Ensuring Community Engagement in Disease Surveillance: The Municipal Case Investigation and Contact Tracing System for COVID-19 in Puerto Rico.

Abstract

Objectives. To describe the implementation of a novel disease surveillance model in Puerto Rico, the Municipal Case Investigation and Contact Tracing System for COVID-19, established during the pandemic as the primary response. Methods. We analyzed data from July 2020 to June 2021, including all COVID-19 cases reported by public and private laboratories in Puerto Rico to describe the accomplishments and limitations of the surveillance. Results. During the first year, the system was successfully implemented in all Puerto Rican municipalities, collecting data on more than 132 000 confirmed COVID-19 cases. It improved case investigation coverage, reduced laboratory reporting times, and facilitated community engagement for ongoing response enhancements. Conclusions. Surveillance systems of this scale were new to Puerto Rico's Health System, and there was a steep learning and improvement curve. This approach enabled tailored health education, equitable distribution of testing and treatments, and surveillance by educational institutions. Public Health Implications. Near-real-time epidemiological data publication promoted trust, education, and evidence-based policymaking. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S1):S96-S102. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307493).