A5068611434- Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research
- COVID-19 epidemiological studies
- Malaria Research and Control
- Mosquito-borne diseases and control
- Disaster Response and Management
- Viral Infections and Vectors
- Viral Infections and Immunology Research
- Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology
- Global Maternal and Child Health
- Poxvirus research and outbreaks
- Child Nutrition and Water Access
- Zoonotic diseases and public health
- COVID-19 Digital Contact Tracing
- Energy and Environment Impacts
- Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- Migration and Labor Dynamics
- Global Security and Public Health
- Smart Grid Energy Management
- Climate Change, Adaptation, Migration
- Global Health and Surgery
- Hepatitis B Virus Studies
- Parasites and Host Interactions
- Virology and Viral Diseases
- Global Health Workforce Issues
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2019-2025
UCLA Health
2023-2024
University of California, Los Angeles
2017-2022
Fielding Graduate University
2017-2019
National Institute of Biomedical Research
2017
The national census is an essential data source to support decision-making in many areas of public interest. However, this may become outdated during the intercensal period, which can stretch up several decades. We developed a Bayesian hierarchical model leveraging recent household surveys with probabilistic sampling designs and building footprints produce up-to-date population estimates. estimated totals age sex breakdowns associated uncertainty measures within grid cells approximately 100m...
The first reported outbreak of Ebola virus disease occurred in 1976 Yambuku, Democratic Republic Congo. Antibody responses survivors 11 years after infection have been documented. However, this report is the characterization anti-Ebola antibody persistence and neutralization capacity 40 infection. Using ELISAs we measured survivor's immunological response to Zaire (EBOV) glycoprotein nucleoprotein, assessed VP40 reactivity. Neutralization EBOV was using a pseudovirus approach plaque...
As of April 2019, the current Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in Democratic Republic Congo (DRC) is occurring a longstanding conflict zone and has become second largest EVD history. It suspected that after violent events occur, transmission will increase; however, empirical studies to understand impact violence on are lacking. Here, we use spatial temporal trends case counts compare rates between health zones have versus not experienced recent during outbreak.
As of May 27, 2018, 6 suspected, 13 probable and 35 confirmed cases Ebola virus disease (EVD) had been reported in Équateur Province, Democratic Republic Congo. We used case counts time series from prior outbreaks to estimate the total outbreak size duration with without vaccine use. modeled transmission using a stochastic branching process model that included reproduction numbers past particle filtering method generate probabilistic projection conditioned on its trajectory date; high (62%),...
One year after a Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) outbreak occurred in the Boende Health Zone of Democratic Republic Congo during 2014, we sought to determine breadth immune response against diverse filoviruses including EBOV, Bundibugyo (BDBV), Sudan (SUDV), and Marburg (MARV) viruses. After assessing 15 survivors, 5 individuals demonstrated some degree reactivity multiple species and, instances, virus. All these survivors had immunoreactivity EBOV glycoprotein (GP) VP40, 4 nucleoprotein (NP). Three...
Healthcare settings have played a major role in propagation of Ebola virus (EBOV) outbreaks. workers (HCWs) elevated risk contact with EBOV-infected patients, particularly if safety precautions are not rigorously practiced. We conducted serosurvey to determine seroprevalence against multiple EBOV antigens among HCWs Boende Health Zone, Democratic Republic the Congo, site 2014 outbreak. Interviews and specimens were collected from 565 consenting HCWs. Overall, 234 (41.4%) enrolled reactive at...
Abstract Background Asymptomatic malaria may be patent (visible by microscopy) and detectable rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), or it submicroscopic only polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods To characterize the reservoir in an area of declining transmission, asymptomatic persons >5 years age Bagamoyo District, Tanzania, were screened using RDT, microscopy, PCR. We investigated size across villages, determined factors associated with parasitemia, assessed natural history over four weeks....
Abstract Background Health care workers (HCW) are more likely to be exposed Ebola virus (EBOV) during an outbreak compared people in the general population due close physical contact with patients and potential exposure infectious fluids. However, not all will fall ill. Despite evidence of subclinical paucisymptomatic disease (EVD), prevalence associated risk factors remain unknown. Methods We conducted a serosurvey among HCW Boende, Tshuapa Province, Democratic Republic Congo. Human...
<ns3:p>This paper describes the design and methods of a serosurvey conducted in Somalia 2021. The study had several concurrent aims: a) to estimate seroprevalence antibodies SARS-CoV-2, b) obtain age-specific data on susceptibility poliovirus, measles, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus; c) pathogens causing malaria neglected tropical diseases. Participants were recruited from persons seeking care at government health facilities as well friends family members who accompanied those care....
