Last data update: Oct 07, 2024. (Total: 47845 publications since 2009)
Records 1-18 (of 18 Records) |
Query Trace: Fukunaga R[original query] |
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Prioritizing mental health within HIV and tuberculosis services in PEPFAR
Fukunaga R , Pierre P , Williams JK , Briceno-Robaugh R , Kalibala S , Peterson M , Moonan PK . Emerg Infect Dis 2024 30 (4) 1-5 Underprioritization of mental health is a global problem and threatens the decades-long progress of the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program. In recent years, mental health has become globally recognized as a part of universal healthcare, making this an opportune moment for the global community to integrate mental health services into routine programming. PEPFAR is well positioned to lead by example. We conceptualized 5 key strategies that might help serve as a framework to support mental health programming as part of PEPFAR's current 5-year strategic plan. PEPFAR and the global community have an opportunity to identify mental health service gaps and interweave global mental health priorities with actions to end the HIV and TB epidemics by 2030. |
Perceptions toward Ebola vaccination and correlates of vaccine uptake among high-risk community members in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Perera SM , Garbern SC , Mbong EN , Fleming MK , Muhayangabo RF , Ombeni AB , Kulkarni S , Tchoualeu DD , Kallay R , Song E , Powell J , Gainey M , Glenn B , Mutumwa RM , Mustafa SHB , Earle-Richardson G , Fukunaga R , Abad N , Soke GN , Prybylski D , Fitter DL , Levine AC , Doshi RH . PLOS Glob Public Health 2024 4 (1) e0002566 The tenth Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak (2018-2020, North Kivu, Ituri, South Kivu) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was the second-largest EVD outbreak in history. During this outbreak, Ebola vaccination was an integral part of the EVD response. We evaluated community perceptions toward Ebola vaccination and identified correlates of Ebola vaccine uptake among high-risk community members in North Kivu, DRC. In March 2021, a cross-sectional survey among adults was implemented in three health zones. We employed a sampling approach mimicking ring vaccination, targeting EVD survivors, their household members, and their neighbors. Outbreak experiences and perceptions toward the Ebola vaccine were assessed, and modified Poisson regression was used to identify correlates of Ebola vaccine uptake among those offered vaccination. Among the 631 individuals surveyed, most (90.2%) reported a high perceived risk of EVD and 71.6% believed that the vaccine could reduce EVD severity; however, 63.7% believed the vaccine had serious side effects. Among the 474 individuals who had been offered vaccination, 397 (83.8%) received the vaccine, 180 (45.3%) of those vaccinated received the vaccine after two or more offers. Correlates positively associated with vaccine uptake included having heard positive information about the vaccine (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.06-1.60), the belief that the vaccine could prevent EVD (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09-1.39), and reporting that religion influenced all decisions (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02-1.25). Ebola vaccine uptake was high in this population, although mixed attitudes and vaccine delays were common. Communicating positive vaccine information, emphasizing the efficacy of the Ebola vaccine, and engaging religious leaders to promote vaccination may aid in increasing Ebola vaccine uptake during future outbreaks. |
Quantifying missed opportunities for tuberculosis among people with HIV in the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
Peterson M , Briceno-Robaugh R , O'Connor S , Date A , Moonan PK , Fukunaga R , Vovc E , Dessai M , Nichols C , Pierre P , Sahu S , Baddeley A , Mavhunga F , Ferris R , Ahmedov S . AIDS 2023 37 (13) 2103-2104 The US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is the largest HIV program globally, serving roughly 58% of the estimated 28.7 million people with HIV (PWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2021 [1,2]. Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of death among PWH; an estimated 46% of TB cases are undiagnosed at the time of death, emphasizing the challenge of TB detection among this population [3]. The WHO four-symptom screen at every clinical encounter is the primary TB case finding strategy implemented in PEPFAR. Recent program data show 87% of PWH were screened for TB symptoms and, among those, only 2.7% screened positive and were referred for further TB evaluation [2]. Although the expected rate of TB symptom positivity among PWH is debated, PEPFAR's yield is not yet optimal compared with reports from the literature ranging from 30% to 67% [4]. Poor case detection leads to PWH with undiagnosed, untreated, and unreported TB, which contributes to subsequent TB-attributable mortality among PWH. The extent of gaps in case detection and mortality have been difficult to quantify. | | We estimated the number of missed TB/HIV diagnoses and TB-attributable deaths in the populations PEPFAR serves using data from PEPFAR, WHO, and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) [1,5]. Data was analyzed for 2018–2021, reflecting data from before the COVID-19 pandemic through the most recently available year. WHO and UNAIDS reporting periods were aligned with PEPFAR data wherever possible. Country-level data was analyzed by year for the 32 countries where PEPFAR operated and reported TB data. All datasets were downloaded in April 2023 and analyzed in Tableau, version 2022.1. |
COVID-19 vaccine perceptions among ebola-affected communities in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2021
Garbern SC , Perera SM , Mbong EN , Kulkarni S , Fleming MK , Ombeni AB , Muhayangabo RF , Tchoualeu DD , Kallay R , Song E , Powell J , Gainey M , Glenn B , Gao H , Mutumwa RM , Mustafa SHB , Abad N , Soke GN , Prybylski D , Doshi RH , Fukunaga R , Levine AC . Vaccines (Basel) 2023 11 (5) Populations affected by humanitarian crises and emerging infectious disease outbreaks may have unique concerns and experiences that influence their perceptions toward vaccines. In March 2021, we conducted a survey to examine the perceptions toward COVID-19 vaccines and identify the factors associated with vaccine intention among 631 community members (CMs) and 438 healthcare workers (HCWs) affected by the 2018-2020 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. A multivariable logistic regression was used to identify correlates of vaccine intention. Most HCWs (81.7%) and 53.6% of CMs felt at risk of contracting COVID-19; however, vaccine intention was low (27.6% CMs; 39.7% HCWs). In both groups, the perceived risk of contracting COVID-19, general vaccine confidence, and male sex were associated with the intention to get vaccinated, with security concerns preventing vaccine access being negatively associated. Among CMs, getting the Ebola vaccine was associated with the intention to get vaccinated (RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.05-1.94). Among HCWs, concerns about new vaccines' safety and side effects (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.57-0.91), religion's influence on health decisions (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.34-0.61), security concerns (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.37-0.74), and governmental distrust (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.35-0.70) were negatively associated with vaccine perceptions. Enhanced community engagement and communication that address this population's concerns could help improve vaccine perceptions and vaccination decisions. These findings could facilitate the success of vaccine campaigns in North Kivu and similar settings. |
Attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination among incarcerated persons in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, June-July 2021
Fukunaga R , Kaplan ZE , Rodriguez T , Hagan L , Aarvig K , Dusseau C , Crockett M , Long M . Vaccine 2023 41 (24) 3604-3610 OBJECTIVE: To understand the attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and trusted sources of vaccination-related information among persons incarcerated in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. METHODS: From June-July 2021, persons incarcerated across 122 facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons were invited to participate in a survey asking their reasons for receiving or declining COVID-19 vaccination and the information sources they relied upon to make these decisions. Descriptive analyses were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 130,789 incarcerated persons with known vaccination status were invited to participate in the survey. At the time of survey, 78,496 (62%) were fully vaccinated; 3,128 (3%) were partially vaccinated and scheduled to complete their second dose, and 44,394 (35%) had declined either a first or second dose. 7,474 (9.5%) of the fully vaccinated group and 2,302 (4.4%) of the group declining either a first or second dose chose to participate in the survey; an overall survey return rate of 7.6% (n = 9,905). Among vaccinated respondents, the most common reason given for accepting vaccination was to protect their health (n = 5,689; 76.1%). Individuals who declined vaccination cited concerns