in 2003 in Lower Saxony, Germany as an alternative to acute flaccid paralyses surveillance, as the latter did not reach WHO sensitivity criteria. The system provides information on circulating enterovirus (EV) serotypes by focussing on patients with suspected aseptic meningitis, encephalitis or acute flaccid paralysis and contributes to the national surveillance in documenting polio free status. MERIN is based on voluntary participation of hospitals.

[Brushing Teeth and Acute Respiratory Infections in Day Care Facilities: An Ecological Study in Selected Regions of Lower Saxony, Germany (2013-2018)].

Aim Of The Study: Dental group prophylaxis in day-care centers with teeth brushing as one of its components is intended to reduce caries incidence and promote dental health. However, various barriers can hinder implementation of this preventive measure. One concern relates to an increased risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in day-care centers.