Pathogens detected from patients with acute respiratory infections negative for SARS-CoV-2, Saitama, Japan, 2020.

Objective: During the coronavirus disease pandemic in Japan, all patients with respiratory symptoms were initially tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study describes the respiratory pathogens detected from patients who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 at the Saitama Institute of Public Health from January to December 2020.

Methods: We performed pathogen retrieval using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction on samples from patients with acute respiratory diseases who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 in Saitama in 2020 and analysed the results by age and symptoms.

SARS-CoV-2 Genome Analysis of Japanese Travelers in Nile River Cruise.

Japan has reported 26 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) linked to cruise tours on the River Nile in Egypt between March 5 and 15, 2020. Here, we characterized the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome of isolates from 10 travelers who returned from Egypt and from patients possibly associated with these travelers. We performed haplotype network analysis of SARS-CoV-2 isolates using genome-wide single-nucleotide variations.

Epidemiologic features of Kawasaki disease distinguished by seasonal variation: an age-specific analysis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review the seasonal variation of Kawasaki disease (KD) by an age-specific analysis to clarify the distribution of infectious agents.

Methods: Data obtained from nationwide surveys of KD in Japan, which targeted patients for 12 years (2003-2014), were analyzed. The monthly numbers of patients were classified into the following age groups: 0-11 months, 1 year, 2-3 years 5 months, and 3 years 6 months-4 years.

Epidemiologic features of Kawasaki disease: Winter versus summer.

Background: The epidemiology of Kawasaki disease (KD) shows seasonal variations, although the etiology of KD is unknown. In this study, we compared the clinical epidemiology of KD onset in winter versus that in summer to identify its etiology, that is, infectious agents.

Methods: Epidemiologic features of KD were compared between two seasons with high incidence (January [winter] and July [summer]) using a dataset of the 22nd nationwide survey in Japan.

[Training programs for staff at local Infectious Disease Surveillance Centers: the needs and usefulness].

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the need for and usefulness of training programs for Local Infectious Disease Surveillance Center (LIDSC) staff.

Methods: A structured questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the needs and usefulness of training programs. The subjects of the survey were participants of a workshop held after an annual conference for the LIDSC staff.

Seasonal patterns of legionellosis in Saitama, 2005-2009.

Sporadic cases of legionellosis have increased in Saitama Prefecture. This study aimed to understand the characteristics and incidence of legionellosis in Saitama Prefecture by studying the corresponding data from Tokyo and all over Japan. We analyzed cases of legionellosis registered from 2005 through 2009 in the annual reports of the Infectious Disease Surveillance Center.

Outbreak of hepatitis C virus infection in an outpatient clinic.

Background: From January through September 2001, seven patients were admitted to Fukaya Red Cross Hospital with typical clinical manifestations of acute hepatitis. Six were outpatients of the clinic, which is located near the hospital. An extensive survey of clinic outpatients conducted by the local health department revealed six more new acute hepatitis cases during this period.