The exhibition CREATE and CONNECT

The exhibition began in the arbovirus sector, where arboviruses, their structures, and transmission cycles were presented. Special attention was given to discussing the relevance of vaccination against dengue and YF. Styrofoam spheres of different sizes and water-based paint were used to create colored viral models, illustrating the simplicity and diversity of arboviruses (Fig 1A). A puzzle showing the ultramicroscopic structure of DENV-3 also illustrated the virus structure [10] (Fig 1B). Several visitors reported not knowing the existence of four serotypes and that they could be infected more than once with DENV. To illustrate how arboviruses are transmitted, whether in urban or sylvatic cycles, a banner was prepared and displayed (Fig B in S1 File), showing how mosquitoes become infected and subsequently transmit the virus to other hosts. Following this explanation, prevention strategies were discussed, including the importance of vaccination against DENV and YFV, as well as the use of personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites. It was common for parents or children to ask several questions about vaccines and how they work. They also inquired about the symptoms and how to treat DENV, YFV, ZIKV, and CHIKV.

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Fig 1. CREATE and CONNECT.

A: Virus models using Styrofoam and water-based paint were constructed and illustrated the arbovirus particle (bigger model) with envelope in green, capsid in white, and RNA in black. Colored smaller models illustrate DENV-1 to 4, ZIKV, CHIKV, and YFV. B: Puzzle showing the ultrastructure of DENV-3 [10]. C: The poster “Which mosquito is this?” illustrate domestic and sylvatic mosquitoes, their characteristics and habits [11,12]. D: An air-dry clay model of Ae. aegypti. E: Reward stickers for children (Mosquito Hunters [13] and Primate guardian). F: Cover of the e-book “Primates in parks of BH”. Parts of the material (specifically C and E,) were created using freely available images sourced from the internet under open-access terms (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CDC-Gathany-Aedes-albopictus-1.jpg [11], https://openclipart.org/detail/324257/life-cycle-of-the-mosquito [12], https://openclipart.org/detail/315188/mosquito-5 [13]).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013436.g001

In the entomological unit, visitors could observe pictures of mosquitoes, such as A. aegypti, Sabethes spp., and Haemagogus spp., highlighting the morphological and ecological differences between urban and sylvatic mosquitoes (Fig 1C). To better understand the morphology of mosquitoes, a model of A. aegypti (made with air-dry clay) (Fig 1D), and a diagram showing mosquito morphology (Fig C in S1 File) were used to show the parts of the mosquito and how mosquitoes become infected and transmit arboviruses when biting a person. As a by-product of our fieldwork, mosquito specimens were preserved (Fig D in S1 File) and used for observation using hand-held magnifying glasses or a stereomicroscope. This activity aroused great interest and enthusiasm among the visitors, who reported that they could not have imagined how different mosquitoes are, their detailed morphology, and their potential beauty. A diagram showing the life cycle of mosquitoes was used to emphasize how the community can contribute to mosquito control (Fig 1C). In a spot-the-difference game, visitors put into practice their knowledge to avoid standing water in a domestic environment to combat the proliferation of A. aegypti. Simulating the work of entomologists during fieldwork, visitors learned how to capture mosquitoes with traps and nets (Fig E in S1 File). Lastly, children played with mosquito puzzles (Fig F in S1 File) and received the “mosquito hunter” sticker (Fig 1E).

Finally, the third unit focused on wild hosts of YFV, highlighting their crucial role as sentinels for YF and demystifying their ability to transmit the virus to humans. Black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) and the capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus) are found in parks in BH. Characteristics and habits of marmosets (Fig G in S1 File) and capuchin monkeys were presented in posters, folders (S2 File) and in an educational book (Fig 1F, S2 File). We raised awareness among visitors about responsible interactions with wildlife, warning of the risks of feeding wild animals, including the transmission of viruses such as rabies virus and herpesviruses. Memory games (Fig H in S1 File) and models illustrated proper diet (natural fruits, eggs, insects, tree gum), and inadequate food for NHPs (commercial fruits, biscuits, popcorn). Most visitors reported the habit of feeding wild animals in parks with fruits, biscuits, etc. and noted that, given what they had learned with the exhibition, they would no longer feed wild animals in the parks. The visitors were invited to observe the NHPs from a distance using binoculars, children played with primate puzzles (Fig H in S1 File) and received the “primate guardian” sticker (Fig 1E).

Overall, 15 exhibitions were held in 2023 and 2024, reaching approximately 985 participants. The diverse audience included children, teenagers, adults, and educators. The exhibition was hosted in collaboration with the Municipal Parks and Zoobotanical Foundation of Belo Horizonte as part of the “Ambientar Project,” which promotes environmental education in city parks. Exhibitions were held in eight parks/green areas in BH (Fig A in S1 File), where arbovirus surveillance has been carried out during the CREATE-NEO project [9]. The exhibition also took place during scientific conferences and community outreach events in four cities of Minas Gerais (Monte Azul, Grão Mogol, Botumirim, and Montes Claros) (Fig A in S1 File).

Insights and perspectives

The exhibition aroused great interest and engagement, with visitors praising the learning experience spontaneously. The adults participated actively while the children engaged in the games and playful activities. The positive feedback from visitors reinforced the success of the exhibition. The researchers had an essential role in adapting the language for different audiences, explaining the units of the exhibition, answering questions, and reinforcing preventive measures against YFV and other arboviruses.

Community science outreach events are essential for promoting public understanding of scientific concepts and adherence to public health measures. These events bridge the gap between researchers and the wider community, making complex scientific concepts accessible for people of all ages and backgrounds. The “CREATE and CONNECT” exhibition showed that simple and accessible hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, and open discussions can promote scientific awareness of population.

Moreover, dissemination events can inspire the next generation of scientists and encourage critical thinking. This type of activity is highly useful and easily adaptable for K-12 teachers and students, providing an engaging, affordable hands-on approach to science education. Teachers can incorporate similar activities in the classroom to illustrate viral structures, disease transmission, and prevention methods, making abstract concepts more real and easier to understand. Educators can foster scientific curiosity and public health awareness from an early age using these activities into biology, environmental science, and health education classes, empowering students to apply their knowledge to real-world issues. Moreover, students can actively participate by creating materials and presenting exhibitions during classes, science fairs, and community events.

The CREATE and CONNECT outreach model can be effectively adapted to raise awareness and improve community engagement for other NTDs. By tailoring educational materials to specific diseases and regional contexts, CREATE and CONNECT could serve as a scalable framework for NTD awareness campaigns, fostering collaboration between researchers, educators, and local populations and allowing communities to take proactive measures in the prevention and control of diseases. Activities like this are essential for integrating social, health, and environmental efforts to expand the prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases.

Supporting information

Acknowledgments

We thank all partners from Projeto Ambientar, and Plano de Ação territorial do Espinhaço Mineiro in Minas Gerais. We thank Daniel Jacob, Kristin Sloyer, and Eric Henrique Souza for providing photos. We do thank the collaborators of the Municipal Parks and Zoobotanical Foundation of Belo Horizonte, the Health Department of Belo Horizonte, the Zoonosis Laboratory and Zoonosis Control Center of the City of Belo Horizonte, CETAS-BH/IBAMA, Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden/UFMG, Ecological Station/UFMG, Virus Laboratory/UFMG, Pro-Rectories of Undergraduate, Graduate, and Research of the Federal University of Minas Gerais. The authors acknowledge the use of an AI language model (ChatGPT, OpenAI) to support the revision and improvement of grammar and clarity during the writing of the first manuscript draft. All content was critically reviewed and approved by the authors.