about vaccine side effects (n = 1,304; 56.6%), mistrust of the vaccine (n = 1,256; 54.6%), and vaccine safety concerns (n = 1,252; 54.4%). Among those who declined, 21.2% (n = 489) reported that they would choose to be vaccinated if the vaccine was offered again. Those who declined also reported that additional information from outside organizations (n = 1128; 49.0%), receiving information regarding vaccine safety (n = 841; 36.5%), and/or speaking with a trusted medical advisor (n = 565; 24.5%) may influence their decision to be vaccinated in the future. CONCLUSION: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is important to increase vaccine confidence in prisons, jails, and detention facilities to reduce transmission and severe health outcomes. These survey findings can inform the design of potential interventions to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake in these settings. |
Aligning staff schedules, testing, and isolation reduces the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks in carceral and other congregate settings: A simulation study
Hoover CM , Skaff NK , Blumberg S , Fukunaga R . PLOS Glob Public Health 2023 3 (1) e0001302 COVID-19 outbreaks in congregate settings remain a serious threat to the health of disproportionately affected populations such as people experiencing incarceration or homelessness, the elderly, and essential workers. An individual-based model accounting for individual infectiousness over time, staff work schedules, and testing and isolation schedules was developed to simulate community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to staff in a congregate facility and subsequent transmission within the facility that could cause an outbreak. Systematic testing strategies in which staff are tested on the first day of their workweek were found to prevent up to 16% more infections than testing strategies unrelated to staff schedules. Testing staff at the beginning of their workweek, implementing timely isolation following testing, limiting test turnaround time, and increasing test frequency in high transmission scenarios can supplement additional mitigation measures to aid outbreak prevention in congregate settings. |
COVID-19 on the Nile: a cross-sectional investigation of COVID-19 among Nile River cruise travellers returning to the United States, February-march 2020.
Guagliardo SAJ , Quilter LAS , Uehara A , White SB , Talarico S , Tong S , Paden CR , Zhang J , Li Y , Pray I , Novak RT , Fukunaga R , Rodriguez A , Medley AM , Wagner R , Weinberg M , Brown CM , Friedman CR . J Travel Med 2022 BACKGROUND: Early in the pandemic, cruise travel exacerbated the global spread of SARS-CoV-2. We report epidemiologic and molecular findings from an investigation of a cluster of travelers with confirmed COVID-19 returning to the U.S. from Nile River cruises in Egypt. METHODS: State health departments reported data on real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 cases with a history of Nile River cruise travel during February-March 2020 to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Demographic and epidemiologic data were collected through routine surveillance channels. Sequences were obtained from either state health departments or from the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Flu Data (GISAID). We conducted descriptive analyses of epidemiologic data and explored phylogenetic relationships between sequences. RESULTS: We identified 149 Nile River cruise travelers with confirmed COVID-19 who returned to 67 different U.S. counties in 27 states: among those with complete data, 4.7% (6/128) died and 28.1% (38/135) were hospitalized. These individuals traveled on 20 different Nile River cruise voyages (12 unique vessels). Fifteen community transmission events were identified in four states, with 73.3% (11/15) of these occurring in Wisconsin (as the result of a more detailed contact investigation in that state). Phylogenetic analyses supported the hypothesis that travelers were most likely infected in Egypt, with most sequences in Nextstrain clade 20A 93% (87/94). We observed genetic clustering by Nile River cruise voyage and vessel. CONCLUSIONS: Nile River cruise travelers with COVID-19 introduced SARS-CoV-2 over a very large geographic range, facilitating transmission across the United States early in the pandemic. Travelers who participate in cruises, even on small river vessels as investigated in this study, are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Therefore, history of river cruise travel should be considered in contact tracing and outbreak investigations. |
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 Among US People Experiencing Incarceration or Homelessness.
