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Allan-Blitz LT, Khan T, Elangovan K, Smith K, Multani A, Mayer KH. Addressing mpox at a Frontline Community Health Center: Lessons for the Next Outbreak. Public Health Rep 2024; 139:294-300. [PMID: 37846528 PMCID: PMC11037218 DOI: 10.1177/00333549231201682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2022 mpox (formerly monkeypox) outbreak affected predominantly men who have sex with men (MSM), likely through sexual transmission, which resulted in institutions specializing in sexual health being at the frontlines of the mpox outbreak. Fenway Health in Boston serves close to 10 000 MSM annually, which includes more than 2400 MSM who are living with HIV and 3320 MSM with active HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prescriptions. We report on the programs implemented and changes to clinical practice at Fenway Health during the mpox outbreak. Fenway Health diagnosed its first case of mpox in June 2022 and treated this patient with tecovirimat. In early July 2022, Fenway Health administered its first dose of the Jynneos vaccine under the Emergency Use Authorization for protection against mpox. As of October 6, 2022, 69 people had tested positive for the mpox virus at Fenway Health. Among the 69 people who tested positive, 43 (62.3%) self-identified as male, with the remaining not reporting a sex or gender identity, and 40 (58.0%) reported their sexual orientation as gay or bisexual. Twenty-five people (36.2%) were treated with tecovirimat. As of October 30, 2022, Fenway Health had administered 6376 doses of the Jynneos vaccine. The programmatic changes involved in rollout and scale-up of vaccination, treatment, and community outreach services at Fenway Health during the 2022 mpox outbreak that we describe here could inform strategies to address subsequent outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lao-Tzu Allan-Blitz
- Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Lopez Cavestany R, Eisenhawer M, Diop OM, Verma H, Quddus A, Mach O. The Last Mile in Polio Eradication: Program Challenges and Perseverance. Pathogens 2024; 13:323. [PMID: 38668278 PMCID: PMC11053864 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
As the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) strategizes towards the final steps of eradication, routine immunization schedules evolve, and high-quality vaccination campaigns and surveillance systems remain essential. New tools are consistently being developed, such as the novel oral poliovirus vaccine to combat outbreaks more sustainably, as well as non-infectiously manufactured vaccines such as virus-like particle vaccines to eliminate the risk of resurgence of polio on the eve of a polio-free world. As the GPEI inches towards eradication, re-strategizing in the face of evolving challenges and preparing for unknown risks in the post-certification era are critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Lopez Cavestany
- Polio Eradication, World Health Organization, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.E.); (O.M.D.); (H.V.); (A.Q.); (O.M.)
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Haq ZU, Fazid S, Hussain B, Khan MF, Betanni A, Behrawar B, Afridi S. Assessment of the impact of integrated disease surveillance and response system on surveillance management at healthcare facilities in Pakistan. East Mediterr Health J 2024; 30:109-115. [PMID: 38491896 DOI: 10.26719/emhj.24.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Disease surveillance is very crucial especially in high vulnerability settings like Pakistan. However, surveillance and outbreak response management are still evolving in the country and research studies are needed to assess the existing system. Aim To assess the impact of integrated disease surveillance and response system (IDSRS) implemented by the provincial government to strengthen infectious disease surveillance and reporting in 6 districts of Pakistan in 2016. Methods A baseline cross-sectional assessment of health facilities and the healthcare workforce was conducted in 2016 to identify needs and gaps in public sector health facilities and the health system of 6 selected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. This was followed by a 2018 endline survey of the same facilities using the same variables. Results Overall, there was improvement in district management and facility level performance (χ2 (1, 314) = 21.19, P < 0.001, V = 0.26). District level management improved significantly in areas with relatively lower Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? χ2(1, 154) = 30.41, P <0.001, V = 0.44). Facilitation domain variables improved in the lower GDP districts (χ2 (1, 74) = 5.76, P = 0.016, V = 0.28) and showed counterintuitive deterioration (χ2 (1, 74) = 4.80, P = 0.028, V = 0.25) in relatively higher GDP areas. Conclusion IDSRS is effective in improving surveillance and response systems, however, its effectiveness appears to depend on locale-specific economies and can be enhanced by modifying the implementation approach. Better empowerment of the local workforce can contribute to such improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zia Ul Haq
- Khyber Medical University, University of Glasgow
| | | | | | | | - Asif Betanni
- Advisor for UK Health Security Agency on IHR Project, Pakistan
| | | | - Shaheen Afridi
- Health System Reforms Unit, Department of Health, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
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Schlesinger M, Prieto Alvarado FE, Borbón Ramos ME, Sewe MO, Merle CS, Kroeger A, Hussain-Alkhateeb L. Enabling countries to manage outbreaks: statistical, operational, and contextual analysis of the early warning and response system (EWARS-csd) for dengue outbreaks. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1323618. [PMID: 38314090 PMCID: PMC10834665 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1323618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dengue is currently the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne viral illness in the world, with over half of the world's population living in areas at risk of dengue. As dengue continues to spread and become more of a health burden, it is essential to have tools that can predict when and where outbreaks might occur to better prepare vector control operations and communities' responses. One such predictive tool, the Early Warning and Response System for climate-sensitive diseases (EWARS-csd), primarily uses climatic data to alert health systems of outbreaks weeks before they occur. EWARS-csd uses the robust Distribution Lag Non-linear Model in combination with the INLA Bayesian regression framework to predict outbreaks, utilizing historical data. This study seeks to validate the tool's performance in two states of Colombia, evaluating how well the tool performed in 11 municipalities of varying dengue endemicity levels. Methods The validation study used retrospective data with alarm indicators (mean temperature and rain sum) and an outbreak indicator (weekly hospitalizations) from 11 municipalities spanning two states in Colombia from 2015 to 2020. Calibrations of different variables were performed to find the optimal sensitivity and positive predictive value for each municipality. Results The study demonstrated that the tool produced overall reliable early outbreak alarms. The median of the most optimal calibration for each municipality was very high: sensitivity (97%), specificity (94%), positive predictive value (75%), and negative predictive value (99%; 95% CI). Discussion The tool worked well across all population sizes and all endemicity levels but had slightly poorer results in the highly endemic municipality at predicting non-outbreak weeks. Migration and/or socioeconomic status are factors that might impact predictive performance and should be further evaluated. Overall EWARS-csd performed very well, providing evidence that it should continue to be implemented in Colombia and other countries for outbreak prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaela Schlesinger
- Global Health Research Group, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Franklyn Edwin Prieto Alvarado
- Directorate of Surveillance and Risk Analysis in Public Health, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) de Colombia, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Milena Edith Borbón Ramos
- Directorate of Surveillance and Risk Analysis in Public Health, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) de Colombia, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Maquins Odhiambo Sewe
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Corinne Simone Merle
- Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR-WHO), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Axel Kroeger
- Freiburg University, Center for Medicine, and Society (ZMG)/Institute of Infection Prevention, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Laith Hussain-Alkhateeb
- Global Health Research Group, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Population Health Research Section, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Kalkowska DA, Badizadegan K, Routh JA, Burns CC, Rosenberg ES, Brenner IR, Zucker JR, Langdon-Embry M, Thompson KM. Modeling undetected poliovirus circulation following the 2022 outbreak in the United States. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:186-195. [PMID: 38164695 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2299401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New York State (NYS) reported a polio case (June 2022) and outbreak of imported type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) (last positive wastewater detection in February 2023), for which uncertainty remains about potential ongoing undetected transmission. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Extending a prior deterministic model, we apply an established stochastic modeling approach to characterize the confidence about no circulation (CNC) of cVDPV2 as a function of time since the last detected signal of transmission (i.e. poliovirus positive acute flaccid myelitis case or wastewater sample). RESULTS With the surveillance coverage for the NYS population majority and its focus on outbreak counties, modeling suggests a high CNC (95%) within 3-10 months of the last positive surveillance signal, depending on surveillance sensitivity and population mixing patterns. Uncertainty about surveillance sensitivity implies longer durations required to achieve higher CNC. CONCLUSIONS In populations that maintain high overall immunization coverage with inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), rare polio cases may occur in un(der)-vaccinated individuals. Modeling demonstrates the unlikeliness of type 2 outbreaks reestablishing endemic transmission or resulting in large absolute numbers of paralytic cases. Achieving and maintaining high immunization coverage with IPV remains the most effective measure to prevent outbreaks and shorten the duration of imported poliovirus transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Janell A Routh
- Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cara C Burns
- Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eli S Rosenberg
- Office of Public Health, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - I Ravi Brenner
- Office of Public Health, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Jane R Zucker
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
- Immunization Services Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Kimberly M Thompson
- Kid Risk, Inc, Orlando, FL, USA
- Department of Public Health, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Elnosserry S, Buliva E, Abdalla Elkholy A, Mahboob A, Fazaludeen Koya S, Abubakar A. Rapid response teams in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Results from the baseline survey of country-level capacities, operations and outbreak response capabilities. Glob Public Health 2024; 19:2341404. [PMID: 38628111 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2024.2341404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to assess WHO/Eastern Mediterranean region (WHO/EMR) countries capacities, operations and outbreak response capabilities. Cross-sectional study was conducted targeting 22 WHO/EMR countries from May to June 2021. The survey covers 8 domains related to 15 milstones and key performance indicators (KPIs) for RRT. Responses were received from 14 countries. RRTs are adequately organised in 9 countries (64.3%). The mean retention rate of RRT members was 85.5% ± 22.6. Eight countries (57.1%) reported having standard operating procedures, but only three countries (21.4%) reported an established mechanism of operational fund allocation. In the last 6 months, 10,462 (81.9%) alerts were verified during the first 24 h. Outbreak response was completed by the submission of final RRT response reports in 75% of analysed outbreaks. Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities were part of the interventional response in 59.5% of recent outbreaks. Four countries (28.6%) reported an adequate system to assess RRTs operations. The baseline data highlights four areas to focus on: developing and maintaining the multidisciplinary nature of RRTs through training, adequate financing and timely release of funds, capacity and system building for implementing interventions, for instance, RCCE, and establishing national monitoring and evaluation systems for outbreak response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherein Elnosserry
- World Health Organization Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Evans Buliva
- World Health Organization Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Amira Mahboob
- World Health Organization Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Abdinasir Abubakar
- World Health Organization Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Cairo, Egypt
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Joe CCD, Segireddy RR, Oliveira C, Berg A, Li Y, Doultsinos D, Scholze S, Ahmad A, Nestola P, Niemann J, Douglas AD. Accelerated and intensified manufacturing of an adenovirus-vectored vaccine to enable rapid outbreak response. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:176-191. [PMID: 37747758 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations' "100-day moonshot" aspires to launch a new vaccine within 100 days of pathogen identification, followed by large-scale vaccine availability within the "second hundred days." Here, we describe work to optimize adenoviral vector manufacturing for rapid response, by minimizing time to clinical trial and first large-scale supply, and maximizing output from the available manufacturing footprint. We describe a rapid virus seed expansion workflow that allows vaccine release to clinical trials within 60 days of antigen sequence identification, followed by vaccine release from globally distributed sites within a further 40 days. We also describe a perfusion-based upstream production process, designed to maximize output while retaining simplicity and suitability for existing manufacturing facilities. This improves upstream volumetric productivity of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 by approximately fourfold and remains compatible with the existing downstream process, yielding drug substance sufficient for 10,000 doses from each liter of bioreactor capacity. This accelerated manufacturing process, along with other advantages such as thermal stability, supports the ongoing value of adenovirus-vectored vaccines as a rapidly adaptable and deployable platform for emergency response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina C D Joe
- Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Cathy Oliveira
- Clinical Biomanufacturing Facility, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Adam Berg
- Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dimitrios Doultsinos
- Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Asma Ahmad
- Repligen Corporation, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Alexander D Douglas
- Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Hansen CA, Staples JE, Barrett ADT. Fractional Dosing of Yellow Fever Live Attenuated 17D Vaccine: A Perspective. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:7141-7154. [PMID: 38023411 PMCID: PMC10640814 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s370013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Yellow fever virus (YFV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes over 109,000 severe infections and over 51,000 deaths annually in endemic areas of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. The virus has a transmission cycle involving mosquitoes and humans or non-human primates (NHPs) as the vertebrate hosts. Although yellow fever (YF) is prevented by a live attenuated vaccine (strain 17D), recent epidemics in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Brazil put great pressure on vaccine stockpiles. This resulted in the World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) implementing, on an emergency basis only, off-label dose-sparing techniques and policies during 2016-2018 to protect as many people in DRC and Brazil as possible from disease during unexpected large outbreaks of YF. Subsequently non-inferiority studies involving full doses compared to fractional doses indicated promising results, leading some policy-makers and scientists to consider utilizing YF vaccine fractional doses in non-emergency scenarios. Although the additional data on the immunogenicity and safety of fractional doses are promising, there are several questions and considerations that remain regarding the use of fractional doses, including differences in the initial antibody kinetics, differences in the immune response in certain populations, and durability of the immune response to fractional doses compared to full doses. Until the remaining knowledge gaps are addressed, full doses instead of fractional doses should continue to be used unless there are insufficient doses of the vaccine available to control outbreaks of YF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clairissa A Hansen
- Department of Pathology and Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555-4036, USA
| | - J Erin Staples
- Arboviral Diseases Branch, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Alan D T Barrett
- Department of Pathology and Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555-4036, USA
