PRECISE aims to strengthen Canada’s ability to rapidly mobilize and respond to emerging infectious disease threats through diagnostic readiness
and coordinated research infrastructure. Over the past two years, PRECISE investigators have worked to build the operational infrastructure and
collaborative partnerships needed to support rapid outbreak response, including engagement with, public health units, healthcare institutions,
government and community partners.
On May 2, a cluster of severe respiratory illness cases identified among passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean was
reported to the World Health Organization. The outbreak was subsequently confirmed to be associated with Andes virus (ANDV), a type of hantavirus
known to cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Andes virus is typically associated with exposure to infected rodents, although limited
person-to-person transmission has been documented in previous outbreaks.
Since the initial report, additional confirmed and probable cases linked to the affected travellers have been identified internationally,
and extensive contact tracing, quarantine, and monitoring measures have been implemented by public health authorities. WHO and national
public health agencies continue to assess the overall risk to the public as low, while emphasizing the importance of coordinated surveillance and containment efforts.
In response, the Public Health Agency of Canada, alongside local public health units, provincial agencies including Public Health of Ontario,
have mobilized to actively monitor the situation, support preparedness activities, implement appropriate public health protocols, and help prevent further spread.
Following the declaration of this outbreak, PRECISE rapidly mobilized its infrastructure to fast-track activation of a research study focused on enrolling participants
exposed to and/or infected with hantavirus who have arrived in Canada. PRECISE is also collaborating with the World Health Organization to contribute data on the natural
history of Andes Hantavirus, together with other global partners
Participants have already been enrolled in Ontario, with the study now expanded to British Columbia. This work demonstrates PRECISE’s capacity to rapidly activate and
coordinate research efforts during emerging public health events. The successful launch of the study also reflects the significant contributions of clinical research teams,
research ethics boards, contracts offices, and operational staff who enabled timely study activation and participant enrolment.
Through coordinated multi-site and multi-partner collaboration, PRECISE continues to support national preparedness efforts and help strengthen diagnostic readiness for
emerging pathogens of public health importance.
This year, we are pleased to support 20 summer students across PRECISE sites throughout Ontario. To kick off the program, an online introductory meeting was held to welcome the students,
provide an overview of the program, and give participants an opportunity to connect and introduce themselves to one another.
In addition to the hands-on training students will receive at their respective sites, PRECISE is also offering a dedicated introductory REDCap training session led by our REDCap Data
Specialist. This session will provide students with an overview of REDCap, a secure web-based platform used globally for the collection and management of research data in clinical cohort
studies, surveys, and clinical trials.
Finally, continuing a successful initiative from last year, students will have the opportunity to present their summer research projects at an in-person symposium at the end of the program.
The symposium will allow students to showcase their work, exchange ideas with peers and investigators, and further develop their scientific presentation skills.
The precise website is now operational. We plan to further expand our site with more about our partners activities in the near future. Stay tuned!
We are pleased to support 7 summer students, to start their fellowship in Precise laboratories for 2025. We are excited to work with them and wish them the very best summer at some highly regarded labs.