Montgomery MP , Hong K , Clarke KEN , Williams S , Fukunaga R , Fields VL , Park J , Schieber LZ , Kompaniyets L , Ray CM , Lambert LA , D'Inverno AS , Ray TK , Jeffers A , Mosites E . JAMA Netw Open 2022 5 (1) e2143407 IMPORTANCE: People experiencing incarceration (PEI) and people experiencing homelessness (PEH) have an increased risk of COVID-19 exposure from congregate living, but data on their hospitalization course compared with that of the general population are limited. OBJECTIVE: To compare COVID-19 hospitalizations for PEI and PEH with hospitalizations among the general population. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional analysis used data from the Premier Healthcare Database on 3415 PEI and 9434 PEH who were evaluated in the emergency department or were hospitalized in more than 800 US hospitals for COVID-19 from April 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. EXPOSURES: Incarceration or homelessness. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Hospitalization proportions were calculated. and outcomes (intensive care unit admission, invasive mechanical ventilation [IMV], mortality, length of stay, and readmissions) among PEI and PEH were compared with outcomes for all patients with COVID-19 (not PEI or PEH). Multivariable regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS: In total, 3415 PEI (2952 men [86.4%]; mean [SD] age, 50.8 [15.7] years) and 9434 PEH (6776 men [71.8%]; mean [SD] age, 50.1 [14.5] years) were evaluated in the emergency department for COVID-19 and were hospitalized more often (2170 of 3415 [63.5%] PEI; 6088 of 9434 [64.5%] PEH) than the general population (624 470 of 1 257 250 [49.7%]) (P < .001). Both PEI and PEH hospitalized for COVID-19 were more likely to be younger, male, and non-Hispanic Black than the general population. Hospitalized PEI had a higher frequency of IMV (410 [18.9%]; adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04-1.30) and mortality (308 [14.2%]; aRR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.11-1.47) than the general population (IMV, 88 897 [14.2%]; mortality, 84 725 [13.6%]). Hospitalized PEH had a lower frequency of IMV (606 [10.0%]; aRR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.58-0.70) and mortality (330 [5.4%]; aRR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.47-0.59) than the general population. Both PEI and PEH had longer mean (SD) lengths of stay (PEI, 9 [10] days; PEH, 11 [26] days) and a higher frequency of readmission (PEI, 128 [5.9%]; PEH, 519 [8.5%]) than the general population (mean [SD] length of stay, 8 [10] days; readmission, 28 493 [4.6%]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cross-sectional study, a higher frequency of COVID-19 hospitalizations for PEI and PEH underscored the importance of adhering to recommended prevention measures. Expanding medical respite may reduce hospitalizations in these disproportionately affected populations. |
Cruise ship travel in the era of COVID-19: A summary of outbreaks and a model of public health interventions.