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OWUSU ISAAC, ACHEAMPONG GIDEONKWARTENG, AKYEREKO ERNEST, AGYEI NIIARYEETEY, ASHONG MAWUFEMOR, AMOFA ISAAC, MPANGAH REBECCAANN, KENU ERNEST, ABOAGYE RICHARDGYAN, ADU COLLINS, AGYEMANG KINGSLEY, NSIAH-ASARE ANTHONY, ASIEDU-BEKOE FRANKLIN. The role of digital surveillance during outbreaks: the Ghana experience from COVID-19 response. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2755. [PMID: 38020270 PMCID: PMC10658462 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the years, Ghana has made notable strides in adopting digital approaches to address societal challenges and meet demands. While the health sector, particularly the disease surveillance structure, has embraced digitization to enhance case detection, reporting, analysis, and information dissemination, critical aspects remain to be addressed. Although the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) structure has experienced remarkable growth in digitization, certain areas require further attention as was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ghana during the COVID-19 pandemic, recognized the importance of leveraging digital technologies to bolster the public health response. To this end, Ghana implemented various digital surveillance tools to combat the pandemic. These included the 'Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS)', the digitalized health declaration form, ArcGIS Survey123, Talkwalker, 'Lightwave Health information Management System' (LHIMS), and the 'District Health Information Management System (DHIMS)'. These digital systems significantly contributed to the country's success in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. One key area where digital systems have proved invaluable is in the timely production of daily COVID-19 situational updates. This task would have been arduous and delayed if reliant solely on paper-based forms, which hinder efficient reporting to other levels within the health system. By adopting these digital systems, Ghana has been able to overcome such challenges and provide up-to-date information for making informed public health decisions. This paper attempts to provide an extensive description of the digital systems currently employed to enhance Ghana's paper-based disease surveillance system in the context of its response to COVID-19. The article explores the strengths and challenges or limitations associated with these digital systems for responding to outbreaks, offering valuable lessons that can be learned from their implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - ERNEST AKYEREKO
- Ghana Health Service, Headquarters
- Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - ERNEST KENU
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, School of Public Health, University of Ghana
| | - RICHARD GYAN ABOAGYE
- Department of Family and Community Health, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - COLLINS ADU
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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Kaburi BB, Wyss K, Kenu E, Asiedu-Bekoe F, Hauri AM, Laryea DO, Klett-Tammen CJ, Leone F, Walter C, Krause G. Facilitators and Barriers in the Implementation of a Digital Surveillance and Outbreak Response System in Ghana Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Analysis of Stakeholder Interviews. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e45715. [PMID: 37862105 PMCID: PMC10625076 DOI: 10.2196/45715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the past 2 decades, many countries have recognized the use of electronic systems for disease surveillance and outbreak response as an important strategy for disease control and prevention. In low- and middle-income countries, the adoption of these electronic systems remains a priority and has attracted the support of global health players. However, the successful implementation and institutionalization of electronic systems in low- and middle-income countries have been challenged by the local capacity to absorb technologies, decisiveness and strength of leadership, implementation costs, workforce attitudes toward innovation, and organizational factors. In November 2019, Ghana piloted the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) for routine surveillance and subsequently used it for the national COVID-19 response. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify the facilitators of and barriers to the sustainable implementation and operation of SORMAS in Ghana. METHODS Between November 2021 and March 2022, we conducted a qualitative study among 22 resource persons representing different stakeholders involved in the implementation of SORMAS in Ghana. We interviewed study participants via telephone using in-depth interview guides developed consistent with the model of diffusion of innovations in health service organizations. We transcribed the interviews verbatim and performed independent validation of transcripts and pseudonymization. We performed deductive coding using 7 a priori categories: innovation, adopting health system, adoption and assimilation, diffusion and dissemination, outer context, institutionalization, and linkages among the aspects of implementation. We used MAXQDA Analytics Pro for transcription, coding, and analysis. RESULTS The facilitators of SORMAS implementation included its coherent design consistent with the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response system, adaptability to evolving local needs, relative advantages for task performance (eg, real-time reporting, generation of case-base data, improved data quality, mobile offline capability, and integration of laboratory procedures), intrinsic motivation of users, and a smartphone-savvy workforce. Other facilitators were its alignment with health system goals, dedicated national leadership, political endorsement, availability of in-country IT capacities, and financial and technical support from inventors and international development partners. The main barriers were unstable technical interoperability between SORMAS and existing health information systems, reliance on a private IT company for data hosting, unreliable internet connectivity, unstable national power supply, inadequate numbers and poor quality of data collection devices, and substantial dependence on external funding. CONCLUSIONS The facilitators of and barriers to SORMAS implementation are multiple and interdependent. Important success conditions for implementation include enhanced scope and efficiency of task performance, strong technical and political stewardship, and a self-motivated workforce. Inadequate funding, limited IT infrastructure, and lack of software development expertise are mutually reinforcing barriers to implementation and progress to country ownership. Some barriers are external, relate to the overall national infrastructural development, and are not amenable even to unlimited project funding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basil Benduri Kaburi
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- PhD Programme Epidemiology, Braunschweig-Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany
- Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kaspar Wyss
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ernest Kenu
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Anja M Hauri
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | | | - Frédéric Leone
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christin Walter
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- PhD Programme Epidemiology, Braunschweig-Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany
- Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gérard Krause
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
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11
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Grau-Pujol B, Vieira Martins J, Goncalves I, Rodrigues F, de Sousa R, Oliveira D, Bettencourt J, Mendes D, Mateus de Cunha I, Pocinho S, Firme A, Dos Santos BE, Peralta Santos A, Albuquerque MJ, Pinto-Leite P, Tato Marinho R, Vasconcelos P. Task Force for a rapid response to an outbreak of severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology in children in Portugal in 2022. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2300171. [PMID: 37733237 PMCID: PMC10515495 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.38.2300171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
On 5 April 2022, the United Kingdom reported an increase of cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology in children, several needing hospitalisation and some required liver transplant or died. Thereafter, 35 countries reported probable cases, almost half of them in Europe. Facing the alert, on 28 April, Portugal created a multidisciplinary Task Force (TF) for rapid detection of probable cases and response. The experts of the TF came from various disciplines: clinicians, laboratory experts, epidemiologists, public health experts and national and international communication. Moreover, Portugal adopted the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) case definition and recommendations. By 31 December 2022, 28 probable cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology were reported: 16 male and 17 aged under 2 years. Of these cases, 23 were hospitalised but none required liver transplant or died. Adenovirus was detected from nine of 26 tested cases. No association was observed between adenovirus infection and hospital admission after adjusting for age, sex and region in a binomial regression model. The TF in Portugal may have contributed to increase awareness among clinicians, enabling early detection and prompt management of the outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Grau-Pujol
- ECDC Fellowship Programme, Field Epidemiology path (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
- Directorate of Information and Analysis, Directorate-General of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
- Center for Public Health Emergencies, Directorate-General of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Vieira Martins
- Directorate of Information and Analysis, Directorate-General of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Goncalves
- Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Rodrigues
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita de Sousa
- Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute of Health Doctor Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Dina Oliveira
- Division of Sexual, Reproductive, Child and Youth Health, Directorate-General of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Bettencourt
- National Program for Viral Hepatitis, Directorate-General of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Diana Mendes
- Division of Communication and Public Relationships, Directorate-General of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Mateus de Cunha
- Center for Public Health Emergencies, Directorate-General of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Pocinho
- Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Firme
- Center for Public Health Emergencies, Directorate-General of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - André Peralta Santos
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Directorate of Information and Analysis, Directorate-General of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria João Albuquerque
- Directorate of Information and Analysis, Directorate-General of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Pinto-Leite
- Directorate of Information and Analysis, Directorate-General of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rui Tato Marinho
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paula Vasconcelos
- Center for Public Health Emergencies, Directorate-General of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
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12
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Gehre F, Lagu HI, Achol E, Omari N, Ochido G, Shand K, Alvarado AM, Ruge G, Kezakarayagwa E, Kabatesi F, Ihorimbere T, Nkeshimana A, Roba A, Ndia MN, Githii SM, Kiiru JN, Samson DD, Nykwec GA, Moun IGC, Deng LL, Kelly ME, Mkama PBM, Msigwa FL, Magesa A, Pimundu G, Muyigi T, Nabadda SN, Nzeyimana E, May J, Affara M. The East African Community mobile laboratory network prepares for monkeypox outbreaks. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2309. [PMID: 37680705 PMCID: PMC10481785 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to the largest recorded monkeypox virus outbreak outside of endemic Central and Western Africa, the East African Community (EAC), in cooperation with the Bernhard-Nocht- Institute for Tropical Medicine, coordinated an emergency monkeypox diagnostic training for the East African Region. As of June 2022, the Democratic Republic of Congo reported a steady increase of suspected monkeypox cases, increasing the risk of spill-over into the remaining six EAC Partner States. Within the existing EAC Mobile Laboratories project, laboratory experts of the National Public Health Laboratories of the remaining six EAC Partner States (Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan) participated in the workshop and were trained in the reception of suspect samples, DNA extraction and diagnosis using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The EAC region is now equipped with the tools to prepare and rapidly respond to any emerging monkeypox outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forian Gehre
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- East African Community (EAC), Arusha, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Neema Omari
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- East African Community (EAC), Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Grace Ochido
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- East African Community (EAC), Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Kerstin Shand
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Molina Alvarado
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerd Ruge
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eric Kezakarayagwa
- National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Fight Against AIDS, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Francine Kabatesi
- National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Fight Against AIDS, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Théogene Ihorimbere
- National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Fight Against AIDS, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Anatole Nkeshimana
- National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Fight Against AIDS, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Abdi Roba
- National Public Health Laboratories, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Susan Mahuro Githii
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - John Ndemi Kiiru
- National Public Health Laboratories, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Donald Duku Samson
- Public Health Laboratory and National Blood Transfusion Centre, Ministry of Health, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Gwokpan Awin Nykwec
- Public Health Laboratory and National Blood Transfusion Centre, Ministry of Health, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Isaac Gatkuoth Chot Moun
- Public Health Laboratory and National Blood Transfusion Centre, Ministry of Health, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Lul Lojok Deng
- Public Health Laboratory and National Blood Transfusion Centre, Ministry of Health, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Maria Ezekiely Kelly
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
- National Health Laboratory, Quality Assurance and Training Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Peter Bernard Mtesigwa Mkama
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
- National Health Laboratory, Quality Assurance and Training Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Felician L Msigwa
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Alex Magesa
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Godfrey Pimundu
- National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS), Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tonny Muyigi
- National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS), Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susan Ndidde Nabadda
- National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS), Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Juergen May
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
- Tropical Medicine II, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Muna Affara
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- East African Community (EAC), Arusha, Tanzania
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13
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Affara M, Lagu HI, Achol E, Omari N, Ochido G, Kezakarayagwa E, Kabatesi F, Nduwimana C, Nkeshimana A, Duku Samson D, Awin Nykwec G, Daniel Wani Lako J, Lasuba M, Lojok Deng L, Ezekiely Kelly M, Bernard Mtesigwa Mkama P, Magesa A, Said Ali S, Amour Rashid S, Pimundu G, Muyigi T, Ndidde Nabadda S, Rutayisire R, Kabanda A, Kabalisa E, May J, Nzeyimana E, Katende M, Gehre F. Regional Evaluation of Two SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Tests in East Africa. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0489522. [PMID: 37010436 PMCID: PMC10269495 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04895-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical performance of two rapid antigen tests for the diagnosis of Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) were regionally evaluated in East African populations. Swabs were collected from 1,432 individuals from five Partner States of the East African Community (Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan). The two rapid antigen tests (Bionote NowCheck COVID-19 Ag and SD Biosensor STANDARD Q COVID-19 Ag) were evaluated against the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by the Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR) gold standard. Of the concordant results with both RT-PCR and rapid antigen test data (862 for Bionote and 852 for SD Biosensor), overall clinical sensitivity was 60% and 50% for the Bionote NowCheck and the SD Biosensor STANDARD Q, respectively. Stratification by viral load, including samples with RT-PCR cycle thresholds (Ct) of <25, improved sensitivity to 90% for both rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Overall specificity was good at 99% for both antigen tests. Taken together, the clinical performance of both Ag-RDTs in real world settings within the East African target population was lower than has been reported elsewhere and below the acceptable levels for sensitivity of >80%, as defined by the WHO. Therefore, the rapid antigen test alone should not be used for diagnosis but could be used as part of an algorithm to identify potentially infectious individuals with high viral load. IMPORTANCE Accurate diagnostic tests are essential to both support the management and containment of outbreaks, as well as inform appropriate patient care. In the case of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, antigen Rapid Diagnostic Tests (Ag-RDTs) played a major role in this function, enabling widespread testing by untrained individuals, both at home and within health facilities. In East Africa, a number of SARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDTs are available; however, there remains little information on their true test performance within the region, in the hands of the health workers routinely carrying out SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics. This study contributes test performance data for two commonly used SARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDTs in East Africa, which will help inform the use of these RDTs within the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Affara
