Genomic and geospatial epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Oman: first national insight using whole genome sequencing.

Objectives: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is a global public health issue. Although Oman reduced the burden of tuberculosis (TB) by 85% in under 25 years, the annual incidence rate remains stagnant. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is used to investigate the transmission dynamics of MTB complex.

Assessing Oman's knowledge, attitude and practice regarding tuberculosis: a cross-sectional study that calls for action.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health issue. Elimination mandates collaboration between decision makers, practitioners and the community. Few studies address the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) from countries with low incidence.

The role of supporting services in driving SARS-CoV-2 transmission within healthcare settings: A multicenter seroprevalence study.

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in healthcare workers (HCWs) based on risk of exposure to COVID-19 patients.

Method: This was a SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence cross-sectional study in risk-stratified HCWs randomly selected from three main district hospitals in Oman.

Results: 1078 HCWs were included, with an overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence of 21%.

Control of the 2018-2019 dengue fever outbreak in Oman: A country previously without local transmission.

Background: In December 2018, routine surveillance identified an autochthonous outbreak of dengue fever in Muscat Governorate, Oman, a region previously free of dengue fever.

Methods: Routine surveillance confirmed locally acquired cases in the second week of December, leading to a rapid public health response including case management guidance and epidemiological investigations. The main activity was the vector survey using systematic sampling to assess extent of previously unreported Aedes aegypti presence followed by a campaign aimed to eliminate breeding sites of A.