Guagliardo SAJ , Prasad PV , Rodriguez A , Fukunaga R , Novak RT , Ahart L , Reynolds J , Griffin I , Wiegand R , Quilter LAS , Morrison S , Jenkins K , Wall HK , Treffiletti A , White SB , Regan J , Tardivel K , Freeland A , Brown C , Wolford H , Johansson MA , Cetron MS , Slayton RB , Friedman CR . Clin Infect Dis 2021 74 (3) 490-497 BACKGROUND: Cruise travel contributed to SARS-CoV-2 transmission when there were relatively few cases in the United States. By March 14, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a No Sail Order suspending U.S. cruise operations; the last U.S. passenger ship docked on April 16. METHODS: We analyzed SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks on cruises in U.S. waters or carrying U.S. citizens and used regression models to compare voyage characteristics. We used compartmental models to simulate the potential impact of four interventions (screening for COVID-19 symptoms; viral testing on two days and isolation of positive persons; reduction of passengers by 40%, crew by 20%, and port visits to one) for 7-day and 14-day voyages. RESULTS: During January 19-April 16, 2020, 89 voyages on 70 ships had known SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks; 16 ships had recurrent outbreaks. There were 1,669 RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections and 29 confirmed deaths. Longer voyages were associated with more cases (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03-1.17, p < 0.0001). Mathematical models showed that 7-day voyages had about 70% fewer cases than 14-day voyages. On 7-day voyages, the most effective interventions were reducing the number of individuals onboard (43-49% reduction in total infections) and testing passengers and crew (42-43% reduction in total infections). All four interventions reduced transmission by 80%, but no single intervention or combination eliminated transmission. Results were similar for 14-day voyages. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks on cruises were common during January-April 2020. Despite all interventions modeled, cruise travel still poses a significant SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk. |
Collect Once, Use Many Times: Attaining Unified Metrics for Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment for People Living With HIV
Fukunaga R , Lowrance D , MacNeil A , Al-Samarrai T , Cavanaugh J , Baddeley A , Nichols C , Peterson M , Ahmedov S , Singh V , Edwards CG , Jain S , Date A , Maloney SA . JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021 7 (4) e27013 The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends providing tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) to all persons living with HIV and to all household contacts of persons with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis disease. Regrettably, the absence of a harmonized data collection and management approach to TPT indicators has contributed to programmatic challenges at local, national, and global levels. However, in April 2020, the WHO launched the Consolidated HIV Strategic Information Guidelines, with an updated set of priority indicators. These guidelines recommend that Ministries of Health collect, report, and use data on TPT completion in addition to TPT initiation. Both indicators are reflected in the WHO's list of 15 core indicators for program management and are also required by the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief's Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) guidance. Although not perfectly harmonized, both frameworks now share essential indicator characteristics. Aligned indicators are necessary for robust strategic and operational planning, resource allocation, and data communication. "Collect once, use many times" is a best practice for strategic information management. Building harmonized and sustainable health systems will enable countries to successfully maintain essential HIV, tuberculosis, and other health services while combatting new health threats. |
Global progress and gaps in tuberculosis screening and treatment among people with HIV: experience from 32 countries
Peterson M , Sarita Shah N , Smith-Jeffcoat SE , Nichols C , Fukunaga R , Al-Samarrai T , MacNeil A . AIDS 2021 35 (7) 1154-1156 Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for roughly one-third of HIV-associated deaths among people with HIV (PWH). Despite the known risk among this population, only 56% (456 385) of an estimated 815 000 people with TB/HIV globally received a TB diagnosis and were reported in 2019 [1]. To close this gap, the WHO recommends screening PWH at every clinical encounter for cough of any duration, fever, weight loss and night sweats, followed by sputum testing with a WHO-recommended rapid diagnostic test when symptoms are present. Ruling out active disease is also crucial for safely initiating TB preventive treatment (TPT), which is a critical component of care for PWH. The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the world's largest HIV programme that provides antiretroviral therapy (ART) to 17·4 million people (roughly 65% of all PWH receiving ART), aligns with WHO guidance regarding TB screening [1,2]. We assess TB screening among ART patients in PEPFAR-supported sites and review existing literature on TB screening among PWH. |
Willingness to Receive a COVID-19 Vaccination Among Incarcerated or Detained Persons in Correctional and Detention Facilities - Four States, September-December 2020.
Stern MF , Piasecki AM , Strick LB , Rajeshwar P , Tyagi E , Dolovich S , Patel PR , Fukunaga R , Furukawa NW . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 70 (13) 473-477 Incarcerated and detained persons are at increased risk for acquiring COVID-19. However, little is known about their willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. During September-December 2020, residents in three prisons and 13 jails in four states were surveyed regarding their willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccination and their reasons for COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy or refusal. Among 5,110 participants, 2,294 (44.9%) said they would receive a COVID-19 vaccination, 498 (9.8%) said they would hesitate to receive it, and 2,318 (45.4%) said they would refuse to receive it. Willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccination was lowest among Black/African American (Black) (36.7%; 510 of 1,390) persons, participants aged 18-29 years (38.5%; 583 of 1,516), and those who lived in jails versus prisons (43.7%; 1,850 of 4,232). Common reasons reported for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were waiting for more information (54.8%) and efficacy or safety concerns (31.0%). The most common reason for COVID-19 vaccination refusal was distrust of health care, correctional, or government personnel or institutions (20.1%). Public health interventions to improve vaccine confidence and trust are needed to increase vaccination acceptance by incarcerated or detained persons. |
Community-Associated Outbreak of COVID-19 in a Correctional Facility - Utah, September 2020-January 2021.