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- East African Community (EAC), Arusha, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Neema Omari
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- East African Community (EAC), Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Grace Ochido
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- East African Community (EAC), Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Eric Kezakarayagwa
- National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Fight Against AIDS, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Francine Kabatesi
- National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Fight Against AIDS, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Cassien Nduwimana
- National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Fight Against AIDS, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Anatole Nkeshimana
- National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Fight Against AIDS, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Donald Duku Samson
- Public Health Laboratory and National Blood Transfusion Centre, Ministry of Health, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Gwokpan Awin Nykwec
- Public Health Laboratory and National Blood Transfusion Centre, Ministry of Health, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Joseph Daniel Wani Lako
- Public Health Laboratory and National Blood Transfusion Centre, Ministry of Health, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Michael Lasuba
- Public Health Laboratory and National Blood Transfusion Centre, Ministry of Health, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Lul Lojok Deng
- Public Health Laboratory and National Blood Transfusion Centre, Ministry of Health, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Maria Ezekiely Kelly
- Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
- National Public Health Laboratory, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Alex Magesa
- Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
- National Public Health Laboratory, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Salum Said Ali
- Zanzibar National Public Health Laboratory, Stonetown, Zanzibar
| | | | - Godfrey Pimundu
- National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS), Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tonny Muyigi
- National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS), Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susan Ndidde Nabadda
- National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS), Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Jürgen May
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
- Tropical Medicine II, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Florian Gehre
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- East African Community (EAC), Arusha, Tanzania
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14
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Porzucek AJ, Proctor AM, Klinkhammer KE, Tritsch SR, Robertson MA, Bashor JP, Villani J, Sepulveda JL, Mores CN. Development of an Accessible and Scalable Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Monkeypox Virus Detection. J Infect Dis 2023; 227:1084-1087. [PMID: 36221256 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During the 2022 monkeypox (MPX) outbreak, testing has been limited and results delayed, allowing ongoing transmission. Gold-standard quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) diagnostics are difficult to obtain. This research adapted the June 2022 CDC MPX qPCR assay for broad implementation. Validated using MPX stocks in a matrix with multiple sample types, MPX was detected with cycle threshold (Ct) values 17.46-35.59 and titer equivalents 8.01 × 106 to 2.45 × 100 plaque-forming unit (PFU)/mL. The detection limit was 3.59 PFU/mL. Sensitivity and specificity were both 100%. This qPCR assay can be quickly and broadly implemented in research and public health laboratories to increase diagnostic capacity amid the growing MPX outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail J Porzucek
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Abigale M Proctor
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Katharina E Klinkhammer
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sarah R Tritsch
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Molly A Robertson
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jonathan P Bashor
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jack Villani
- George Washington University Public Health Laboratory, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jorge L Sepulveda
- George Washington University Public Health Laboratory, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Christopher N Mores
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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15
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Madewell ZJ, Charniga K, Masters NB, Asher J, Fahrenwald L, Still W, Chen J, Kipperman N, Bui D, Shea M, Saunders K, Saathoff-Huber L, Johnson S, Harbi K, Berns AL, Perez T, Gateley E, Spicknall IH, Nakazawa Y, Gift TL. Serial Interval and Incubation Period Estimates of Monkeypox Virus Infection in 12 Jurisdictions, United States, May-August 2022. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:818-821. [PMID: 36863012 PMCID: PMC10045696 DOI: 10.3201/eid2904.221622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Using data from 12 US health departments, we estimated mean serial interval for monkeypox virus infection to be 8.5 (95% credible interval 7.3-9.9) days for symptom onset, based on 57 case pairs. Mean estimated incubation period was 5.6 (95% credible interval 4.3-7.8) days for symptom onset, based on 35 case pairs.
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16
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Geurts B, Weishaar H, Mari Saez A, Cristea F, Rocha C, Aminu K, Tan MMJ, Salim Camara B, Barry L, Thea P, Boucsein J, Bahr T, Al-Awlaqi S, Pozo-Martin F, Boklage E, Delamou A, Jegede AS, Legido-Quigley H, El Bcheraoui C. Communicating risk during early phases of COVID-19: Comparing governing structures for emergency risk communication across four contexts. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1038989. [PMID: 36778563 PMCID: PMC9911432 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1038989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Emergency risk communication (ERC) is key to achieving compliance with public health measures during pandemics. Yet, the factors that facilitated ERC during COVID-19 have not been analyzed. We compare ERC in the early stages of the pandemic across four socio-economic settings to identify how risk communication can be improved in public health emergencies (PHE). Methods To map and assess the content, process, actors, and context of ERC in Germany, Guinea, Nigeria, and Singapore, we performed a qualitative document review, and thematically analyzed semi-structured key informant interviews with 155 stakeholders involved in ERC at national and sub-national levels. We applied Walt and Gilson's health policy triangle as a framework to structure the results. Results We identified distinct ERC strategies in each of the four countries. Various actors, including governmental leads, experts, and organizations with close contact to the public, collaborated closely to implement ERC strategies. Early integration of ERC into preparedness and response plans, lessons from previous experiences, existing structures and networks, and clear leadership were identified as crucial for ensuring message clarity, consistency, relevance, and an efficient use of resources. Areas of improvement primarily included two-way communication, community engagement, and monitoring and evaluation. Countries with recurrent experiences of pandemics appeared to be more prepared and equipped to implement ERC strategies. Conclusion We found that considerable potential exists for countries to improve communication during public health emergencies, particularly in the areas of bilateral communication and community engagement as well as monitoring and evaluation. Building adaptive structures and maintaining long-term relationships with at-risk communities reportedly facilitated suitable communication. The findings suggest considerable potential and transferable learning opportunities exist between countries in the global north and countries in the global south with experience of managing outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brogan Geurts
- Evidence-Based Public Health Unit, Center for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heide Weishaar
- Evidence-Based Public Health Unit, Center for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Almudena Mari Saez
- Center for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florin Cristea
- Evidence-Based Public Health Unit, Center for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carlos Rocha
- Center for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kafayat Aminu
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Melisa Mei Jin Tan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bienvenu Salim Camara
- African Center of Excellence for the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases, Conakry, Guinea,Centre de Formation et de Recherche en Santé Rurale de Maferinyah, Département de Recherche, Unité de Socio-Anthropologie, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Lansana Barry
- African Center of Excellence for the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Paul Thea
- African Center of Excellence for the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Johannes Boucsein
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany,Postgraduate Training for Applied Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thurid Bahr
- Evidence-Based Public Health Unit, Center for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sameh Al-Awlaqi
- Evidence-Based Public Health Unit, Center for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Francisco Pozo-Martin
- Evidence-Based Public Health Unit, Center for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Evgeniya Boklage
- Information Center for International Health, Center for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandre Delamou
- African Center of Excellence for the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases, Conakry, Guinea,Centre de Formation et de Recherche en Santé Rurale de Maferinyah, Département de Recherche, Unité de Socio-Anthropologie, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Ayodele Samuel Jegede
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Helena Legido-Quigley
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Charbel El Bcheraoui
- Evidence-Based Public Health Unit, Center for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Charbel El Bcheraoui ✉
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17
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Malaeb D, Sallam M, Salim NA, Dabbous M, Younes S, Nasrallah Y, Iskandar K, Matta M, Obeid S, Hallit S, Hallit R. Knowledge, Attitude and Conspiracy Beliefs of Healthcare Workers in Lebanon towards Monkeypox. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8020081. [PMID: 36828497 PMCID: PMC9965137 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of a monkeypox (MPOX) outbreak in 2022 represented the most recent recognizable public health emergency at a global level. Improving knowledge and attitude towards MPOX, particularly among healthcare workers (HCWs), can be a valuable approach in public health preventive efforts aiming to halt MPOX virus spread. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of HCWs in Lebanon towards MPOX and to assess their conspiratorial attitude towards emerging virus infections (EVIs). The current study was based on a cross-sectional online survey distributed via Google Forms during September-December 2022 implementing a convenience sampling approach. The final study sample comprised a total of 646 HCWs: physicians (n = 171, 26.5%), pharmacists (n = 283, 43.8%), and nurses (n = 168, 26.0%), among others (n = 24, 3.7%). Variable defects in MPOX knowledge were detected, with a third of the participants having MPOX knowledge above the 75th percentile (n = 218, 33.7%). Satisfactory attitude towards MPOX (>75th percentile) was observed in less than a third of the participants (n = 198, 30.7%), while a quarter of the study sample endorsed conspiracy beliefs towards EVIs at a high level (>75th percentile, n = 164, 25.4%). Slightly more than two thirds of the participants agreed that MPOX vaccination should be used in disease prevention (n = 440, 68.1%). Better levels of MPOX knowledge and attitude were significantly associated with postgraduate education and older age. Physicians had significantly higher MPOX knowledge compared to other occupational categories. Less endorsement of conspiracies towards EVIs was significantly associated with male sex, occupation as a physician, and postgraduate education. Higher MPOX knowledge was associated with better attitude towards the disease. The current study showed unsatisfactory MPOX knowledge among Lebanese HCWs. Educational efforts can be valuable to improve the attitude towards the disease. Despite the relatively low level of embracing conspiracy beliefs regarding EVIs among HCWs in this study compared to previous studies, this area should be considered based on its potential impact on health-seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman P.O. Box 4184, United Arab Emirates
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut P.O. Box 146404, Lebanon
| | - Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Malmö, Sweden
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (S.H.); Tel.: +962-79-184-5186 (M.S.)
| | - Nesreen A. Salim
- Prosthodontic Department, School of Dentistry, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Prosthodontic Department, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Mariam Dabbous
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut P.O. Box 146404, Lebanon
- School of Education, Lebanese International University, Beirut P.O. Box 146404, Lebanon
| | - Samar Younes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa P.O. Box 146404, Lebanon
| | - Yves Nasrallah
- School of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Katia Iskandar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa P.O. Box 146404, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB—National Institute of Public Health, Clinical Epidemiology and Toxicology-Lebanon, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Matta Matta
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Center Hospitalier de Melun, 77000 Melun, France
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Department of Social and Education Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Beirut, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib P.O. Box 60096, Lebanon
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (S.H.); Tel.: +962-79-184-5186 (M.S.)
| | - Rabih Hallit
- School of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Infectious Disease, Bellevue Medical Center, Mansourieh, Lebanon
- Department of Infectious Disease, Notre Dame des Secours, University Hospital Center, Byblos, Lebanon
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18
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Thompson KM, Kalkowska DA, Badizadegan K. Looking back at prospective modeling of outbreak response strategies for managing global type 2 oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV2) cessation. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1098419. [PMID: 37033033 PMCID: PMC10080024 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1098419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Detection of poliovirus transmission and ongoing oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) use continue to delay poliomyelitis eradication. In 2016, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) coordinated global cessation of type 2 OPV (OPV2) for preventive immunization and limited its use to emergency outbreak response. In 2019, GPEI partners requested restart of some Sabin OPV2 production and also accelerated the development of a genetically modified novel OPV2 vaccine (nOPV2) that promised greater genetic stability than monovalent Sabin OPV2 (mOPV2). Methods We reviewed integrated risk, economic, and global poliovirus transmission modeling performed before OPV2 cessation, which recommended multiple risk management strategies to increase the chances of successfully ending all transmission of type 2 live polioviruses. Following OPV2 cessation, strategies implemented by countries and the GPEI deviated from model recommended risk management strategies. Complementing other modeling that explores prospective outbreak response options for improving outcomes for the current polio endgame trajectory, in this study we roll back the clock to 2017 and explore counterfactual trajectories that the polio endgame could have followed if GPEI had: (1) managed risks differently after OPV2 cessation and/or (2) developed nOPV2 before and used it exclusively for outbreak response after OPV2 cessation. Results The implementation of the 2016 model-based recommended outbreak response strategies could have ended (and could still substantially improve the probability of ending) type 2 poliovirus transmission. Outbreak response performance observed since 2016 would not have been expected to achieve OPV2 cessation with high confidence, even with the availability of nOPV2 prior to the 2016 OPV2 cessation. Discussion As implemented, the 2016 OPV2 cessation failed to stop type 2 transmission. While nOPV2 offers benefits of lower risk of seeding additional outbreaks, its reduced secondary spread relative to mOPV2 may imply relatively higher coverage needed for nOPV2 than mOPV2 to stop outbreaks.
