Charles Whittaker
A5061411035- COVID-19 epidemiological studies
- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies
- COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts
- Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
- Mosquito-borne diseases and control
- SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
- Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research
- COVID-19 and healthcare impacts
- COVID-19 and Mental Health
- Malaria Research and Control
- Data-Driven Disease Surveillance
- Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
- Parasites and Host Interactions
- Influenza Virus Research Studies
- COVID-19 Digital Contact Tracing
- Healthcare Systems and Reforms
- Gaussian Processes and Bayesian Inference
- Classical Antiquity Studies
- Zoonotic diseases and public health
- Parasitic infections in humans and animals
- Global Public Health Policies and Epidemiology
- Parasitic Diseases Research and Treatment
- Congenital Anomalies and Fetal Surgery
- CRISPR and Genetic Engineering
Imperial College London
2017-2025
London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research
2018-2024
Medical Research Council
2020-2023
National Centre for Infectious Diseases
2020-2022
University of Cambridge
2017-2021
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
2021
Norwich Research Park
2017-2020
John Innes Centre
2017-2020
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
2020
Institut de Recherche Vaccinale
2020
BackgroundIn the face of rapidly changing data, a range case fatality ratio estimates for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been produced that differ substantially in magnitude. We aimed to provide robust estimates, accounting censoring and ascertainment biases.MethodsWe collected individual-case data patients who died from COVID-19 Hubei, mainland China (reported by national provincial health commissions Feb 8, 2020), cases outside (from government or ministry websites media reports...
The global impact of COVID-19 has been profound, and the public health threat it represents is most serious seen in a respiratory virus since 1918 H1N1 influenza pandemic. Here we present results epidemiological modelling which informed policymaking UK other countries recent weeks. In absence vaccine, assess potential role number measures – so-called non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) aimed at reducing contact rates population thereby transmission virus. presented here, apply previously...
Cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in Manaus, Brazil, resurged late 2020 despite previously high levels infection. Genome sequencing viruses sampled Manaus between November and January 2021 revealed the emergence circulation a novel SARS-CoV-2 variant concern. Lineage P.1 acquired 17 mutations, including trio spike protein (K417T, E484K, N501Y) associated with increased binding to human ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) receptor. Molecular...
The B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first identified in the state Maharashtra late 2020 and spread throughout India, outcompeting pre-existing lineages including B.1.617.1 (Kappa) B.1.1.7 (Alpha)
Global prospects for COVID-19 control Lower-income countries have recognized the potential impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from observing ongoing epidemics. Many intervened quickly and early with measures to slow viral transmission, which may partly explain low rates observed so far in these countries. Walker et al. calibrated a global model country-specific data (see Perspective by Metcalf ). Despite potentially protective effects younger demographics, closer intergenerational...
SummaryBackgroundCOVID-19 has the potential to cause substantial disruptions health services, due cases overburdening system or response measures limiting usual programmatic activities. We aimed quantify extent which services for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria in low-income middle-income countries with high burdens of these diseases could lead additional loss life over next 5 years.MethodsAssuming a basic reproduction number 3·0, we constructed four scenarios possible responses COVID-19...
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have sought control SARS-CoV-2 transmission by restricting population movement through social distancing interventions, thus reducing number of contacts. Mobility data represent an important proxy measure distancing, and here, we characterise relationship between mobility for 52 around world. Transmission significantly decreased with initial reduction in 73% analysed, but found evidence decoupling following relaxation strict measures 80%...
Attack rate in Manaus Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) incidence peaked Manaus, Brazil, May 2020 with a devastating toll on the city's inhabitants, leaving its health services shattered and cemeteries overwhelmed. Buss et al. collected data from blood donors São Paulo, noted when transmission began to fall, estimated final attack rates October (see Perspective by Sridhar Gurdasani). Heterogeneities immune protection, population structure, poverty, modes of public...
Delhi, the national capital of India, experienced multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreaks in 2020 and reached population seropositivity >50% by 2021. During April 2021, city became overwhelmed COVID-19 cases fatalities, as a new variant, B.1.617.2 (Delta), replaced B.1.1.7 (Alpha). A Bayesian model explains growth advantage Delta through combination increased transmissibility reduced sensitivity to immune responses generated against earlier variants...
Abstract Genomic sequencing is essential to track the evolution and spread of SARS-CoV-2, optimize molecular tests, treatments, vaccines, guide public health responses. To investigate global SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance, we used sequences shared via GISAID estimate impact intensity turnaround times on variant detection in 189 countries. In first two years pandemic, 78% high-income countries sequenced >0.5% their COVID-19 cases, while 42% low- middle-income reached that mark. Around 25%...
WHO has called for increased testing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but countries have taken different approaches and effectiveness of alternative strategies is unknown. We aimed investigate potential impact isolation on transmission severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Abstract Cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Manaus, Brazil, resurged late 2020, despite high levels previous there. Through genome sequencing viruses sampled Manaus between November 2020 and January 2021, we identified the emergence circulation a novel variant concern, lineage P.1, that acquired 17 mutations, including trio spike protein (K417T, E484K N501Y) associated with increased binding to human ACE2 receptor. Molecular clock analysis shows P.1 occurred around early was preceded by period...
The burden of malaria is heavily concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where cases and deaths associated with COVID-19 are rising1. In response, countries implementing societal measures aimed at curtailing transmission SARS-CoV-22,3. Despite these measures, the epidemic could still result millions as local health facilities become overwhelmed4. Advances control this century have been largely due to distribution long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs)5, many SSA having planned campaigns for...
Abstract Background After experiencing a sharp growth in COVID-19 cases early the pandemic, South Korea rapidly controlled transmission while implementing less stringent national social distancing measures than countries Europe and USA. This has led to substantial interest their “test, trace, isolate” strategy. However, it is important understand epidemiological peculiarities of Korea’s outbreak characterise response before attempting emulate these elsewhere. Methods We systematically...
Abstract As of 1st June 2020, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported 104,232 confirmed or probable COVID-19-related deaths in US. This was more than twice number next most severely impacted country. We jointly model epidemic at state-level, using publicly available death data within a Bayesian hierarchical semi-mechanistic framework. For each state, we estimate individuals that have been infected, are currently infectious time-varying reproduction (the average secondary...
Since its emergence in Autumn 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern (VOC) B.1.1.7 (WHO label Alpha) rapidly became dominant lineage across much Europe. Simultaneously, several other VOCs were identified globally. Unlike B.1.1.7, some these possess mutations thought to confer partial immune escape. Understanding when and how additional pose a threat settings where is currently vital.We examine trends prevalence non-B.1.1.7 lineages London English regions using passive-case detection PCR...
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the world, it is increasingly important understand factors that influence its transmission. Seasonal variation driven by responses changing environment has been shown affect transmission intensity of several coronaviruses. However, impact on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains largely unknown, and thus seasonal a source uncertainty in forecasts SARS-CoV-2 Here we address this issue assessing association temperature,...
A SARS-CoV-2 transmission model fitted to surveillance data estimates virus transmissibility, infection severity, and the impact of interventions.