Lewis NM , Salmanson AP , Price A , Risk I , Guymon C , Wisner M , Gardner K , Fukunaga R , Schwitters A , Lambert L , Baggett HC , Ewetola R , Dunn AC . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 70 (13) 467-472 Transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is common in congregate settings such as correctional and detention facilities (1-3). On September 17, 2020, a Utah correctional facility (facility A) received a report of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in a dental health care provider (DHCP) who had treated incarcerated persons at facility A on September 14, 2020 while asymptomatic. On September 21, 2020, the roommate of an incarcerated person who had received dental treatment experienced COVID-19-compatible symptoms*; both were housed in block 1 of facility A (one of 16 occupied blocks across eight residential units). Two days later, the roommate received a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result, becoming the first person with a known-associated case of COVID-19 at facility A. During September 23-24, 2020, screening of 10 incarcerated persons who had received treatment from the DHCP identified another two persons with COVID-19, prompting isolation of all three patients in an unoccupied block at the facility. Within block 1, group activities were stopped to limit interaction among staff members and incarcerated persons and prevent further spread. During September 14-24, 2020, six facility A staff members, one of whom had previous close contact(†) with one of the patients, also reported symptoms. On September 27, 2020, an outbreak was confirmed after specimens from all remaining incarcerated persons in block 1 were tested; an additional 46 cases of COVID-19 were identified, which were reported to the Salt Lake County Health Department and the Utah Department of Health. On September 30, 2020, CDC, in collaboration with both health departments and the correctional facility, initiated an investigation to identify factors associated with the outbreak and implement control measures. As of January 31, 2021, a total of 1,368 cases among 2,632 incarcerated persons (attack rate = 52%) and 88 cases among 550 staff members (attack rate = 16%) were reported in facility A. Among 33 hospitalized incarcerated persons, 11 died. Quarantine and monitoring of potentially exposed persons and implementation of available prevention measures, including vaccination, are important in preventing introduction and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in correctional facilities and other congregate settings (4). |
Epidemiology of Tuberculosis and Progress Toward Meeting Global Targets - Worldwide, 2019
Fukunaga R , Glaziou P , Harris JB , Date A , Floyd K , Kasaeva T . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 70 (12) 427-430 Although tuberculosis (TB) is curable and preventable, in 2019, TB remained the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent worldwide and the leading cause of death among persons living with HIV infection (1). The World Health Organization's (WHO's) End TB Strategy set ambitious targets for 2020, including a 20% reduction in TB incidence and a 35% reduction in the number of TB deaths compared with 2015, as well as zero TB-affected households facing catastrophic costs (defined as costs exceeding 20% of annual household income) (2). In addition, during the 2018 United Nations High-Level Meeting on TB (UNHLM-TB), all member states committed to setting 2018-2022 targets that included provision of TB treatment to 40 million persons and TB preventive treatment (TPT) to 30 million persons, including 6 million persons living with HIV infection and 24 million household contacts of patients with confirmed TB (4 million aged <5 years and 20 million aged ≥5 years) (3,4). Annual data reported to WHO by 215 countries and territories, supplemented by surveys assessing TB prevalence and patient costs in some countries, were used to estimate TB incidence, the number of persons accessing TB curative and preventive treatment, and the percentage of TB-affected households facing catastrophic costs (1). Globally, TB illness developed in an estimated 10 million persons in 2019, representing a decline in incidence of 2.3% from 2018 and 9% since 2015. An estimated 1.4 million TB-related deaths occurred, a decline of 7% from 2018 and 14% since 2015. Although progress has been made, the world is not on track to achieve the 2020 End TB Strategy incidence and mortality targets (1). Efforts to expand access to TB curative and preventive treatment need to be substantially amplified for UNHLM-TB 2022 targets to be met. |
Rapid Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Detention Facility, Louisiana, USA, May-June, 2020.