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Dieng I, Barry MA, Talla C, Sow B, Faye O, Diagne MM, Sene O, Ndiaye O, Diop B, Diagne CT, Fall G, Sall AA, Loucoubar C, Faye O. Analysis of a Dengue Virus Outbreak in Rosso, Senegal 2021. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7120420. [PMID: 36548675 PMCID: PMC9781526 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7120420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Senegal is hyperendemic for dengue. Since 2017, outbreaks have been noticed annually in many regions around the country, marked by the co-circulation of DENV1-3. On 8 October 2021, a Dengue virus outbreak in the Rosso health post (sentinel site of the syndromic surveillance network) located in the north of the country was notified to the WHO Collaborating Center for arboviruses and hemorrhagic fever viruses at Institut Pasteur de Dakar. A multidisciplinary team was then sent for epidemiological and virologic investigations. This study describes the results from investigations during an outbreak in Senegal using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for the combined detection of dengue virus non-structural protein 1 (NS1) and IgM/IgG. For confirmation, samples were also tested by real-time RT-PCR and IgM ELISA at the reference lab in Dakar. qRT-PCR positive samples were subjected to whole genome sequencing using nanopore technology. Virologic analysis scored 102 positives cases (RT-PCR, NS1 antigen detection and/or IgM) out of 173 enrolled patients; interestingly, virus serotyping showed that the outbreak was caused by the DENV-1, a serotype different from DENV-2 involved during the outbreak in Rosso three years earlier, indicating a serotype replacement. Nearly all field-tested NS1 positives samples were confirmed by qRT-PCR with a concordance of 92.3%. Whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of strains suggested a re-introduction in Rosso of a DENV-1 strain different to the one responsible for the outbreak in the Louga area five years before. Findings call for improved dengue virus surveillance in Senegal, with a wide deployment of DENV antigenic tests, which allow easy on-site diagnosis of suspected cases and early detection of outbreaks. This work highlights the need for continuous monitoring of circulating serotypes which is crucial for a better understanding of viral epidemiology around the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idrissa Dieng
- Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses Unit, Virology Department, Institute Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar 220, Senegal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +221-76-1912447
| | - Mamadou Aliou Barry
- Epidemiology, Clinical Research and Data Science Department, Institute Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar 220, Senegal
| | - Cheikh Talla
- Epidemiology, Clinical Research and Data Science Department, Institute Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar 220, Senegal
| | - Bocar Sow
- Epidemiology, Clinical Research and Data Science Department, Institute Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar 220, Senegal
| | - Oumar Faye
- Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses Unit, Virology Department, Institute Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar 220, Senegal
| | - Moussa Moise Diagne
- Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses Unit, Virology Department, Institute Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar 220, Senegal
| | - Ousseynou Sene
- Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses Unit, Virology Department, Institute Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar 220, Senegal
| | - Oumar Ndiaye
- Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses Unit, Virology Department, Institute Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar 220, Senegal
| | - Boly Diop
- Ministry of Health, Direction of Prevention, Dakar 220, Senegal
| | - Cheikh Tidiane Diagne
- Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses Unit, Virology Department, Institute Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar 220, Senegal
- DIATROPIX, Institute Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar 12900, Senegal
| | - Gamou Fall
- Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses Unit, Virology Department, Institute Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar 220, Senegal
| | - Amadou Alpha Sall
- Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses Unit, Virology Department, Institute Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar 220, Senegal
| | - Cheikh Loucoubar
- Epidemiology, Clinical Research and Data Science Department, Institute Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar 220, Senegal
| | - Ousmane Faye
- Arboviruses and Haemorrhagic Fever Viruses Unit, Virology Department, Institute Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar 220, Senegal
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20
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Dokubo EK, Shang JD, N'Dir A, Ndongmo CB, Okpu G, Fadil YM, Takang LE, Angumua C, Lyonga E, Mayer M, Ayukotabe T, Nkwoh TK, Hedje J, Etoundi GA, Njock RL. Building on Capacity Established through US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Global Health Programs to Respond to COVID-19, Cameroon. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:S181-S190. [PMID: 36502395 DOI: 10.3201/eid2813.221193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for resilient health systems with the capacity to effectively detect and respond to disease outbreaks and ensure continuity of health service delivery. The pandemic has disproportionately affected resource-limited settings with inadequate health capacity, resulting in disruptions in health service delivery and worsened outcomes for key health indicators. As part of the US government's goal of ensuring health security, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has used its scientific and technical expertise to build health capacity and address health threats globally. We describe how capacity developed through global health programs of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Cameroon was leveraged to respond to coronavirus disease and maintain health service delivery. The health system strengthening efforts in Cameroon can be applied in similar settings to ensure preparedness for future global public health threats and improve health outcomes.
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21
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Fischer LJ, Rains RC, Brett-Major SM, Senga M, Holden D, Brett-Major DM. Fielding vaccines-challenges and opportunities in outbreaks, complex emergencies, and mass gatherings. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2104500. [PMID: 35930505 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2104500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of vaccine development, distribution, and uptake has come to the forefront of the public eye. Effectively fielding vaccines during an emergency-whether that emergency is a result of an infectious disease or not-requires an understanding of usual vaccine-related processes; the impact of outbreak, complex emergencies, mass gatherings, and other events on patients, communities, and health systems; and ways in which diverse resources can be applied to successfully achieve needed vaccine uptake. In this review, both the emergency setting and briefly vaccine product design are discussed in these contexts in order to provide a concise source of general knowledge from experts in fielding vaccines that can aid in future vaccine ventures and increase general awareness of the process and barriers in various settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Fischer
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Robert C Rains
- ARC Operational Development, Washington, District of Colombia, USA
| | | | - Mikiko Senga
- Department of Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Debra Holden
- Veritas Management Group, Alpharetta, Georgia, USA
| | - David M Brett-Major
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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22
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Pepin KM, Brown VR, Yang A, Beasley JC, Boughton R, VerCauteren KC, Miller RS, Bevins SN. Optimizing response to an introduction of African swine fever in wild pigs. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e3111-e3127. [PMID: 35881004 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
African swine fever virus (ASFv) is a virulent pathogen that threatens domestic swine industries globally and persists in wild boar populations in some countries. Persistence in wild boar can challenge elimination and prevent disease-free status, making it necessary to address wild swine in proactive response plans. In the U.S., invasive wild pigs are abundant and found across a wide range of ecological conditions that could drive different epidemiological dynamics among populations. Information on size of control areas required to rapidly eliminate ASFv in wild pigs and how this area should change with management constraints and local ecology are needed to optimize response planning. We developed a spatially-explicit disease transmission model contrasting wild pig movement and contact ecology in two ecosystems in southeastern U.S. We simulated ASFv spread and determined optimal response area (reported as radius of a circle) for eliminating ASFv rapidly over a range of detection times (when ASFv is detected relative to true date of introduction), culling capacities (proportion of wild pigs in the culling zone removed weekly), and wild pig densities. Large radii for response areas (14 km) were needed under most conditions but could be shortened with early detection (≤ 8 weeks) and high culling capacities (≥ 15% weekly). Under most conditions ASFv was eliminated in less than 22 weeks using optimal control radii, although ecological conditions with high rates of wild pig movement required higher culling capacities (≥ 10% weekly) for elimination within one year. Results highlight the importance of adjusting response plans based on local ecology and show wild pig movement is a better predictor of optimal response area than numbers of ASFv cases early in the outbreak trajectory. Our framework provides a tool for determining optimal control plans in different areas, guiding expectations of response impacts, and planning resources needed for rapid elimination. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim M Pepin
- National Wildlife Research Center, Wildlife Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 4101 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO, 80526
| | - Vienna R Brown
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services, Wildlife Services, National Feral Swine Damage Management Program, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Anni Yang
- National Wildlife Research Center, Wildlife Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 4101 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO, 80526.,Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523, US
| | - James C Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, PO Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina, 29802, US
| | - Raoul Boughton
- Archbold Biological Station's Buck Island Ranch, 300 Buck Island Ranch Road, Lake Placid, FL, 33852, US
| | - Kurt C VerCauteren
- National Wildlife Research Center, Wildlife Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 4101 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO, 80526
| | - Ryan S Miller
- Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 2150 Center Ave., Fort Collins, CO, 80526
| | - Sarah N Bevins
- National Wildlife Research Center, Wildlife Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 4101 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO, 80526
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Tilashalski FP, Sillence EM, Newton AE, Biggerstaff GK. Enhancing Response to Foodborne Disease Outbreaks: Findings of the Foodborne Diseases Centers for Outbreak Response Enhancement (FoodCORE), 2010-2019. J Public Health Manag Pract 2022; 28:E702-E710. [PMID: 34939601 PMCID: PMC11027903 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Each year, foodborne diseases cause an estimated 48 million illnesses resulting in 128000 hospitalizations and 3000 deaths in the United States. Fast and effective outbreak investigations are needed to identify and remove contaminated food from the market to reduce the number of additional illnesses that occur. Many state and local health departments have insufficient resources to identify, respond to, and control the increasing burden of foodborne illnesses. PROGRAM The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foodborne Diseases Centers for Outbreak Response Enhancement (FoodCORE) program provides targeted resources to state and local health departments to improve completeness and timeliness of laboratory, epidemiology, and environmental health activities for foodborne disease surveillance and outbreak response. IMPLEMENTATION In 2009, pilot FoodCORE centers were selected through a competitive application process and then implemented work plans to achieve faster and more complete surveillance and outbreak response activities in their jurisdiction. By 2019, 10 centers participated in FoodCORE: Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, New York City, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin. EVALUATION CDC and FoodCORE centers collaboratively developed performance metrics to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of FoodCORE activities. Centers used performance metrics to document successes, identify gaps, and set goals for their jurisdiction. CDC used performance metrics to evaluate the implementation of FoodCORE priorities and identify successful strategies to develop replicable model practices. This report provides a description of implementing the FoodCORE program during year 1 (October 2010 to September 2011) through year 9 (January 2019 to December 2019). DISCUSSION FoodCORE centers address gaps in foodborne disease response through enhanced capacity to improve timeliness and completeness of surveillance and outbreak response activities. Strategies resulting in faster, more complete surveillance and response are documented as model practices and are shared with state and local foodborne disease programs across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances P Tilashalski
- TJFACT LLC, Atlanta, Georgia (Ms Tilashalski) and Office of Program Support, Coordination, and Implementation, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia (Mss Tilashalski, Sillence, and Newton, and Dr Biggerstaff)
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24
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Park SE, Jeon Y, Kang S, Gedefaw A, Hailu D, Yeshitela B, Edosa M, Getaneh MW, Teferi M. Infectious Disease Control and Management in Ethiopia: A Case Study of Cholera. Front Public Health 2022; 10:870276. [PMID: 35712321 PMCID: PMC9197421 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.870276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholera remains a significant public health problem among the vulnerable populations living in many resource-limited settings with poor access to safe and clean water and hygiene practice. Around 2.86 million cholera cases and 95,000 deaths are estimated to occur in endemic countries. In Ethiopia, cholera has been one of the major epidemic diseases since 1634 when the first cholera outbreak was recorded in-country. Several cholera epidemics occurred with recent outbreaks in 2019–2021. Cholera has been often reported as acute watery diarrhea due to limited diagnostic capacity in remote areas in Ethiopia and sensitivities around cholera outbreaks. The government of Ethiopia has been executing several phases of multi-year health sector development plan in the past decades and has recently developed a national cholera control plan. Here, we aim to present the existing cholera control guidelines and health system in Ethiopia, including case detection and reporting, outbreak declaration, case management, and transmission control. Challenges and way forward on further research and public health interventions are also discussed to address the knowledge and health service gaps related to cholera control in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Eun Park
- Clinical, Assessment, Regulatory, Evaluation (CARE) Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea.,Yonsei University Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yeonji Jeon
- Clinical, Assessment, Regulatory, Evaluation (CARE) Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sunjoo Kang
- Yonsei University Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Abel Gedefaw
- Clinical, Assessment, Regulatory, Evaluation (CARE) Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea.,College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Dejene Hailu
- Clinical, Assessment, Regulatory, Evaluation (CARE) Unit, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea.,School of Public Health, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Biruk Yeshitela
- Bacterial and Viral Disease Research Directorate, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Moti Edosa
- Diseases Surveillance and Response Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mesfin Wossen Getaneh
- Diseases Surveillance and Response Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mekonnen Teferi
- Clinical Trials Directorate, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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25
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Gosling RJ, Davies RH, Brookes SM. Animal and Plant Health Agency Disinfection Webinar, November 2021. J Med Microbiol 2022; 71. [PMID: 35639591 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- R J Gosling
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - R H Davies
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - S M Brookes
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
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26
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Jiang M, Yang C, Kwan PSL, Zhang L, Fan H, Jin Y, Sun L, Chen H, Li B, Chen Q, Wu Y, Guo Y, Shi Y, Liao M, Shi X, Liu J, Jiang L, Cai R, Deng Y, Sun Q, Yang R, Zhang Q, Cui Y, Hu Q. Rapid Multilateral and Integrated Public Health Response to a Cross-City Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis Infections Combining Analytical, Molecular, and Genomic Epidemiological Analysis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:772489. [PMID: 35602015 PMCID: PMC9117964 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.772489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
