scholarly journals Malaria Outbreak Facilitated by Appearance of Vector-Breeding Sites after Heavy Rainfall and Inadequate Preventive Measures: Nwoya District, Northern Uganda, February–May 2018

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Godfrey Nsereko ◽  
Daniel Kadobera ◽  
Denis Okethwangu ◽  
Joyce Nguna ◽  
Damian Rutazaana ◽  
...  

Background. Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Uganda. In April 2018, malaria cases surged in Nwoya District, Northern Uganda, exceeding expected limits and thereby requiring epidemic response. We investigated this outbreak to estimate its magnitude, identify exposure factors for transmission, and recommend evidence-based control measures. Methods. We defined a malaria case as onset of fever in a resident of Anaka subcounty, Koch Goma subcounty, and Nwoya Town Council, Nwoya District, with a positive rapid diagnostic test or microscopy for malaria from 1 February to 25 May 2018. We reviewed medical records in all health facilities of affected subcounties to find cases. In a case-control study, we compared exposure factors between case-persons and asymptomatic controls matched by age and village. We also conducted entomological assessments on vector density and behavior. Results. We identified 3,879 case-persons (attack rate [AR] = 6.5%) and two deaths (case-fatality rate = 5.2/10,000). Females (AR = 8.1%) were more affected than males (AR = 4.7%) (p<0.0001). Of all age groups, 5–18 years (AR = 8.4%) were most affected. Heavy rain started in early March 2018, and a propagated outbreak followed in the first week of April 2018. In the case-control study, 55% (59/107) of case-persons and 18% (19/107) of controls had stagnant water around households for several days following rainfall (ORM-H = 5.6, 95% CI = 3.0–11); 25% (27/107) of case-persons and 51% (55/107) of controls wore full extremity covering clothes during evening hours (ORM-H = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.20–0.60); 71% (76/107) of case-persons and 85% (91/107) of controls slept under a long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN) 14 days before symptom onset (ORM-H = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.22–0.85); 37% (40/107) of case-persons and 52% (56/107) of controls had access to at least one LLIN per 2 household members (ORM-H = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.30–0.97). Entomological assessment indicated active breeding sites in the entire study area; Anopheles gambiae sensu lato species were the predominant vector. Conclusion. Increased vector-breeding sites after heavy rainfall and inadequate malaria preventive measures were found to have contributed to this outbreak. We recommended increasing coverage for LLINs and larviciding breeding sites in the area.

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khwaja Mir Islam Saeed ◽  
Jamalludin Ahadi ◽  
Mohammad Nadir Sahak ◽  
Ahmad Farid Ghiasi ◽  
Rana Jawad Ashgar

Background: More than 500,000 people are affected by brucellosis each year while the incidence of Q fever is poorly recorded. Consistent outbreaks of brucellosis have been reported in Afghanistan, affecting social and economic life. This study aimed to determine the means of propagation of brucellosis and Q-fever and establish appropriate control measures for both.Methods and Materials: An outbreak of 1,317 cases of brucellosis and Q fever was investigated from May 2011 to the end of 2012 in Bamyan province of Afghanistan.A total of 100 cases were selected by random sampling with equal number of neighbor controls. Data were collected through structured questionnaire.Results: The average age was 30 years ±14 years. Of those sampled, 62% were female, 38% were male, and resided in three districts: Punjab, Yakawlang and Waras. Using multivariate analysis, being a housewife (OR=7.36), being within proximity of kitchens to barns (OR= 2.98), drinking un-boiled milk (OR= 5.26), butchering (OR= 3.53) and purchasing new animals in the last six months (OR= 3.53) were significantly associated with contraction of brucellosis and Q fever.Conclusion: Health educators should focus on families dealing with animals, especially on females. Pasturing, healthy milking, dunging, and slaughtering practices, along with use of safe dairy products should be the focus of preventive measures.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kissanet Tesfay ◽  
Belete Assefa ◽  
Alefech Addisu