Wallace M , James AE , Silver R , Koh M , Tobolowsky FA , Simonson S , Gold JAW , Fukunaga R , Njuguna H , Bordelon K , Wortham J , Coughlin M , Harcourt JL , Tamin A , Whitaker B , Thornburg NJ , Tao Y , Queen K , Uehara A , Paden CR , Zhang J , Tong S , Haydel D , Tran H , Kim K , Fisher KA , Marlow M , Tate JE , Doshi RH , Sokol T , Curran KG . Emerg Infect Dis 2021 27 (2) 421-429 To assess transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a detention facility experiencing a coronavirus disease outbreak and evaluate testing strategies, we conducted a prospective cohort investigation in a facility in Louisiana, USA. We conducted SARS-CoV-2 testing for detained persons in 6 quarantined dormitories at various time points. Of 143 persons, 53 were positive at the initial test, and an additional 58 persons were positive at later time points (cumulative incidence 78%). In 1 dormitory, all 45 detained persons initially were negative; 18 days later, 40 (89%) were positive. Among persons who were SARS-CoV-2 positive, 47% (52/111) were asymptomatic at the time of specimen collection; 14 had replication-competent virus isolated. Serial SARS-CoV-2 testing might help interrupt transmission through medical isolation and quarantine. Testing in correctional and detention facilities will be most effective when initiated early in an outbreak, inclusive of all exposed persons, and paired with infection prevention and control. |
Serial Laboratory Testing for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Incarcerated and Detained Persons in a Correctional and Detention Facility - Louisiana, April-May 2020.
Njuguna H , Wallace M , Simonson S , Tobolowsky FA , James AE , Bordelon K , Fukunaga R , Gold JAW , Wortham J , Sokol T , Haydel D , Tran H , Kim K , Fisher KA , Marlow M , Tate JE , Doshi RH , Curran KG . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 69 (26) 836-840 Transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), by asymptomatic and presymptomatic persons poses important challenges to controlling spread of the disease, particularly in congregate settings such as correctional and detention facilities (1). On March 29, 2020, a staff member in a correctional and detention facility in Louisiana developed symptoms(dagger) and later had a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2. During April 2-May 7, two additional cases were detected among staff members, and 36 cases were detected among incarcerated and detained persons at the facility; these persons were removed from dormitories and isolated, and the five dormitories that they had resided in before diagnosis were quarantined. On May 7, CDC and the Louisiana Department of Health initiated an investigation to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among incarcerated and detained persons residing in quarantined dormitories. Goals of this investigation included evaluating COVID-19 symptoms in this setting and assessing the effectiveness of serial testing to identify additional persons with SARS-CoV-2 infection as part of efforts to mitigate transmission. During May 7-21, testing of 98 incarcerated and detained persons residing in the five quarantined dormitories (A-E) identified an additional 71 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection; 32 (45%) were among persons who reported no symptoms at the time of testing, including three who were presymptomatic. Eighteen cases (25%) were identified in persons who had received negative test results during previous testing rounds. Serial testing of contacts from shared living quarters identified persons with SARS-CoV-2 infection who would not have been detected by symptom screening alone or by testing at a single time point. Prompt identification and isolation of infected persons is important to reduce further transmission in congregate settings such as correctional and detention facilities and the communities to which persons return when released. |
Tuberculosis preventive treatment scale-up among antiretroviral therapy patients - 16 countries supported by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, 2017-2019
