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Background Management of novel viral respiratory disease outbreak on-board a ship with person-to-person transmission can be a public health challenge because of close proximity of inhabitants due to confined space and air-conditioned environment. It has a potential to be explosive, with high secondary attack rate (SAR) and cause significant morbidity and mortality. This study compares control measures instituted on-board two ships with similar outbreaks and recommends a standardized evidence-based outbreak response against them. Methods This is a descriptive study, showing comparative analysis of control measures instituted on-board two ships, a cruise ship in case of COVID-19 and a warship in case of H1N1 influenza, with novel viral respiratory disease outbreak, at different span of time. Data of the date of onset, clinical details, laboratory results, history of travel, history of contact with positive case and control measures initiated were collected, analysed and compared. Results Of the two ships compared, one was a cruise ship with 712 COVID-19 cases, with an attack rate (AR) of 19.2% and 13 deaths, and other a warship with 14 cases of H1N1 influenza and an AR of 4.83%. The epidemic curve for both the outbreaks was plotted to study time distribution. Conclusion Active surveillance, early self-reporting and immediate disembarkation of the suspects, along with strict compliance of hand hygiene, cough etiquettes and disinfection enhancement, will help in early mitigation of the outbreak. Health education should be undertaken to impart evidence-based knowledge and alleviate fear of the unknown. Vaccination may not be present but if available should only be administered after strict risk–benefit, cost–benefit and effectiveness analysis.

Background: Tobacco use remains a major cause of preventable deaths worldwide. The recent Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2016–2017 has shown the prevalence of tobacco use among Indian population to be 28.6%. In Maharashtra, 35.5% of all adult males either smoke tobacco or use some form of smokeless tobacco. Not much data are available on tobacco use with respect to different occupations in India, though risk of tobacco use is known to be higher among individuals in certain occupations. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 190 long-distance bus drivers and conductors of long route buses departing from one of the main bus stations of the State Transport Corporation in Pune city. Data were collected using a pretested, structured questionnaire by interview method. Results: Prevalence of tobacco consumption (TC) among the respondents was 55.8% (95% confidence interval; 48.4–63). Among the tobacco users, 54% reported initiation at age

Context: Tobacco consumption among females is on rise and is increasing at an alarming rate. This epidemic among the females is emerging as an important public health problem especially in slums. Aim: Study was conducted to find out association between sociodemographic factors and tobacco consumption. Settings and Design: Community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among females (15-49 years) in an urban slum of Pune during February 12 to April 13. Materials and Methods: Sampling frame was prepared from records of urban health center. Required sample size was selected by simple random method. Data collected using pretested validated structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20, and Chi-square test was used for determining association. Results: Of 305 females studied, 31.5% of them were currently consuming tobacco. Most common form of tobacco consumption was smokeless that is, Mishri application 55.2%. About 64% females started using tobacco before 20 years of age. Most of them (32%) consuming tobacco for increasing concentration at work. Tobacco consumption was found to be significantly more common among ever-married and Muslim females. Lack of will power and ignorance about the harmful effects of tobacco were major hindrances (51%) for quitting tobacco Conclusion: Tobacco consumption was found to be prevalent in almost one third of females (15-49 years) residing in an urban slum of Pune. Most of them used smokeless tobacco, mainly Mishri. Tobacco consumption was directly associated with age, marital status and religion.

Scabies is an important health problem characterized by continuous transmission throughout the year. It is ubiquitous, contagious, and debilitating parasitic dermatoses, known since antiquity and having widespread distribution in the tropics. The worldwide prevalence has been estimated at about 300 million cases yearly, although it may be an overestimate.1 Scabies occurs in both sexes, at all ages, in all ethnic groups, and at all socioeconomic levels. In India, the incidence ranges from 13% to 59% in rural2 and urban areas.3 Scabies is a Latin word that simply means to scratch and is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var-hominis, and is usually associated with conditions of overcrowding, low socioeconomic standards, low level of education and poor hygiene.4 Overcrowding and sexual contacts are the most common, but not exclusive modes of transmission. The mite of scabies burrows into the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum) and feeds on skin cells and fluids. It is this feeding action, and its products (digestive secretions and feces) that provoke an immune reaction from the body which results in itching and other symptoms of scabies. Scabies causes considerable discomfort and can result in severe secondary complications such as impetigo, cellulitis, pyoderma, bacteraemia and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.5–7 The study was undertaken in the Rural Health Training Centre of a medical college located at Kasurdi village, in Pune district of Maharashtra. During routine visits, three school going children of a nearby orphanage reported with the clinical symptoms suggestive of Scabies i.e. insomnia due to severe itching at night, rashes, irritability leading to school absenteeism and poor quality of life. On examination, the children were found to be having scabies. Scabies in orphanages are not uncommon but unfortunately are hard to treat because of reasons like delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, malnutrition, associated allergic and bacterial infections and inadequate follow-up.8 It was thus decided that all the children at the orphanage be examined and an intervention to cure all children of the orphanage be undertaken. The study thus aimed to assess the prevalence of Scabies in an orphanage in a rural village of Maharashtra State and to conduct a mass Scabies treatment and follow-up of all children and care givers. The study in addition also provided health education and trained the care givers for timely management of scabies in the setup.

Background: The increasing production, distribution, promotion and easy availability of alcohol have resulted in alcohol-related problems emerging as a major public health concern. It is a causal factor in more than 60 major types of diseases and injuries and results in approximately 2.5 million deaths each year. It is also a known risk factor for increasing crime, work absenteeism, loss of productivity, damage to property and physical and emotional abuse of women and children. Objectives: The aim was to find out the pattern, health related problems and social aspects associated with alcohol use among adults of a rural population of Pune, Maharashtra. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a rural field practice area of the Medical College in Pune among 300 respondents during January 12 and February 12. Pretested WHO designed alcohol survey questionnaire was used for collecting data by interview after obtaining informed consent. Results: Out of 300 respondents 45.7% (137) were found to be alcohol-user. Among these 35.77% were daily drinkers.' The most common alcoholic drink consumed was desi (country) liquor (33.5%). Daily drinking was found to be related to adverse health related events. Poor health status, deprivation of family, increasing occurrence of unintentional and intentional injury, the greater extent of health problems were significantly higher among users. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption was high among adults in rural population. The study has also revealed negative impact of alcohol on both, user and their family.