Sure, here is the content you requested:
Key Challenges for Respiratory Virus Surveillance while Transitioning
Table of Contents
Existing approaches to respiratory pathogen surveillance, such as community testing, were rapidly scaled up.Many enhanced or new surveillance activities, such as infection prevalence surveys, were put into place. The data generated by COVID-19 surveillance systems have provided situational awareness.
Respiratory Virus Activity Levels
You can use these data as an early warning that levels of infections may be increasing or decreasing in your community. This model helps tell whether the number of new respiratory infections is growing or declining in your state. The National respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) is a sentinel network of laboratories.
WHO Mosaic Respiratory Surveillance Framework
It is indeed unfeasible to address the many complex needs of respiratory virus surveillance with a single system. Thus, multiple surveillance systems and complementary studies must fit together as tiles in a “mosaic” to provide a complete picture of the risk, transmission, severity, and impact of respiratory viruses of epidemic and pandemic potential.
Additional Data
The LABF and ILM laboratories also indicate the circulation of other respiratory and bacterial viruses: SARS-COV-2, VRS, common coronavirus (HKU1, NL63), rhinovirus and Enterovirus, and Mycoplasma Pneumoniae.
In week 5, 32 new COVID cases were reported for 137 tests carried out (positivity rate of 19% against 11% the previous week). Seven hospitalizations have been reported, including a transition to resuscitation. A more intense circulation of the virus is observed.
The authorities recall that “to reduce the transmission of respiratory diseases, including darling, influenza, VRS, and COVID, wearing a mask and frequent handwashing are very effective measures.”
Additionally, dengue is still circulating. The Society islands and the Tuamotu Gambier are still in the epidemic phase.
Editor’s Q&A with Respiratory Virus Surveillance Expert
“Using Surveillance Data for Early Virus Detection”
Editor: How can surveillance data help communities anticipate changes in the incidence of respiratory infections?
Expert: Surveillance data can serve as an early warning system,indicating whether the number of new respiratory infections is increasing or decreasing in a given community.This is particularly important for public health officials and communities to take proactive measures, such as implementing or adjusting mitigation strategies like mask-wearing and hygiene practices.
“The WHO Mosaic Respiratory Surveillance Framework”
Editor: can you elaborate on the WHO’s mosaic approach to respiratory virus surveillance?
Expert: The WHO Mosaic Respiratory Surveillance Framework recognizes that no single system can address all the complexities of respiratory virus surveillance. Rather, multiple complementary surveillance systems and studies must work together like tiles in a mosaic to create a complete picture of the risk, transmission, severity, and impact of respiratory viruses with epidemic and pandemic potential.
“Additional Data and Virus Circulation”
Editor: What additional data do laboratories like LABF and ILM provide concerning respiratory virus circulation?
Expert: These laboratories also indicate the prevalence of other respiratory and bacterial viruses, including SARS-COV-2, respiratory syncytial virus (VRS), common coronaviruses (HKU1, NL63), rhinovirus, enterovirus, and Mycoplasma Pneumoniae. This additional data helps to build a more complete picture of the respiratory virus landscape within a community.
“Week 5 Report: COVID-19 and Dengue Update”
Editor: What insights can we draw from the latest COVID-19 surveillance data for week 5?
Expert: In week 5, there were 32 new COVID-19 cases reported out of 137 tests conducted, representing a 19% positivity rate compared to 11% the previous week. This indicates a more intense circulation of the virus. Additionally, seven hospitalizations were reported, including a severe case requiring resuscitation.
Editor: How can the public reduce the risk of transmitting these respiratory diseases?
Expert: Authorities recommend wearing a mask and practicing frequent handwashing as very effective measures to reduce the transmission of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, VRS, and others.
Editor: Is dengue still a concern in some regions?
Expert: Yes, dengue is still circulating and continues to be a concern in the Society islands and the Tuamotu Gambier, which remain in the epidemic phase.
Conclusion
The latest surveillance data highlights the importance of monitoring respiratory virus circulation to anticipate and mitigate health risks. The comprehensive “mosaic” approach,complemented by laboratory data,aids in understanding virus transmission dynamics and informing public health measures. Community-wide efforts such as mask-wearing and hygiene practices remain crucial in controlling the spread of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19 and dengue.
