Norovirus Surveillance and Outbreak Investigations in Peru: 25 Years of Experience at NAMRU SOUTH.

Norovirus is the worldwide leading cause of gastroenteric diseases. It affects mainly infants and older adults, but the findings are mainly derived from outbreak investigations rather than population-based cohorts. The U.

Influenza Virus Surveillance in Healthcare Personnel in Peru: NAMRU SOUTH Experience and Perspective.

Vaccinating healthcare personnel (HCP) is a top priority for public health globally. This strategy aims not only to protect HCP but also patients, reducing transmission of infections in healthcare services. However, improving vaccine coverage in HCP is still a challenge, especially because they are a risk group for acquiring influenza.

Incidence of Norovirus-Associated Acute Gastroenteritis across Age Groups in a Peruvian Andean Community.

Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) globally. Few longitudinal studies have assessed norovirus-associated AGE incidence across age groups in community settings in Latin America. During April 2015-April 2019, active surveillance for AGE among community members of all ages was conducted through household visits two to three times per week in San Jeronimo, Cusco, Peru.

Household economic costs of norovirus gastroenteritis in two community cohorts in Peru, 2012-2019.

While costs of norovirus acute gastroenteritis (AGE) to healthcare systems have been estimated, out-of-pocket and indirect costs incurred by households are not well documented in community settings, particularly in developing countries. We conducted active surveillance for AGE in two communities in Peru: Puerto Maldonado (October 2012-August 2015) and San Jeronimo (April 2015-April 2019). Norovirus AGE events with PCR-positive stool specimens were included.

Healthcare personnel in 2016-2019 prospective cohort infrequently got vaccinated, worked while ill, and frequently used antibiotics rather than antivirals against viral influenza illnesses.

Background: Uncertainty about risk of illness and the value of influenza vaccines negatively affects vaccine uptake among persons targeted for influenza vaccination.

Methods: During 2016-2019, we followed a cohort of healthcare personnel (HCP) targeted for free-of-charge influenza vaccination in five Lima hospitals to quantify risk of influenza, workplace presenteeism (coming to work despite illness), and absenteeism (taking time off from work because of illness). The HCP who developed acute respiratory illnesses (ARI) (≥1 of acute cough, runny nose, body aches, or feverishness) were tested for influenza using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR).

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with frequent influenza vaccination among healthcare personnel in Peru, 2016─2018.

Introduction: Despite a government-subsidized vaccination program, healthcare personnel (HCP) influenza vaccination uptake remains low in Peru. Using three years of cross-sectional surveys and an additional five years of prior vaccination history of HCP in Peru, we explored HCP knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of influenza illness and its impact on vaccination frequency.

Methods: In 2016, the Estudio Vacuna de Influenza Peru (VIP) cohort was initiated in Lima, Peru, which collected information about HCP KAP and influenza vaccination history from 2011─2018.

What do pregnant women think about influenza disease and vaccination practices in selected countries.

: We evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to influenza and influenza vaccination among pregnant women in three selected countries.: During 2017, pregnant women seeking antenatal care at hospitals at participating sites were enrolled. We described characteristics and responses to KAP questions.

Assessing 3 Outbreak Detection Algorithms in an Electronic Syndromic Surveillance System in a Resource-Limited Setting.

We evaluated the performance of X-bar chart, exponentially weighted moving average, and C3 cumulative sums aberration detection algorithms for acute diarrheal disease syndromic surveillance at naval sites in Peru during 2007-2011. The 3 algorithms' detection sensitivity was 100%, specificity was 97%-99%, and positive predictive value was 27%-46%.

A community-based survey on influenza and vaccination knowledge, perceptions and practices in Peru.

Background: Although Peru provides safe and effective influenza vaccines free-of-charge, coverage among vaccine target groups like pregnant women and older adults remains low. To improve risk communication messages and vaccine uptake, we explored knowledge, perceptions and practices about influenza illness and vaccination.

Methods: A cross-sectional, community-based survey with a three-stage cluster sampling design was conducted in three cities in Peru.

The Relationship Between Enlistment Body Mass Index and the Development of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the U.S. Military.

Background: The incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the military has risen dramatically. OSA is considered "service connected" and compensable by the Veterans Administration. The association between body mass index (BMI) (kg/m(2)) measured at initial enlistment and development of OSA has yet to be assessed.

Prevalence of Nasal colonization with in 4 cities in Peru.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health threat around the world and is not well characterized in the developing setting. Specifically, there is a lack of information regarding nasal colonization with and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) in Latin America and Peru.

Methods: This is the report of the baseline findings of a prospective cohort study followed up over 1 year at four geographically and ecologically distinct Peruvian Air Force bases in order to determine nasal colonization prevalence and risk factors.

Impact of two interventions on timeliness and data quality of an electronic disease surveillance system in a resource limited setting (Peru): a prospective evaluation.

Background: A timely detection of outbreaks through surveillance is needed in order to prevent future pandemics. However, current surveillance systems may not be prepared to accomplish this goal, especially in resource limited settings. As data quality and timeliness are attributes that improve outbreak detection capacity, we assessed the effect of two interventions on such attributes in Alerta, an electronic disease surveillance system in the Peruvian Navy.

Challenges in the implementation of an electronic surveillance system in a resource-limited setting: Alerta, in Peru.

Background: Infectious disease surveillance is a primary public health function in resource-limited settings. In 2003, an electronic disease surveillance system (Alerta) was established in the Peruvian Navy with support from the U.S.