November 19, 2024

To enhance outbreak response capabilities, C-DAC Kolkata's Software Technology Group (STG), in partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and ICMR-NIRBI (National Institute of Research in Bacterial Infections), conducted a two-day workshop and training session on Outbreak Investigation at Software Technology Parks of India, Kolkata, on November 18th and 19th, 2024. This workshop was a key component of C-DAC Kolkata's task force project, 'Surveillance of Foodborne Pathogens in North East India.

The workshop convened a diverse group of participants, including scientists, microbiologists, epidemiologists, researchers, and project members from medical and veterinary institutions across all nine northeastern states, alongside researchers from C-DAC and ICMR-NIRBI. Renowned scientists from the National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), Chennai, served as key facilitators, guiding participants through the intricacies of Epidemiological Science and the Ten-Step Outbreak Investigation Process. Their invaluable expertise provided in-depth insights into systematic outbreak investigation methodologies, empowering participants to effectively apply these techniques in real-world settings. Participants received hands-on training in generating epidemic curves using symptom onset data, creating spot maps, and calculating attack rates based on gender and age.

The workshop prominently featured the launch of the 'Outbreak Investigation Analytical Platform,' a digital tool developed by C-DAC Kolkata. This platform integrates seamlessly with the existing ICMR-FoodNet digital platform (www.icmrfoodnet.in), developed under the mission project. The launch ceremony was virtually attended by distinguished guests Dr. Ch. AS Murthy, Scientist 'G' and Centre Head at C-DAC Kolkata, and Dr. Taruna Madan Gupta, Scientist 'G' & HOD, Division of Development Research, ICMR Headquarters. Dr. Shanta Dutta, Scientist 'G' and Director, ICMR-NIRBI, graced the event in person. Dr. Madhuchhanda Das, Scientist 'E' and Principal Investigator of the project at ICMR Headquarters, and her team participated virtually.

In his address, Dr. Murthy emphasized the substantial global burden of foodborne illnesses, especially among children, many of which go unreported. He explained how the innovative epidemiological module developed by C-DAC Kolkata significantly streamlines outbreak investigations. This module facilitates the comprehensive capture of data from food, environmental, and patient samples. It then automatically generates descriptive and analytical reports, including crucial epidemic curves, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of outbreak response.

Physically present at the workshop were:

• Smt. Mina Desai, Scientist 'E' and Group Head of STGG, C-DAC, Kolkata
• Dr. Shanta Dutta Scientist 'G' & Director, ICMR-NIRBI
• Dr. Thandavarayan Ramamurthy, Senior Scientist, ICMR-NIRBI
• Dr. P. Manickam, Scientist 'F', ICMR-NIE
• Dr. Tarun Bhatnagar, Scientist 'F', ICMR-NIE
• Dr. M Santhosh Kumar, Scientist 'D', ICMR-NIE
• Dr. Jeromie Wesley Vivian, Scientist 'D', ICMR-NIEand other scientists from ICMR-NIRBI
• Dr. Tapan Kumar Dutta, Prof. & Head Dept. of Veterinary and other participants from the College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Aizawl, Mizoram
• Dr. Swagnik Roy Prof. & Head Dept. of Microbiology and other participants from Zoram Medical College, Mizoram
• Dr. Mandakini Devi Asst. Prof., Dept. of Microbiology and participants from the College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Nagaland
• Dr. Hosterson Kylla Senior A.H & Veterinary Officer SDDL, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Shillong, Meghalaya
• Dr. Megonuise Meru, Consultant & HOD, and other members from the Department of Microbiology Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research, Dimapur, Nagaland
• Dr. Valarie Lyngdoh, Additional Professor and participants from the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences
• Dr. S Indira Devi, Scientist 'E' of the Microbial Resources division and participants from the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Manipur
• Dr. Suranjana Chaliha Hazarika, Associate Professor of Microbiology, and participants from Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Assam
• Participants from Bakin Pertin General Hospital, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh
• Dr. Anup Kumar Ojha from ICMR HQ
• Development team and other members from C-DAC, Kolkata

This workshop represents a pivotal advancement in enhancing foodborne outbreak investigation capabilities across Northeast India. By leveraging the sophisticated features of the ICMR-FoodNet Digital Platform, the event underscored the paramount importance of digital tools in public health surveillance. It also emphasized the critical role of collaborative efforts in addressing the enduring challenges posed by foodborne outbreaks.