Background: Malnutrition is identified as a risk-factor for insufficient polioseroconversion in the context of vaccine-derived polio virus (VDPV) outbreak prone region. To assess prevalence malnutrition and its link to poliovirus immunity, cross-sectional household survey was conducted regions Haut- Lomami Tanganyika, DRC. Methods: In March 2018, we included 968 healthy children aged 6 59 months from eight out 27 districts. Selection study locations within these districts done using...
Abstract Background Asymptomatic carriage of malaria parasites persists even as transmission declines. Low-density infections are often submicroscopic, not detected with rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) or microscopy but detectable by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods To characterize submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum in an area declining transmission, asymptomatic persons &gt;5 years age rural Bagamoyo District, Tanzania, were screened using RDT, microscopy, and PCR. We...
Electricity access is essential for small enterprise operations and economic development in low- middle-income countries (LMICs). The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has one lowest electrification rates globally, placing undue constraints on country's enterprises. Efforts are currently underway to improve electricity DRC throughout sub-Saharan Africa using decentralized solar mini grids. Their effect energy remains largely unexplored, particularly urban settings. We address this gap...
Our understanding of the different effects targeted versus nontargeted violence on Ebola virus (EBOV) transmission in Democratic Republic Congo (DRC) is limited.We used time-series data case counts to compare individuals Ebola-affected health zones DRC, April 2018-August 2019. Exposure was number violent events per zone, categorized into Ebola-targeted or Ebola-untargeted, and civilian-induced, (para)military/political, protests. Outcome estimated daily reproduction (Rt) by zone. We fit...
Abstract Background RTS,S/AS01 is the first malaria vaccine to be approved and recommended for widespread implementation by World Health Organization (WHO). Trials reported lower efficacies in higher-incidence sites, potentially due a “rebound” cases vaccinated children. When naturally acquired protection control group rises wanes concurrently, incidence can become greater than group, resulting negative efficacies. Methods Using data from 2009–2014 phase III trial (NCT00866619) Lilongwe,...
Abstract Background Ebola virus disease ( EVD ) can be clinically severe and highly fatal, making surveillance efforts for early detection of paramount importance. In areas with limited access to laboratory testing, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Response IDSR strategy in Democratic Republic Congo DRC may a vital tool improving outbreak response. Methods Using data from nation's four periods 2007–2014, we assessed trends Viral Hemorrhagic Fever VHF differential diagnoses reportable...
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes both varicella (chickenpox) and herpes (shingles) is associated with significant global morbidity. Most epidemiological data on VZV come from high-income countries, to date there are limited the burden of in Africa.We assessed seroprevalence antibodies among children Democratic Republic Congo collaboration 2013-2014 Demographic Health Survey. Dried blood spot samples collected 6-59 months age were run Dynex™ Technologies Multiplier FLEX® chemiluminescent...
What is the effect of migration on fuel use in rural Zambia? Opportunities to increase income can be scarce this setting; response, households may pursue a strategy resources as well mitigate risk. Migrant remittances make it possible for shift from primary reliance firewood charcoal, and loss productive labor through reinforce shift. This paper uses four waves panel data collected part Child Grant Programme Zambia examine connection between choice or charcoal cooking finds evidence both...
Malnutrition is identified as a risk factor for insufficient polio seroconversion in the context of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) outbreak-prone region. In Democratic Republic Congo (DRC), underweight decreased from 31% (in 2001) to 26% 2018). Since 2004, VDPV serotype 2 outbreaks (cVDPV2) have been documented and were geographically limited around Haut-Lomami Tanganyika Provinces.
Despite the successes in wild-type polio eradication, poor vaccine coverage DRC has led to occurrence of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks. This cross-sectional population-based survey provides an update previous poliovirus-neutralizing antibody seroprevalence studies and quantifies risk factors for under-immunization parental knowledge that guide decision making. Among 964 children between 6 35 months our survey, 43.8% (95% CI: 40.6–47.0%), 41.1% (38.0–44.2%), 38.0%...
Abstract Background As of May 27, 2018, 54 cases Ebola virus disease (EVD) were reported in Équateur Province, Democratic Republic Congo. We used case counts and time series from prior outbreaks to estimate the current outbreak size duration with without vaccine use. Methods modeled transmission using a stochastic branching process model negative binomial distribution, both estimates reproduction number R declining supercritical subcritical derived past outbreaks, as well particle filtering...
Background: Violence can impact Ebola virus disease (EVD) transmission in the current outbreak eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We hypothesized that violent events targeted against response will be associated with more EVD than untargeted events. Methods: used a dynamic cohort individuals who lived Ebola-affected and unaffected health zones DRC from April 2018 to August 2019. The time-varying exposure was number events, as defined by Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project...