Open AccessStrengthening timely detection and reporting of unusual respiratory events from health facilities in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Author(s) -
Alroy Karen A.,
Gwom Luc Christian,
Ndongo Chanceline Bilounga,
Kenmoe Sebastien,
Monamele Gwladys,
Clara Alexey,
Whitaker Brett,
Manga Henri,
Tayimetha Carolle Yanique,
Tseuko Dorine,
Etogo Bienvenu,
Pasi Omer,
Etoundi Alain Georges,
Seukap Elise,
Njouom Richard,
Balajee Arunmozhi
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
influenza and other respiratory viruses
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.743
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1750-2659
pISSN - 1750-2640
DOI - 10.1111/irv.12684
Subject(s) - public health , medicine , public health surveillance , international health regulations , moraxella catarrhalis , environmental health , outbreak , disease surveillance , streptococcus pneumoniae , disease , virology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , covid-19 , nursing , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , antibiotics , pathology
Background The International Health Regulations state that early detection and immediate reporting of unusual health events is important for early warning and response systems. Objective To describe a pilot surveillance program established in health facilities in Yaoundé, Cameroon in 2017 which aimed to enable detection and reporting of public health events. Methods Cameroon’s Ministry of Health, in partnership with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cameroon Pasteur Center, and National Public Health Laboratory, implemented event‐based surveillance (EBS) in nine Yaoundé health facilities. Four signals were defined that could indicate possible public health events, and a reporting, triage, and verification system was established among partner organizations. A pre‐defined laboratory algorithm was defined, and a series of workshops trained health facilities, laboratory, and public health staff for surveillance implementation. Results From May 2017 to January 2018, 30 signals were detected, corresponding to 15 unusual respiratory events. All health facilities reported a signal at least once, and more than three‐quarters of health facilities reported ≥2 times. Among specimens tested, the pathogens detected included Klebsiella pneumoniae , Moraxella catarrhalis , Streptococcus pneumoniae , Haemophilus influenza , Staphylococcus aureus , Pneumocystis jiroveci , influenza A (H1N1) virus, rhinovirus, and adenovirus. Conclusions The events detected in this pilot were caused by routine respiratory bacteria and viruses, and no novel influenza viruses or other emerging respiratory threats were identified. The surveillance system, however, strengthened relationships and communication linkages between health facilities and public health authorities. Astute clinicians can play a critical role in early detection and EBS is one approach that may enable reporting of emerging outbreaks and public health events.