On September 21, 2019, the Shenzhen and Dongguan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received notification of a large cluster of suspected gastroenteritis involving primarily children who sought medical care at hospitals throughout two adjacent cities in China, Shenzhen, and Dongguan. A joint outbreak response was promptly initiated across jurisdictions in a concerted effort between clinical microbiologists, epidemiologists, and public health scientists. Concurrently, multiplex PCRs were used for rapid laboratory diagnosis of suspected cases; epidemiological investigations were conducted to identify the outbreak source, complemented by near real-time multicenter whole-genome analyses completed within 34 h. Epidemiological evidence indicated that all patients had consumed egg sandwiches served on September 20 as snacks to children and staff at a nursery in Dongguan, located near Shenzhen. Salmonella Enteritidis was isolated from case-patients, food handlers, kitchenware, and sandwiches with kitchen-made mayonnaise. Whole-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a well-supported cluster with pairwise distances of ≤1 SNP between genomes for outbreak-associated isolates, providing the definitive link between all samples. In comparison with historical isolates from the same geographical region, the minimum pairwise distance was >14 SNPs, suggesting a non-local outbreak source. Genomic source tracing revealed the possible transmission dynamics of a S. Enteritidis clone throughout a multi-provincial egg distribution network. The efficiency and scale with which multidisciplinary and integrated approaches were coordinated in this foodborne disease outbreak response was unprecedented in China, leading to the timely intervention of a large cross-jurisdiction Salmonella outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jiang
- Shenzhen Major Infectious Disease Control Key Laboratory, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Shenzhen Major Infectious Disease Control Key Laboratory, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Patrick S L Kwan
- Shenzhen Major Infectious Disease Control Key Laboratory, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Microbiology Laboratory, Dongguan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong, China
| | - Hang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yujuan Jin
- Microbiology Laboratory, Longgang District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lifang Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Baisheng Li
- Microbiology Laboratory, Guangdong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiuxia Chen
- Microbiology Laboratory, Guangdong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong, China
| | - Yarong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanguo Shi
- Division of Biohazard Inspection and Testing, Shenzhen Institute of Quality & Safety Inspection and Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Liao
- Division of Biohazard Inspection and Testing, Shenzhen Institute of Quality & Safety Inspection and Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaolu Shi
- Shenzhen Major Infectious Disease Control Key Laboratory, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianping Liu
- Shenzhen Major Infectious Disease Control Key Laboratory, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lijuan Jiang
- Shenzhen Major Infectious Disease Control Key Laboratory, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Cai
- Shenzhen Major Infectious Disease Control Key Laboratory, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinhua Deng
- Shenzhen Major Infectious Disease Control Key Laboratory, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruifu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaoli Zhang
- Microbiology Laboratory, Dongguan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong, China
| | - Yujun Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Qinghua Hu
- Shenzhen Major Infectious Disease Control Key Laboratory, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
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27
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Pearson CAB, Edmunds WJ, Hladish TJ, Eggo RM. Potential test-negative design study bias in outbreak settings: application to Ebola vaccination in Democratic Republic of Congo. Int J Epidemiol 2022; 51:265-278. [PMID: 34458913 PMCID: PMC8855996 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyab172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious disease outbreaks present unique challenges to study designs for vaccine evaluation. Test-negative design (TND) studies have previously been used to estimate vaccine effectiveness and have been proposed for Ebola virus disease (EVD) vaccines. However, there are key differences in how cases and controls are recruited during outbreaks and pandemics of novel pathogens, whcih have implications for the reliability of effectiveness estimates using this design. METHODS We use a modelling approach to quantify TND bias for a prophylactic vaccine under varying study and epidemiological scenarios. Our model accounts for heterogeneity in vaccine distribution and for two potential routes to testing and recruitment into the study: self-reporting and contact-tracing. We derive conventional and hybrid TND estimators for this model and suggest ways to translate public health response data into the parameters of the model. RESULTS Using a conventional TND study, our model finds biases in vaccine effectiveness estimates. Bias arises due to differential recruitment from self-reporting and contact-tracing, and due to clustering of vaccination. We estimate the degree of bias when recruitment route is not available, and propose a study design to eliminate the bias if recruitment route is recorded. CONCLUSIONS Hybrid TND studies can resolve the design bias with conventional TND studies applied to outbreak and pandemic response testing data, if those efforts collect individuals' routes to testing. Without route to testing, other epidemiological data will be required to estimate the magnitude of potential bias in a conventional TND study. Since these studies may need to be conducted retrospectively, public health responses should obtain these data, and generic protocols for outbreak and pandemic response studies should emphasize the need to record routes to testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl A B Pearson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - W John Edmunds
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J Hladish
- Department of Biology & Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States
| | - Rosalind M Eggo
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Ledesma D, Maroofi H, Sabin S, Dennehy TJ, Truong JM, Meyer LG, Salik M, Scott S, White JR, Collins J, Mrukowicz C, Charifson M, Shafer MS, Jehn M. Design and Implementation of a COVID-19 Case Investigation Program: An Academic-Public Health Partnership, Arizona, 2020. Public Health Rep 2022; 137:213-219. [PMID: 35060793 DOI: 10.1177/00333549211068495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
From May through July 2020, Arizona was a global hotspot for new COVID-19 cases. In response to the surge of cases, local public health departments looked for innovative ways to form external partnerships to address their staffing needs. In collaboration with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, the Arizona State University Student Outbreak Response Team (SORT) created and implemented a virtual call center to conduct public health case investigations for COVID-19. SORT officially launched a dedicated COVID-19 case investigation program after 3 weeks of program design and training. From June 29 through November 8, 2020, SORT recruited and trained 218 case investigators, completed 5000 case patient interviews, and closed 10 000 cases. Our team also developed process improvements to address disparities in case investigation timeliness. A strong infrastructure designed to accommodate remote case investigations, paired with a large workforce, enabled SORT to provide additional surge capacity for the county's high volume of cases. University-driven multidisciplinary case investigator teams working in partnership with state, tribal, and local public health staff members can be an effective tool for supporting a diverse and growing public health workforce. We discuss the essential design factors involved in building a university program to complement local COVID-19 response efforts, including workflows for case management, volunteer case investigator recruitment and training, secure technology platforms for conducting case investigations remotely, and robust data-tracking procedures for maintaining quality control and timely case reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ledesma
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.,Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hanna Maroofi
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.,Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Susanna Sabin
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Timothy J Dennehy
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jasmine M Truong
- Health and Clinical Partnerships, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Laura G Meyer
- School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - McMillan Salik
- School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Sarah Scott
- Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jessica R White
- Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | | | - Mia Charifson
- Vilcek Institute of Biomedical Graduate Studies, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Megan Jehn
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Silenou BC, Nyirenda JLZ, Zaghloul A, Lange B, Doerrbecker J, Schenkel K, Krause G. Availability and Suitability of Digital Health Tools in Africa for Pandemic Control: Scoping Review and Cluster Analysis. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021; 7:e30106. [PMID: 34941551 PMCID: PMC8738990 DOI: 10.2196/30106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gaining oversight into the rapidly growing number of mobile health tools for surveillance or outbreak management in Africa has become a challenge. Objective The aim of this study is to map the functional portfolio of mobile health tools used for surveillance or outbreak management of communicable diseases in Africa. Methods We conducted a scoping review by combining data from a systematic review of the literature and a telephone survey of experts. We applied the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines by searching for articles published between January 2010 and December 2020. In addition, we used the respondent-driven sampling method and conducted a telephone survey from October 2019 to February 2020 among representatives from national public health institutes from all African countries. We combined the findings and used a hierarchical clustering method to group the tools based on their functionalities (attributes). Results We identified 30 tools from 1914 publications and 45 responses from 52% (28/54) of African countries. Approximately 13% of the tools (4/30; Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System, Go.Data, CommCare, and District Health Information Software 2) covered 93% (14/15) of the identified attributes. Of the 30 tools, 17 (59%) tools managed health event data, 20 (67%) managed case-based data, and 28 (97%) offered a dashboard. Clustering identified 2 exceptional attributes for outbreak management, namely contact follow-up (offered by 8/30, 27%, of the tools) and transmission network visualization (offered by Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System and Go.Data). Conclusions There is a large range of tools in use; however, most of them do not offer a comprehensive set of attributes, resulting in the need for public health workers having to use multiple tools in parallel. Only 13% (4/30) of the tools cover most of the attributes, including those most relevant for response to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as laboratory interface, contact follow-up, and transmission network visualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard C Silenou
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.,PhD Programme Epidemiology, Braunschweig-Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - John L Z Nyirenda
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Freiburg, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ahmed Zaghloul
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Berit Lange
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Juliane Doerrbecker
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Gérard Krause
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
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30
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Raftery P, Hossain M, Palmer J. A Conceptual Framework for Analysing Partnership and Synergy in a Global Health Alliance: Case of the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST). Health Policy Plan 2021; 37:322-336. [PMID: 34919688 PMCID: PMC9383178 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czab150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Partnerships have become increasingly important in addressing complex global health challenges, a reality exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and previous infectious disease epidemics. Partnerships offer opportunities to create synergistic outcomes by capitalizing on complimentary skills, knowledge and resources. Despite the importance of understanding partnership functioning, research on collaboration is sparse and fragmented, with few conceptual frameworks applied to evaluate real-life partnerships in global health. In this study, we aimed to adapt and apply the Bergan Model of Collaborative Functioning (BMCF) to analyse partnership functioning in the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST), a government–academic partnership, dedicated to outbreak response and research in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a literature review identifying important elements to adapt the framework, followed by a qualitative case study to characterize how each element, and the dynamics between them, influenced functioning in the UK-PHRST, exploring emerging themes to further refine the framework. Elements of the BMCF that our study reinforced as important included the partnership’s mission, partner resources (skills, expertise and networks), leadership, the external environment, management systems and communication. Additional elements identified in the literature and critical to partnership functioning of the UK-PHRST included governance and financial structures adopted, trust and power balance, organizational culture, strategy and evaluation and knowledge management. Because of the way the UK-PHRST was structured, fostering team cohesion was an important indicator of synergy, alongside collaborative advantage. Dividing the funding and governance equally between organizations was considered crucial for maintaining institutional balance; however, diverse organizational cultures, weak communication practices and perceived power imbalances compromised team cohesion. Our analysis allowed us to make recommendations to improve partnership functioning at a critical time in the evolution of the UK-PHRST. The analysis approach and framework presented here can be used to evaluate and strengthen the management of global health partnerships to realize synergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philomena Raftery
- Department of Global Health & Development and Health in Humanitarian Crises Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK
| | - Mazeda Hossain
- Department of Global Health & Development and Health in Humanitarian Crises Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK.,Centre for Women, Peace & Security, London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Palmer
- Department of Global Health & Development and Health in Humanitarian Crises Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK
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31
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Ilesanmi OS, Chirico F, Afolabi AA, Nucera G. Coping with the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: implications for an improved outbreak response. Future Virol 2021:10.2217/fvl-2021-0184. [PMID: 35069774 PMCID: PMC8764879 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has commenced. To avert increase in cases and avert preventable deaths, community engagement strategies such as the promotion of vaccination, voluntary testing and debunking of COVID-19-related rumors need to be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi
- 1Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria,2Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria,Author for correspondence:
| | - Francesco Chirico
- 3Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Nucera
- 4Department of Medicine, ASST Fatebenefratelli & Sacco. Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Emergency Unit, Milan, Italy
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32
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Cataldi JR, O'Leary ST, Marlow MA, Beaty BL, Hurley LP, Crane LA, Brtnikova M, Gorman C, Pham HT, Lindley MC, Kempe A. Pediatricians' Knowledge and Practices Related to Mumps Diagnosis and Prevention. J Pediatr 2021; 239:81-88.e2. [PMID: 34453916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess pediatricians' mumps knowledge and testing practices, to identify physician and practice characteristics associated with mumps testing practices, and to assess reporting and outbreak response knowledge and practices. STUDY DESIGN Between January and April 2020, we surveyed a nationally representative network of pediatricians. Descriptive statistics were generated for all items. The χ2 test, t tests, and Poisson regression were used to compare physician and practice characteristics between respondents who would rarely or never versus sometimes or often/always test for mumps in a vaccinated 17-year-old with parotitis in a non-outbreak setting. RESULTS The response rate was 67% (297 of 444). For knowledge, more than one-half of the pediatricians responded incorrectly or "don't know" for 6 of the 9 true/false statements about mumps epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention, and more than one-half reported needing additional guidance on mumps buccal swab testing. For testing practices, 59% of respondents reported they would sometimes (35%) or often/always (24%) test for mumps in a vaccinated 17-year-old with parotitis in a non-outbreak setting; older physicians, rural physicians, and physicians from the Northeast or Midwest were more likely to test for mumps. Thirty-six percent of the pediatricians reported they would often/always report a patient with suspected mumps to public health authorities. CONCLUSIONS Pediatricians report mumps knowledge gaps and practices that do not align with public health recommendations. These gaps may lead to underdiagnosis and underreporting of mumps cases, delaying public health response measures and contributing to ongoing disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Cataldi
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO.