Melgar M , Nichols C , Cavanaugh JS , Kirking HL , Surie D , Date A , Ahmedov S , Maloney S , Fukunaga R . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 69 (12) 329-334 Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death among persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In 2018, an estimated 251,000 persons living with HIV infection died from TB, accounting for one third of all HIV-related deaths and one sixth of all TB deaths (1). TB preventive treatment (TPT) is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for persons living with HIV infection without active TB disease (i.e., adults with a negative clinical symptom screen for cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss; and children with a negative clinical screen for cough, fever, contact with a person with TB, or poor weight gain) and either without* a tuberculin skin test result or with a known positive result (2). TPT decreases morbidity and mortality among persons living with HIV infection, independent of antiretroviral therapy (ART) (3); however, in 2017, fewer than 1 million of the estimated 21.3 million ART patients started TPT worldwide. Most patients receiving TPT were treated with 6 months of daily isoniazid (1,4). This report summarizes data on TB symptom screening and TPT initiation and completion among ART patients in 16 countries supported by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS(dagger) Relief (PEPFAR) during April 1, 2017-March 31, 2019. During this period, these 16 countries accounted for approximately 90% of PEPFAR-supported ART patients. During April 1, 2017-September 30, 2018, TB symptom screening increased from 54% to 84%. Overall, nearly 2 million ART patients initiated TPT, and 60% completed treatment during October 1, 2017-March 31, 2019. Although TPT initiations increased substantially, completion among those who initiated TPT increased only from 55% to 66%. In addition to continuing gains in initiation, improving retention after initiation and identifying barriers to TPT completion are important to increase TPT scale-up and reduce global TB mortality. |
Factors associated with local herb use during pregnancy and labor among women in Kigoma region, Tanzania, 2014-2016
Fukunaga R , Morof D , Blanton C , Ruiz A , Maro G , Serbanescu F . BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020 20 (1) 122 BACKGROUND: Despite research suggesting an association between certain herb use during pregnancy and delivery and postnatal complications, herbs are still commonly used among pregnant women in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). This study examines the factors and characteristics of women using local herbs during pregnancy and/or labor, and the associations between local herb use and postnatal complications in Kigoma, Tanzania. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2016 Kigoma Tanzania Reproductive Health Survey (RHS), a regionally representative, population-based survey of reproductive age women (15-49 years). We included information on each woman's most recent pregnancy resulting in a live birth during January 2014-September 2016. We calculated weighted prevalence estimates and used multivariable logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for factors associated with use of local herbs during pregnancy and/or labor, as well as factors associated with postnatal complications. RESULTS: Of 3530 women, 10.9% (CI: 9.0-13.1) used local herbs during their last pregnancy and/or labor resulting in live birth. The most common reasons for taking local herbs included stomach pain (42.9%) and for the health of the child (25.5%). Adjusted odds of local herb use was higher for women reporting a home versus facility-based delivery (aOR: 1.6, CI: 1.1-2.2), having one versus three or more prior live births (aOR: 1.8, CI: 1.4-2.4), and having a household income in the lowest versus the highest wealth tercile (aOR: 1.4, CI: 1.1-1.9). Adjusted odds of postnatal complications were higher among women who used local herbs versus those who did not (aOR: 1.5, CI: 1.2-1.9), had four or more antenatal care visits versus fewer (aOR: 1.4, CI: 1.2-1.2), and were aged 25-34 (aOR: 1.1, CI: 1.0-1.3) and 35-49 (aOR: 1.3, CI: 1.0-1.6) versus < 25 years. CONCLUSIONS: About one in ten women in Kigoma used local herbs during their most recent pregnancy and/or labor and had a high risk of postnatal complications. Health providers may consider screening pregnant women for herb use during antenatal and delivery care as well as provide information about any known risks of complications from herb use. |
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