Correction: Implementation of Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in the Caribbean: Lessons learned for sustainability in resource-limited settings.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.

Implementation of genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in the Caribbean: Lessons learned for sustainability in resource-limited settings.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of global genomic surveillance to monitor the emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants and inform public health decision-making. Until December 2020 there was minimal capacity for viral genomic surveillance in most Caribbean countries. To overcome this constraint, the COVID-19: Infectious disease Molecular epidemiology for PAthogen Control & Tracking (COVID-19 IMPACT) project was implemented to establish rapid SARS-CoV-2 whole genome nanopore sequencing at The University of the West Indies (UWI) in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) and provide needed SARS-CoV-2 sequencing services for T&T and other Caribbean Public Health Agency Member States (CMS).

Direct outpatient cost per case of acute gastroenteritis in Trinidad and Tobago, 2021.

The burdens associated with acute gastroenteritis involve billions of dollars in expenses, coupled with significant morbidity and mortality globally. To reduce these burdens, health officials and policymakers require up-to-date data (health and economic) to request and allocate resources in guiding the development and implementation of preventative strategies. In 2021, the estimate for one case of acute gastroenteritis was calculated using multiple sources of data: the 2009 national health burden survey on acute gastroenteritis; a 2021 telephone survey of five major private hospitals; a 2021 telephone survey of 30 private pharmacies; and the 2021 Minimum Wages Act of Trinidad and Tobago.

Detection of Foodborne Pathogens in Acute Gastroenteritis Patient's Stool Samples Using the BioFire FilmArray Gastrointestinal PCR Panel in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.

In 2009, the burden of illness study for acute gastroenteritis in Trinidad and Tobago highlighted that ~10% of stool samples tested were positive for a foodborne pathogen. The study also noted that limited laboratory screening for pathogens contributed to a lack of etiology as public health hospitals only routinely tested for and , and sometimes for and . To better understand the foodborne pathogens responsible for acute gastroenteritis, enhanced testing using the BioFire FilmArray Gastrointestinal PCR panel was used to screen diarrheal stool samples for 22 pathogens from patients in 2018.

Population-based estimates of acute gastrointestinal and foodborne illness in Barbados: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to determine the burden and impact of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and foodborne diseases (FBDs) in Barbados through a retrospective, cross-sectional population survey and laboratory study in August 2010-August 2011. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with one person from each of 1,710 randomly-selected households. Of these, 1,433 (84%) interviews were completed.

Magnitude, distribution, and estimated level of underreporting of acute gastroenteritis in Jamaica.

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean. The epidemiology of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is important to Jamaica, particularly in the areas of health, tourism, and because of the potential impact on the local workforce and the economy. Data collected by the National Surveillance Unit on the prevalence of AGE transmitted by food are not accurate.

Determining the community prevalence of acute gastrointestinal illness and gaps in surveillance of acute gastroenteritis and foodborne diseases in Guyana.

Guyana is an English-speaking country in South America and, culturally, it is part of the Caribbean. Objective of this study was to determine the community prevalence and true burden and economic impact of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and foodborne diseases (FBDs) in Guyana. A cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted in 7 of the 10 regions in Guyana during August and November 2009 to capture the high- and low-AGE season respectively.

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.

Burden and impact of acute gastroenteritis and foodborne pathogens in Trinidad and Tobago.

Objectives of this study were to determine the burden and impact of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and foodborne pathogens in Trinidad and Tobago. A retrospective, cross-sectional population survey, based on self-reported cases of AGE, was conducted in November-December 2008 and May-June 2009 (high- and low-AGE season respectively) by face-to-face interviews. From 2,145 households selected to be interviewed, the response rate was 99.

Estimating the burden of acute gastrointestinal illness in Grenada.

This is the first study conducted in Grenada, with a population of approximately 108,000, to quantify the magnitude, distribution, and burden of self-reported acute gastroenteritis (AGE). A retrospective population survey was conducted in October 2008 and April 2009 and a laboratory survey from October 2008 to September 2009. The estimated monthly prevalence of AGE was 10.

Estimating the burden of acute gastrointestinal illness: a pilot study of the prevalence and underreporting in Saint Lucia, Eastern Caribbean.

Saint Lucia was the first country to conduct a burden of illness study in the Caribbean to determine the community prevalence and underreporting of acute gastroenteritis (AGE). A retrospective cross-sectional population survey on AGE-related illness was administered to a random sample of residents of Saint Lucia in 20 April-16 May 2008 and 6-13 December 2009 to capture the high- and low-AGE season respectively. Of the selected 1,150 individuals, 1,006 were administered the survey through face-to-face interviews (response rate 87.

The Caribbean Amblyomma Program: some ecologic factors affecting its success.

The Caribbean Amblyomma Program has been operational for 8 years. However, owing to funding availability, some islands did not commence eradication activities until late 1997. During the past 2 years, 6 of the 9 islands (St.

Salmonellosis in Trinidad: evidence for transovarian transmission of Salmonella in farm eggs.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the contents of farm eggs in Trinidad are contaminated with Salmonella and if transovarian transmission occurs. 750 fresh eggs from 10 farms supplying 75% of the country's eggs were cultured for Salmonella. Salmonella was found on the egg shells' surfaces from all farms, and in the egg contents from three farms.