| | - Sean T O'Leary
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Mariel A Marlow
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Brenda L Beaty
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Laura P Hurley
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO; Division of General Internal Medicine, Denver Health, Denver, CO
| | - Lori A Crane
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO; Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Michaela Brtnikova
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Carol Gorman
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Huong T Pham
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Megan C Lindley
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Allison Kempe
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
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33
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Presser LD, Coffin J, Koivogui L, Campbell A, Campbell J, Barrie F, Ngobeh J, Souma Z, Sorie S, Harding D, Camara A, Tohonamou P, Traore B, Hamill FA, Bogan J, Altmann S, Ross C, Mansheim J, Hegerty R, Poynter S, Shearrer S, Asbun C, Karlstrand B, Davis P, Alam J, Roberts D, Stamper PD, Ndjomou J, Wauquier N, Koroma M, Munu A, McClintock J, Mar M, Burns T, Krcha S. The deployment of mobile diagnostic laboratories for Ebola virus disease diagnostics in Sierra Leone and Guinea. Afr J Lab Med 2021; 10:1414. [PMID: 34858796 PMCID: PMC8603149 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v10i1.1414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ebola virus emerged in West Africa in December 2013. The ease of mobility, porous borders, and lack of public health infrastructure led to the largest Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak to date. INTERVENTION The 2013 EVD outbreak signalled the need for laboratory diagnostic capabilities in areas without strong public health systems. As part of the United States' Department of Defense response, MRIGlobal was contracted to design, fabricate, equip, deploy, and operate two mobile diagnostic laboratories (MDLs). The first laboratory analysed blood samples from patients in an adjacent Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC) and buccal swabs from the deceased in the community in Moyamba, Sierra Leone. The second laboratory was deployed to support an ETC in Conakry, Guinea. The Department of Defense provided real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays that were deployed and validated on-site. LESSONS LEARNT Prompt and accurate molecular diagnostics reduced sample turn-around times from over 24 h to under 4 h. Experienced laboratory staff tested up to 110 samples per day and on-site engineering proved necessary for MDL setup and operation. As the Ebola response slowed, the sustainment of the MDLs' operations was prioritised, including staff training and the transition of the MDLs to local governments. Training programmes for local staff were prepared in Sierra Leone and Guinea. RECOMMENDATIONS The MRIGlobal MDL team significantly contributed to establishing increased laboratory capacity during the EVD outbreak in West Africa. Using the MDLs for molecular diagnosis is highly recommended until more sustainable solutions can be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance D Presser
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Jeanette Coffin
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Lamine Koivogui
- Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Infectiologie de Guinée, Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Allan Campbell
- Central Public Health Reference Laboratory, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Julian Campbell
- Central Public Health Reference Laboratory, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Fatmata Barrie
- Central Public Health Reference Laboratory, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Jone Ngobeh
- Central Public Health Reference Laboratory, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Zein Souma
- Central Public Health Reference Laboratory, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Samuel Sorie
- Central Public Health Reference Laboratory, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Doris Harding
- Central Public Health Reference Laboratory, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Alimou Camara
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Conakry, Guinea
| | | | - Basala Traore
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Frank A Hamill
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Joe Bogan
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Sharon Altmann
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Casey Ross
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Jay Mansheim
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Robert Hegerty
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Scott Poynter
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Scott Shearrer
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Carmen Asbun
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Brendan Karlstrand
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Phil Davis
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Jane Alam
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - David Roberts
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Paul D Stamper
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Jean Ndjomou
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Nadia Wauquier
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Mohamed Koroma
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Alhaji Munu
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Jason McClintock
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Mar Mar
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - True Burns
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Stephen Krcha
- Global Engagement Program, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
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Board A, Alpren C, Hernandez B, Murray A, Dawson EL, Drumhiller K, Burrage A, Jaeger JL, Buchacz K, Klevens RM, Agnew-Brune C. A qualitative study of injection and sexual risk behavior among unstably housed people who inject drugs in the context of an HIV outbreak in Northeast Massachusetts, 2018. Int J Drug Policy 2021; 95:103368. [PMID: 34390967 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the underlying causes of a sudden increase in HIV among people who inject drugs (PWID) and initiate an appropriate response to the outbreak, we engaged in in-depth qualitative interviews with members of the PWID community in Lawrence and Lowell, Massachusetts. METHODS We interviewed 34 PWID who were currently or recently unstably housed, then transcribed interviews and coded transcripts, grouping codes into categories from which we identified key themes. RESULTS Participants described a heightened threat of overdose prompting PWID to inject together, increasing opportunities for sharing injection equipment. There were misunderstandings about safe injection practices to prevent HIV transmission and a low threshold for injection-related risk taking. Stigma regarding HIV prevented conversations about HIV status. Less thought was given to sexual risks than injection-related risks for HIV transmission. CONCLUSIONS We found multiple facilitators of HIV transmission. Additional HIV education and prevention interventions focusing on both injection and sexual risk practices would benefit this population, in addition to structural interventions such as increased access and availability of syringe service programs.
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35
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Goulolo ND, Bugoro H, Whittaker M, Larkins S, Harrington H, Carlisle K, MacLaren D, Evans R. Perspectives of Nurses About Factors Affecting Quality of Care at the Solomon Islands National Referral Hospital During the 2016-2017 Dengue Outbreak: A Qualitative Study. Asia Pac J Public Health 2021; 33:761-766. [PMID: 34334032 DOI: 10.1177/10105395211036266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
During the 2016-2017 Solomon Islands dengue outbreak, the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara was the epicenter for the national response. High-quality nursing care is critical for successful management and this study investigated the factors affecting the quality of nursing care for patients admitted to NRH with dengue. Data were collected using 2 methods: (a) Focus group discussions with nurses who cared for dengue patients and (b) a self-administered questionnaire completed by a senior manager. Analysis of qualitative data using a thematic technique found 2 key factors affected care: (a) training on protocols and guidelines for clinical management and (b) planning and preparedness of NRH. Quality of care was influenced by lack of basic equipment, transport provided for nursing staff to attend shifts, and confusion between allowances for regular salaried staff and extra staff assisting with the outbreak. Specific attention is needed in future outbreaks to ensure staff understand protocols, follow guidelines, and that adequate equipment is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hugo Bugoro
- Solomon Islands National University, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | | | - Sarah Larkins
- James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Humpress Harrington
- James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,Atoifi College of Nursing, East Kwaio, Malaita Province, Solomon Islands
| | - Karen Carlisle
- James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - David MacLaren
- James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rebecca Evans
- James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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36
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Furukawa NW, Blau EF, Reau Z, Carlson D, Raney ZD, Johnson TK, Deputy NP, Sami S, McClung RP, Neblett-Fanfair R, de Fijter S, Ingram T, Thoroughman D, Vogel S, Lyss SB. Missed Opportunities for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Testing During Injection Drug Use-Related Healthcare Encounters Among a Cohort of Persons Who Inject Drugs With HIV Diagnosed During an Outbreak-Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, 2017-2018. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:1961-1967. [PMID: 32748940 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons who inject drugs (PWID) have frequent healthcare encounters related to their injection drug use (IDU) but are often not tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We sought to quantify missed opportunities for HIV testing during an HIV outbreak among PWID. METHODS PWID with HIV diagnosed in 5 Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky counties during January 2017-September 2018 who had ≥1 encounter 12 months prior to HIV diagnosis in 1 of 2 Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area healthcare systems were included in the analysis. HIV testing and encounter data were abstracted from electronic health records. A missed opportunity for HIV testing was defined as an encounter for an IDU-related condition where an HIV test was not performed and had not been performed in the prior 12 months. RESULTS Among 109 PWID with HIV diagnosed who had ≥1 healthcare encounter, 75 (68.8%) had ≥1 IDU-related encounters in the 12 months before HIV diagnosis. These 75 PWID had 169 IDU-related encounters of which 86 (50.9%) were missed opportunities for HIV testing and occurred among 46 (42.2%) PWID. Most IDU-related encounters occurred in the emergency department (118/169; 69.8%). Using multivariable generalized estimating equations, HIV testing was more likely in inpatient compared with emergency department encounters (adjusted relative risk [RR], 2.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.70-4.33) and at the healthcare system receiving funding for emergency department HIV testing (adjusted RR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.10-2.82). CONCLUSIONS PWID have frequent IDU-related encounters in emergency departments. Enhanced HIV screening of PWID in these settings can facilitate earlier diagnosis and improve outbreak response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan W Furukawa
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Epidemic Intelligence Service, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Erin F Blau
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Rockville, Maryland, USA.,Kentucky Department for Public Health, Frankfort, Kentucky, USA
| | - Zach Reau
- Ohio Department of Health, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - David Carlson
- Hamilton County Public Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Zachary D Raney
- Northern Kentucky Health Department, Florence, Kentucky, USA
| | - Tisha K Johnson
- Kentucky Department for Public Health, Frankfort, Kentucky, USA
| | - Nicholas P Deputy
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Rockville, Maryland, USA.,Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Samira Sami
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Epidemic Intelligence Service, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Robert P McClung
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Robyn Neblett-Fanfair
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Tim Ingram
- Hamilton County Public Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Doug Thoroughman
- US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Rockville, Maryland, USA.,Kentucky Department for Public Health, Frankfort, Kentucky, USA.,Career Epidemiology Field Officer Program, Center for Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Stephanie Vogel
- Northern Kentucky Health Department, Florence, Kentucky, USA
| | - Sheryl B Lyss
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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Impouma B, Roelens M, Williams GS, Flahault A, Codeço CT, Moussana F, Farham B, Hamblion EL, Mboussou F, Keiser O. Measuring Timeliness of Outbreak Response in the World Health Organization African Region, 2017-2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:2555-2564. [PMID: 33079032 PMCID: PMC7588517 DOI: 10.3201/eid2611.191766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Large-scale protracted outbreaks can be prevented through early detection, notification, and rapid control. We assessed trends in timeliness of detecting and responding to outbreaks in the African Region reported to the World Health Organization during 2017–2019. We computed the median time to each outbreak milestone and assessed the rates of change over time using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. We selected 296 outbreaks from 348 public reported health events and evaluated 184 for time to detection, 232 for time to notification, and 201 for time to end. Time to detection and end decreased over time, whereas time to notification increased. Multiple factors can account for these findings, including scaling up support to member states after the World Health Organization established its Health Emergencies Programme and support given to countries from donors and partners to strengthen their core capacities for meeting International Health Regulations.
