12 research outputs found
Distribution, Burden, and Impact of Acute Gastroenteritis in Dominica, 2009-2010
Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is an important public-health issue in
Dominica. To determine the burden of AGE in Dominica, a retrospective,
cross-sectional population survey was conducted in March-April 2009 and
October 2010 (low- and-high-AGE seasons) and a laboratory survey from
April 2009 to March 2010. The overall monthly prevalence of
self-reported AGE was 8.6 % (95% CI 7.0-10.6); the incidence rate was
1.1 episodes/person-year and 79,157.1 episodes of AGE for the total
population/year. Monthly prevalence of AGE was the highest in the 1-4
year(s) age-group (25.0%), higher in females (10.8%) and also varied by
health district, with the highest monthly prevalence of AGE being
reported in the Portsmouth district (13.1%). This difference in gender
and across the health region was statistically significant. The
estimated underreporting of syndromic AGE to the Ministry of Health was
83.3%. Furthermore, for every reported laboratory-confirmed case of AGE
and foodborne disease (FBD), there was an estimated underreporting
factor of 280. Overall, 47% of AGE specimens tested were positive for
FBD pathogens. The predominant pathogens isolated were norovirus,
followed by Giardia , Salmonella , and Shigella . The total annual
estimated cost of AGE was US 19.06, indicating an economic burden of
AGE-related illness on a small island of Dominica
First reported enterovirus D68 infection in pediatric patients from the Caribbean region: evidence of spread from the U.S. outbreak
ABSTRACT The 2014 enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) outbreak in the United States raised concerns about the introduction of the virus in the Caribbean region. The objective of this study was to provide rapid evidence of the introduction of EV-D68 strains in the Caribbean region during the 2014 outbreak in the United States, using a relatively simple phylogenetic approach. From October 2014 to May 2015, four EV-D68 cases from two countries (Bermuda and Dominica) were detected at the regional referral laboratory at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago) based on molecular testing of respiratory specimens. All cases were children presenting to hospitals with moderate respiratory distress. No cases of acute flaccid paralysis were detected. Phylogenetic analysis of the Caribbean strains showed more than 99% similarity with the 2014 U.S.-outbreak strain, providing evidence of the introduction and circulation of the virus in the region
Outbreak of Zika Virus Infections, Dominica, 2016
In February 2016, the World Health Organization declared the pandemic of Zika virus a public health emergency. On March 4, 2016, Dominica reported its first autochthonous Zika virus disease case; subsequently, 1,263 cases were reported. We describe the outbreak through November 2016, when the last known case was reported
Recommended from our members
Spatial and Temporal Clustering of Chikungunya Virus Transmission in Dominica
Using geo-referenced case data, we present spatial and spatio-temporal cluster analyses of the early spread of the 2013–2015 chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Dominica, an island in the Caribbean. Spatial coordinates of the locations of the first 417 reported cases observed between December 15th, 2013 and March 11th, 2014, were captured using the Global Positioning System (GPS). We observed a preponderance of female cases, which has been reported for CHIKV outbreaks in other regions. We also noted statistically significant spatial and spatio-temporal clusters in highly populated areas and observed major clusters prior to implementation of intensive vector control programs suggesting early vector control measures, and education had an impact on the spread of the CHIKV epidemic in Dominica. A dynamical identification of clusters can lead to local assessment of risk and provide opportunities for targeted control efforts for nations experiencing CHIKV outbreaks
Three statistically significant space-time clusters identified by SaTScan.
<p>The clusters are located in St. George and St. Andrew Parishes.</p
Demographical characteristics of Chikungunya cases, Dominica, 2014.
<p>Demographical characteristics of Chikungunya cases, Dominica, 2014.</p
Spatial dispersion of chikungunya cases across the island of Dominica.
<p>The maroon dots represent new cases, while the orange dots represent previously reported cases. Data for 2013 and 2014 epidemiologic weeks 51, 6, and 11 are presented.</p
Epidemic curve by week of symptom onset; (a) case classification status and (b) sex.
<p>Reports start on epidemiologic week 51 of 2013 and end on week 11 of 2014.</p