Introduction Five states in India are reporting sporadic outbreaks of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD). Goa experienced an outbreak of KFD in 2015. It remains as an important differential diagnosis for tropical fever in the endemic regions. Few studies among neighboring two states (Karnataka and Kerala) have described the epidemiological characteristics of KFD. However, there is no study which describes the same among cases in the state of Goa. Hence, we planned to understand the epidemiology (time, place, and person distribution) of the disease including seasonal pattern with forecasting using zero-inflated negative binomial regression and time series models. We also explored geo-spatial clustering of KFD cases in Goa during 2015–2018 which would help design effective intervention to curb its transmission in Goa. Results Blood samples of all suspected cases of KFD during 2015 to 2018 were tested using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction technique. Reports of these results were periodically shared with the state surveillance unit. Records of 448 confirmed cases of KFD available at the State Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme were analyzed. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 41.6 (14.9) years. Of 143 cases with documented travel history, 135 (94.4%) had history of travel to forest for cashew plucking. Two thirds of cases (66.3%) did not receive KFD vaccine prior to the disease. Case fatality rate of 0.9% was reported. Seasonal peaks were observed during January to April, and forecasting demonstrated a peak in cases in the subsequent year also during January–April persisting till May. Around 40 villages located along the Western Ghats had reported KFD, and affected villages continued to report cases in the subsequent years also. Case density-based geographic maps show clustering of cases around the index village. Conclusion Most of the confirmed cases did not receive any vaccination. KFD cases in Goa followed a specific seasonal pattern, and clustering of cases occurred in selected villages located in North Goa. Most of the patients who had suffered from the disease had visited the forest for cashew plucking. Planning for public health interventions such as health education and vaccination campaigns should consider these epidemiological features.

The Global Diabetes Report 2016 states, "Globally, an estimated 422 million adults were living with diabetes in 2014 compared to 108 million in 1980. Diabetes is especially a significant secondary cause for the development of dyslipidaemia. Diabetes patients are prone to have an atherogenic mixture of high Triglycerides (TGs); high, small, dense Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) fractions; and low High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL). This study is aimed at finding the prevalence of dyslipidaemia among type 2 diabetes patients residing in a suburban area of Goa. METHODOLOGYA record-based cross-sectional study design was employed to find the proportion of dyslipidaemia prevalent among the type 2 diabetes patients attending OPD of the Urban Health and Training Centre (UHTC) at Santa Cruz in Goa. A sample of 100 type 2 DM patient records were randomly selected to capture the information of the type 2 DM patients. Patient records of fasting and postprandial blood sugars and fasting lipid parameters were utilised for this study. SPSS version 23 was utilised for statistical analysis; proportions, and chi-square test were used for analysis. RESULTSThe overall prevalence of dyslipidaemia was 85% among the type 2 DM cases. Prevalence of hyperlipidaemia among females was high (88.7%) as compared to males (78.9%). The mean level of total cholesterol was 188.78±38.25 mg/dL. Mean HDL-C level was 48.5±14.06 mg/dL. Mean value of LDL-C was 109.93±35.67 mg/dL. Mean level of LDL-C was 137.67±59.77 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONThe type 2 diabetes patients have very high prevalence of dyslipidaemia and should be monitored on regular basis to prevent cardiovascular events.

India is the second most populous country in the world with over 12108 million people, more than a sixth of the world's population containing 17.5% of the world's population. In spite of cafeteria choice of a various contraceptives and all types of media campaigns, population control remains a distant dream to achieve. Early pregnancies, too many and too frequent pregnancies are the most important risk factors for maternal and child mortality. Therefore, knowledge about contraception and its use is of utmost importance for birth control, proper spacing and thereby reducing the maternal mortality. OBJECTIVESThe objectives of this study are to assess the awareness and practices of contraception among married women and identify barriers for use of contraception. MATERIALS AND METHODSA cross-sectional study design was used to interview one hundred married women in the reproductive age (15-45 years). The study was conducted in Santa Cruz, which is a field practice area of Goa Medical College, Bambolim. A predesigned questionnaire comprised of various questions on awareness, practices and barriers of contraception use was utilized for data collection. Data was compiled and analysed with SPSS 15 software. RESULTSThe overall contraception use was 52%, while 48% never used contraceptives in the past. The 95% of the subjects were aware of condoms, 59% about oral pills, 53% about both cut and sterilization and 22% about the injectable contraceptives. Around 43.7% of the subjects gathered information from the health professional regarding contraception. Around 32% of the subjects were using barrier methods to prevent conception. Preference of male child, religious beliefs, family objections, ignorance and uncooperative husband are some of the reasons for not practicing contraceptive methods. CONCLUSIONSThe study highlights the underutilization of contraceptive methods available to the modern women. In spite of contraceptives being freely available in the market, there remains a small section of women who are still ignorant about their availability. The male predominance in decision making is clearly demonstrated, which is the major determinant of use of contraceptive methods.