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Escobar DJ, Lanzi M, Saberi P, Love R, Linkin DR, Kelly JJ, Jhala D, Amorosa V, Hofmann M, Doyon JB. Mitigation of a Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak in a Nursing Home Through Serial Testing of Residents and Staff. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:e394-e396. [PMID: 32687198 PMCID: PMC7454414 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nursing homes and long-term care facilities represent highly vulnerable environments for respiratory disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19. We describe a COVID-19 outbreak in a nursing home that was rapidly contained by using a universal testing strategy of all residents and nursing home staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Escobar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Corresponding author: Daniel J. Escobar, M.D,
| | - Maria Lanzi
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Pouné Saberi
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ruby Love
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Darren R Linkin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - John J Kelly
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Darshana Jhala
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Valerianna Amorosa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Mary Hofmann
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jeffrey B Doyon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
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39
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Kalkowska DA, Pallansch MA, Cochi SL, Thompson KM. Updated characterization of poliovirus transmission in Pakistan and Afghanistan and the impacts of different outbreak response vaccine options. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:1529-1538. [PMID: 33885734 PMCID: PMC8083227 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only reservoirs of wild poliovirus transmission. Prior modeling suggested that before the COVID-19 pandemic, plans to stop the transmission of serotype 1 wild poliovirus (WPV1) and persistent serotype 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) did not appear on track to succeed. Methods We updated an existing poliovirus transmission and Sabin-strain oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) evolution model for Pakistan and Afghanistan to characterize the impacts of immunization disruptions and restrictions on human interactions (i.e., population mixing) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also consider different options for responding to outbreaks and for preventive supplementary immunization activities (SIAs). Results The modeling suggests that with some resumption of activities in the fall of 2020 to respond to cVDPV2 outbreaks and full resumption on January 1, 2021 of all polio immunization activities to pre-COVID-19 levels, Pakistan and Afghanistan would remain off-track for stopping all transmission through 2023 without improvements in quality. Conclusions Using trivalent OPV (tOPV) for SIAs instead of serotype 2 monovalent OPV (mOPV2) offers substantial benefits for ending the transmission of both WPV1 and cVDPV2, because tOPV increases population immunity for both serotypes 1 and 2 while requiring fewer SIA rounds, when effectively delivered in transmission areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark A Pallansch
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephen L Cochi
- Global Immunization Division, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kimberly M Thompson
- Kid Risk, Inc., Orlando, FL, USA
- Please address correspondence to: Dr. Kimberly Thompson, Kid Risk, Inc., 7512 Dr. Phillips Blvd. #50-523, Orlando, FL 32819, USA,
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40
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Lyss SB, Buchacz K, McClung RP, Asher A, Oster AM. Responding to Outbreaks of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Among Persons Who Inject Drugs-United States, 2016-2019: Perspectives on Recent Experience and Lessons Learned. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:S239-S249. [PMID: 32877545 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2015, a large human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outbreak occurred among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in Indiana. During 2016-2019, additional outbreaks among PWID occurred across the United States. Based on information disseminated by responding health departments and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) involvement, we offer perspectives about characteristics of and public health responses to 6 such outbreaks. Across outbreaks, injection of opioids (including fentanyl) or methamphetamine predominated; many PWID concurrently used opioids and methamphetamine or cocaine. Commonalities included homelessness or unstable housing, previous incarceration, and hepatitis C virus exposure. All outbreaks occurred in metropolitan areas, including some with substantial harm reduction and medical programs targeted to PWID. Health departments experienced challenges locating case patients and contacts, linking and retaining persons in care, building support to strengthen harm-reduction programs, and leveraging resources. Expanding the concept of vulnerability to HIV outbreaks and other lessons learned can be considered for preventing, detecting, and responding to future outbreaks among PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl B Lyss
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,US Public Health Service, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kate Buchacz
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - R Paul McClung
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,US Public Health Service, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Alice Asher
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Alexandra M Oster
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,US Public Health Service, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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41
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Labuda SM, McDaniel CJ, Talwar A, Braumuller A, Parker S, McGaha S, Blissett C, Wortham JM, Mukasa L, Stewart RJ. Tuberculosis Outbreak Associated With Delayed Diagnosis and Long Infectious Periods in Rural Arkansas, 2010-2018. Public Health Rep 2021; 137:94-101. [PMID: 33729050 PMCID: PMC8721759 DOI: 10.1177/0033354921999167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES During 2010-2018, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 21 genotype-matched cases of tuberculosis (TB) among residents of a rural county in Arkansas with a low incidence of TB and in nearby counties. The Arkansas Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigated to determine the extent of TB transmission and provide recommendations for TB control. METHODS We reviewed medical and public health records, interviewed patients, and reviewed patients' social media posts to describe patient characteristics, identify epidemiologic links, and establish likely chains of transmission. RESULTS We identified 21 cases; 11 reported during 2010-2013 and 10 during 2016-2018. All case patients were US-born non-Hispanic Black people. Eighteen case patients had the outbreak genotype, and 3 clinically diagnosed (non-culture-confirmed) case patients had epidemiologic links to patients with the outbreak genotype. Social media reviews revealed epidemiologic links among 10 case patients not previously disclosed during interviews. Eight case patients (38%) had ≥1 health care visit during their infectious period, and 7 patients had estimated infectious periods of >12 months. CONCLUSIONS Delayed diagnoses and prolonged infectiousness led to TB transmission in this rural community. TB education and awareness is critical to reducing transmission, morbidity, and mortality, especially in areas where health care providers have limited TB experience. Use of social media can help elucidate people at risk, especially when traditional TB investigation techniques are insufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Labuda
- Arkansas Department of Health, Little Rock, AR, USA,Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA,Sarah M. Labuda, MD, MPH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Embassy, Rua Houari Boumedienne, #32, Miramar, Luanda, Angola.
| | - Clinton J. McDaniel
- Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amish Talwar
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA,Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anthwan Braumuller
- Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah Parker
- Arkansas Department of Health, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | | | | | - Jonathan M. Wortham
- Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Rebekah J. Stewart
- Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Furukawa NW, Weimer M, Willenburg KS, Kilkenny ME, Atkins AD, Paul McClung R, Hansen Z, Napier K, Handanagic S, Carnes NA, Kemp Rinderle J, Neblett-Fanfair R, Oster AM, Smith DK. Expansion of Preexposure Prophylaxis Capacity in Response to an HIV Outbreak Among People Who Inject Drugs-Cabell County, West Virginia, 2019. Public Health Rep 2021; 137:25-31. [PMID: 33646890 PMCID: PMC8721767 DOI: 10.1177/0033354921994202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
From January 1, 2018, through October 9, 2019, 82 HIV diagnoses occurred among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Cabell County, West Virginia. Increasing the use of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among PWID was one of the goals of a joint federal, state, and local response to this HIV outbreak. Through partnerships with the local health department, a federally qualified health center, and an academic medical system, we integrated PrEP into medication-assisted treatment, syringe services program, and primary health care settings. During the initial PrEP implementation period (April 18-May 17, 2019), 110 health care providers and administrators received PrEP training, the number of clinics offering PrEP increased from 2 to 15, and PrEP referrals were integrated with partner services, outreach, and testing activities. The number of people on PrEP increased from 15 in the 6 months before PrEP expansion to 127 in the 6 months after PrEP implementation. Lessons learned included the importance of implementing PrEP within existing health care services, integrating PrEP with other HIV prevention response activities, adapting training and material to fit the local context, and customizing care to meet the needs of PWID. The delivery of PrEP to PWID is challenging but complements other HIV prevention interventions. The expansion of PrEP in response to this HIV outbreak in Cabell County provides a framework for expanding PrEP in other outbreak and non-outbreak settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan W. Furukawa
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA,Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA,Nathan W. Furukawa, MD, MPH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS US8-4, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | | | - Kara S. Willenburg
- Department of Internal Medicine—Infectious Disease, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WV, USA
| | | | - Amy D. Atkins
- West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, Charleston, WV, USA
| | - R. Paul McClung
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Senad Handanagic
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Neal A. Carnes
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Kemp Rinderle
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robyn Neblett-Fanfair
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexandra M. Oster
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dawn K. Smith
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Kalkowska DA, Pallansch MA, Wilkinson A, Bandyopadhyay AS, Konopka-Anstadt JL, Burns CC, Oberste MS, Wassilak SGF, Badizadegan K, Thompson KM. Updated Characterization of Outbreak Response Strategies for 2019-2029: Impacts of Using a Novel Type 2 Oral Poliovirus Vaccine Strain. Risk Anal 2021; 41:329-348. [PMID: 33174263 PMCID: PMC7887065 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Delays in achieving the global eradication of wild poliovirus transmission continue to postpone subsequent cessation of all oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) use. Countries must stop OPV use to end all cases of poliomyelitis, including vaccine-associated paralytic polio (VAPP) and cases caused by vaccine-derived polioviruses (VDPVs). The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) coordinated global cessation of all type 2 OPV (OPV2) use in routine immunization in 2016 but did not successfully end the transmission of type 2 VDPVs (VDPV2s), and consequently continues to use type 2 OPV (OPV2) for outbreak response activities. Using an updated global poliovirus transmission and OPV evolution model, we characterize outbreak response options for 2019-2029 related to responding to VDPV2 outbreaks with a genetically stabilized novel OPV (nOPV2) strain or with the currently licensed monovalent OPV2 (mOPV2). Given uncertainties about the properties of nOPV2, we model different assumptions that appear consistent with the evidence on nOPV2 to date. Using nOPV2 to respond to detected cases may reduce the expected VDPV and VAPP cases and the risk of needing to restart OPV2 use in routine immunization compared to mOPV2 use for outbreak response. The actual properties, availability, and use of nOPV2 will determine its effects on type 2 poliovirus transmission in populations. Even with optimal nOPV2 performance, countries and the GPEI would still likely need to restart OPV2 use in routine immunization in OPV-using countries if operational improvements in outbreak response to stop the transmission of cVDPV2s are not implemented effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark A. Pallansch
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amanda Wilkinson
- Global Immunization Division, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Jennifer L. Konopka-Anstadt
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cara C. Burns
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M. Steven Oberste
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Steven G. F. Wassilak
- Global Immunization Division, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Kimberly M. Thompson
- Kid Risk, Inc., Orlando, FL, USA
- Correspondence to: Kimberly Thompson, Kid Risk, Inc., 7512 Dr. Phillips Blvd. #50-523, Orlando, FL 32819, USA,
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Evans MV, Garchitorena A, Rakotonanahary RJL, Drake JM, Andriamihaja B, Rajaonarifara E, Ngonghala CN, Roche B, Bonds MH, Rakotonirina J. Reconciling model predictions with low reported cases of COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa: insights from Madagascar. Glob Health Action 2020; 13:1816044. [PMID: 33012269 PMCID: PMC7580764 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2020.1816044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has wreaked havoc globally with particular concerns for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where models suggest that the majority of the population will become infected. Conventional wisdom suggests that the continent will bear a higher burden of COVID-19 for the same reasons it suffers from other infectious diseases: ecology, socio-economic conditions, lack of water and sanitation infrastructure, and weak health systems. However, so far SSA has reported lower incidence and fatalities compared to the predictions of standard models and the experience of other regions of the world. There are three leading explanations, each with different implications for the final epidemic burden: (1) low case detection, (2) differences in epidemiology (e.g. low R 0 ), and (3) policy interventions. The low number of cases have led some SSA governments to relaxing these policy interventions. Will this result in a resurgence of cases? To understand how to interpret the lower-than-expected COVID-19 case data in Madagascar, we use a simple age-structured model to explore each of these explanations and predict the epidemic impact associated with them. We show that the incidence of COVID-19 cases as of July 2020 can be explained by any combination of the late introduction of first imported cases, early implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), and low case detection rates. We then re-evaluate these findings in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic in Madagascar through August 2020. This analysis reinforces that Madagascar, along with other countries in SSA, remains at risk of a growing health crisis. If NPIs remain enforced, up to 50,000 lives may be saved. Even with NPIs, without vaccines and new therapies, COVID-19 could infect up to 30% of the population, making it the largest public health threat in Madagascar for the coming year, hence the importance of clinical trials and continually improving access to healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle V. Evans
- Odum School of Ecology and Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Andres Garchitorena
- MIVEGEC, Ecole Pierre Louis de Santé Publique, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
- PIVOT, Ranomafana, Madagascar
| | | | - John M. Drake
- Odum School of Ecology and Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Benjamin Andriamihaja
- PIVOT, Ranomafana, Madagascar
- Madagascar Institut pour la Conservation des Ecosystèmes Tropicaux, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Elinambinina Rajaonarifara
- MIVEGEC, Ecole Pierre Louis de Santé Publique, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
- PIVOT, Ranomafana, Madagascar
- Sorbonne Universite, Paris, France
| | - Calistus N. Ngonghala
- Department of Mathematics and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Benjamin Roche
- MIVEGEC, Ecole Pierre Louis de Santé Publique, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
- IRD, Sorbonne Université, UMMISCO, Bondy, France
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Matthew H. Bonds
- PIVOT, Ranomafana, Madagascar
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julio Rakotonirina
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
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Jordan A, Sadler RJ, Sawford K, van Andel M, Ward M, Cowled B. Mycoplasma bovis outbreak in New Zealand cattle: An assessment of transmission trends using surveillance data. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:3381-3395. [PMID: 33259697 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Mycoplasma bovis most likely infected New Zealand cattle in the latter half of 2015. Infection was detected in mid-2017 after which control activities were implemented. An official eradication programme commenced in mid-2018, which is ongoing. We examined farm-level tracing and surveillance data to describe the outbreak, analyse transmission trends and make inference on progress towards eradication. Results indicate that cattle movements were the primary means of spread. Although case farms were distributed throughout both islands of New Zealand, most animal movements off infected farms did not result in newly infected farms, indicating Mycoplasma bovis is not highly transmissible between farms. To describe and analyse outbreak trends, we undertook a standard descriptive outbreak investigation, including construction of an epidemic curve and calculation of estimated dissemination ratios. We then employed three empirical models-a non-linear growth model, time series model and branching process model based on time-varying effective reproduction numbers-to further analyse transmission trends and provide short-term forecasts of farm-level incidence. Our analyses suggest that Mycoplasma bovis transmission in New Zealand has declined and progress towards eradication has been made. Few incident cases were forecast for the period between 8 September and 17 December 2019. To date, no case farms with an estimated infection date assigned to this period have been detected; however, case detection is ongoing, and these results need to be interpreted cautiously considering model validation and other important contextual information on performance of the eradication programme, such as the time between infection, detection and implementation of movement controls on case farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- AshleyG Jordan
- Ausvet Pty Ltd, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Kate Sawford
- Ministry for Primary Industries (New Zealand), Wellington, New Zealand.,Kate Sawford Epidemiological Consulting, Braidwood, NSW, Australia
| | - Mary van Andel
- Ministry for Primary Industries (New Zealand), Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Michael Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - BrendanD Cowled
- Ausvet Pty Ltd, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Saurabh S, Verma MK, Gautam V, Kumar N, Goel AD, Gupta MK, Bhardwaj P, Misra S. Transmission Dynamics of the COVID-19 Epidemic at the District Level in India: Prospective Observational Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2020; 6:e22678. [PMID: 33001839 PMCID: PMC7572116 DOI: 10.2196/22678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND On March 9, 2020, the first COVID-19 case was reported in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, in the northwestern part of India. Understanding the epidemiology of COVID-19 at a local level is becoming increasingly important to guide measures to control the pandemic. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to estimate the serial interval and basic reproduction number (R0) to understand the transmission dynamics of the COVID-19 outbreak at a district level. We used standard mathematical modeling approaches to assess the utility of these factors in determining the effectiveness of COVID-19 responses and projecting the size of the epidemic. METHODS Contact tracing of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 was performed to obtain the serial intervals. The median and 95th percentile values of the SARS-CoV-2 serial interval were obtained from the best fits with the weibull, log-normal, log-logistic, gamma, and generalized gamma distributions. Aggregate and instantaneous R0 values were derived with different methods using the EarlyR and EpiEstim packages in R software. RESULTS The median and 95th percentile values of the serial interval were 5.23 days (95% CI 4.72-5.79) and 13.20 days (95% CI 10.90-18.18), respectively. R0 during the first 30 days of the outbreak was 1.62 (95% CI 1.07-2.17), which subsequently decreased to 1.15 (95% CI 1.09-1.21). The peak instantaneous R0 values obtained using a Poisson process developed by Jombert et al were 6.53 (95% CI 2.12-13.38) and 3.43 (95% CI 1.71-5.74) for sliding time windows of 7 and 14 days, respectively. The peak R0 values obtained using the method by Wallinga and Teunis were 2.96 (95% CI 2.52-3.36) and 2.92 (95% CI 2.65-3.22) for sliding time windows of 7 and 14 days, respectively. R0 values of 1.21 (95% CI 1.09-1.34) and 1.12 (95% CI 1.03-1.21) for the 7- and 14-day sliding time windows, respectively, were obtained on July 6, 2020, using method by Jombert et al. Using the method by Wallinga and Teunis, values of 0.32 (95% CI 0.27-0.36) and 0.61 (95% CI 0.58-0.63) were obtained for the 7- and 14-day sliding time windows, respectively. The projection of cases over the next month was 2131 (95% CI 1799-2462). Reductions of transmission by 25% and 50% corresponding to reasonable and aggressive control measures could lead to 58.7% and 84.0% reductions in epidemic size, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The projected transmission reductions indicate that strengthening control measures could lead to proportionate reductions of the size of the COVID-19 epidemic. Time-dependent instantaneous R0 estimation based on the process by Jombart et al was found to be better suited for guiding COVID-19 response at the district level than overall R0 or instantaneous R0 estimation by the Wallinga and Teunis method. A data-driven approach at the local level is proposed to be useful in guiding public health strategy and surge capacity planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Saurabh
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Mahendra Kumar Verma
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Vaishali Gautam
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Nitesh Kumar
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Akhil Dhanesh Goel
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Manoj Kumar Gupta
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Pankaj Bhardwaj
- Department of Community Medicine and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Sanjeev Misra
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
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Lal A, Ashworth HC, Dada S, Hoemeke L, Tambo E. Optimizing Pandemic Preparedness and Response Through Health Information Systems: Lessons Learned From Ebola to COVID-19. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2020;:1-8. [PMID: 33004102 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2020.361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Strengthening health systems and maintaining essential service delivery during health emergencies response is critical for early detection and diagnosis, prompt treatment, and effective control of pandemics, including the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Health information systems (HIS) developed during recent Ebola outbreaks in West Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) provided opportunities to collect, analyze, and distribute data to inform both day-to-day and long-term policy decisions on outbreak preparedness. As COVID-19 continues to sweep across the globe, HIS and related technological advancements remain vital for effective and sustained data sharing, contact tracing, mapping and monitoring, community risk sensitization and engagement, preventive education, and timely preparedness and response activities. In reviewing literature of how HIS could have further supported mitigation of these Ebola outbreaks and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, 3 key areas were identified: governance and coordination, health systems infrastructure and resources, and community engagement. In this concept study, we outline scalable HIS lessons from recent Ebola outbreaks and early COVID-19 responses along these 3 domains, synthesizing recommendations to offer clear, evidence-based approaches on how to leverage HIS to strengthen the current pandemic response and foster community health systems resilience moving forward.
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Tipples G, Kuschak T, Gilmour M; Tracie EisBrenner1*. Laboratory response checklist for infectious disease outbreaks-preparedness and response considerations for emerging threats. Can Commun Dis Rep 2020; 46:311-21. [PMID: 33316001 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v46i10a01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the Laboratory Response Checklist for Infectious Disease Outbreaks (the Checklist) is to provide public health laboratories and laboratory networks operating at multiple jurisdictional levels with a useful, adaptable tool to help rapidly identify important outbreak response considerations, particularly when investigating a previously unknown infectious disease threat. The Checklist was developed by the National Microbiology Laboratory of Canada in collaboration with provincial/territorial, national and international laboratory experts, including the Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network, and the Global Health Security Action Group Laboratory Network. While the Checklist was initially designed to reflect lessons learned through National Microbiology Laboratory participation in extended national and international outbreak responses (e.g. Zika virus epidemic [2015-2016], Ebola virus epidemic, West Africa [2014-2016]), the importance of optimizing laboratory response coordination has only been underscored by the ongoing challenges presented by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic response requirements. The Checklist identifies five highly interdependent laboratory response themes, each of which encompasses multiple considerations that may be critical to a coordinated, strategic outbreak response. As such, the comprehensive review of Checklist considerations by responding laboratory organizations may provide a valuable opportunity to quickly detect key response considerations and interdependencies, and mitigate risks with the potential to impact public health action.
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Bingham P, Wada M, van Andel M, McFadden A, Sanson R, Stevenson M. Real-Time Standard Analysis of Disease Investigation (SADI)-A Toolbox Approach to Inform Disease Outbreak Response. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:563140. [PMID: 33134349 PMCID: PMC7580181 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.563140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
An incursion of an important exotic transboundary animal disease requires a prompt and intensive response. The routine analysis of up-to-date data, as near to real time as possible, is essential for the objective assessment of the patterns of disease spread or effectiveness of control measures and the formulation of alternative control strategies. In this paper, we describe the Standard Analysis of Disease Investigation (SADI), a toolbox for informing disease outbreak response, which was developed as part of New Zealand's biosecurity preparedness. SADI was generically designed on a web-based software platform, Integrated Real-time Information System (IRIS). We demonstrated the use of SADI for a hypothetical foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak scenario in New Zealand. The data standards were set within SADI, accommodating a single relational database that integrated the national livestock population data, outbreak data, and tracing data. We collected a well-researched, standardised set of 16 epidemiologically relevant analyses for informing the FMD outbreak response, including farm response timelines, interactive outbreak/network maps, stratified epidemic curves, estimated dissemination rates, estimated reproduction numbers, and areal attack rates. The analyses were programmed within SADI to automate the process to generate the reports at a regular interval (daily) using the most up-to-date data. Having SADI prepared in advance and the process streamlined for data collection, analysis and reporting would free a wider group of epidemiologists during an actual disease outbreak from solving data inconsistency among response teams, daily “number crunching,” or providing largely retrospective analyses. Instead, the focus could be directed into enhancing data collection strategies, improving data quality, understanding the limitations of the data available, interpreting the set of analyses, and communicating their meaning with response teams, decision makers and public in the context of the epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Bingham
- Diagnostic and Surveillance Services Directorate, Operations Branch, Ministry for Primary Industries, Wallaceville, New Zealand
| | - Masako Wada
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Mary van Andel
- Diagnostic and Surveillance Services Directorate, Operations Branch, Ministry for Primary Industries, Wallaceville, New Zealand
| | - Andrew McFadden
- Diagnostic and Surveillance Services Directorate, Operations Branch, Ministry for Primary Industries, Wallaceville, New Zealand
| | | | - Mark Stevenson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Olumade TJ, Adesanya OA, Fred-Akintunwa IJ, Babalola DO, Oguzie JU, Ogunsanya OA, George UE, Akin-Ajani OD, Osasona DG. Infectious disease outbreak preparedness and response in Nigeria: history, limitations and recommendations for global health policy and practice. AIMS Public Health 2020; 7:736-757. [PMID: 33294478 PMCID: PMC7719556 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2020057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective disease outbreak response has historically been a challenging accomplishment for the Nigerian health system due to an array of hurdles not unique to Nigeria but also found in other African nations which share its large size and complexity. However, the efficiency of the response mounted against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak of 2014 proved that indeed, though challenging, proactive and effective outbreak response is not impossible. With over 20 public health emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks between 2016 and 2018 alone, Nigeria is one of only five members of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region to report five or more public health events per annum. There are many lessons that can be drawn from Nigeria's experience in handling outbreaks of infectious diseases. In this review, we discuss the history of emerging and re-emerging infectious disease outbreaks in Nigeria and explore the response strategies mounted towards each. We also highlight the significant successes and note-worthy limitations, which we have then utilized to proffer policy recommendations to strengthen the Nigerian public health emergency response systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Testimony J Olumade
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | | | | | - David O Babalola
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Judith U Oguzie
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Olusola A Ogunsanya
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Uwem E George
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | | | - Damilola G Osasona
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
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