Abstract Objective We investigated this outbreak to describe the magnitude and associated risk factors due to the malaria outbreak in Tanquae Abergelle district, Tigray, Ethiopia, in 2017. Result Case fatality rate of this study was zero. Among the 62 cases and 124 controls, the presence of mosquito breeding sites [OR = 6.56 CI (2.09–20.58) P value = 0.001], sleeping outside a home [OR = 5.06 CI (1.75–14.61) P-value = 0.003] and having unscreened window [OR = 14.89 CI (1.87–118.25) P-value = 0.011] were associated with illness in multivariate analysis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S332-S332
Author(s):  
Anna Hardesty ◽  
Aakriti Pandita ◽  
Yiyun Shi ◽  
Kendra Vieira ◽  
Ralph Rogers ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Organ transplant recipients (OTR) are considered high-risk for morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. Case-fatality rates (CFR) vary significantly in different case series, and some patients were still hospitalized at the time of analyses. To our knowledge, no case-control study of COVID-19 in OTR has been published to-date. Methods We captured kidney transplant recipients (KTR) diagnosed with COVID-19 between 3/1 and 5/18/2020. After exclusion of KTR on hemodialysis and off immunosuppression (IS), we compared the clinical course of COVID-19 between hospitalized KTR and non-transplant patients, matched by sex and age (controls). All patients were discharged from the hospital or died. Results 16 KTR had COVID-19. All 3 KTR off IS, who were excluded from further analyses, survived. Median age was 54 (range: 34–65) years; 5/13 KTR (38.4%) were men. Median time from transplant was 41 (range: 1–203) months. Two KTR, both transplanted &gt;10 years ago, were managed as outpatients. IS was reduced in 12/13 (92.3%), most often by discontinuation of the antimetabolite. IL6 levels were &gt;1,000 (normal: &lt; 5) pg/mL in 3 KTR. Tacrolimus or sirolimus levels were &gt;10 ng/mL in 6/9 KTR (67%) (Table 1). Eleven KTR were hospitalized (84.6%) and matched with 44 controls. One KTR, the only one treated with hydroxychloroquine, died (CFR 5.8%; 7.6% in KTR on IS; 9% in hospitalized KTR on IS). Four controls died (CFR: 9%; state CFR: 5.2%; inpatient CFR: 16.6%). There were no significant differences in length of stay or worst oxygenation status between hospitalized KTR and controls. Four KTR (30.7%), received remdesivir, 4 convalescent plasma, 3 (23%) tocilizumab. KTR received more often broad-spectrum antibiotics, convalescent plasma or tocilizumab, compared to controls (Table 2). Table 1 Table 2 Conclusion Unlike early reports from the pandemic epicenters, the clinical course and outcomes of KTR with COVID-19 in our small case series were comparable to those of non-transplant patients. Calcineurin or mTOR inhibitor levels were high, likely due to diarrhea and COVID-19-related hepatic dysfunction. Extremely high IL6 levels were common. The role of IS and potential benefits from investigational treatments remain to be elucidated. A larger multi-institutional study is underway. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
FASSIATOU OLUWATOSIN TAIROU ◽  
Abdoulaye Diallo ◽  
Ousmane Sy ◽  
Aminatou Kone ◽  
Isaac Akhenaton Manga ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: In Senegal, malaria morbidity has shapely felt down over these past years. However, malaria epidemiology remains heterogeneous with persisting transmission in the southeastern part of the country and more important number of cases arising among older children and adolescents. Little is known about factors associated with clinical malaria among this group. A better understanding of malaria transmission among this new vulnerable group will guide future interventions targeting these key populations. This study aimed to identify factors associated with clinical malaria among adolescents in Senegal. Methods: A case control study was conducted from November to December 2020 in four health posts located in Saraya district. Cases were defined as adolescents (10-19 years) with uncomplicated malaria episode with fever (Temperature>37.5°) or history of fever and a positive malaria RDT. Controls were from the same age group, living in the neighborhood of the case, presenting a negative RDT. A standardized, pre-tested questionnaire was administered to each participant followed by home visit to assess participant’s living conditions. Factors associated with clinical malaria was assessed using a Stepwise Logistic regression analysis.Results: In total, 492 individuals were recruited (246 cases and 246 controls). In a multivariate analysis, factors associated with clinical malaria included non-use of bed net (aOR=2.65; 95% CI =1.58 - 4.45), non-use of other preventive measures (aOR=2.51; 95% CI=1.53 - 4.11) and indoor sleeping (aOR=3.22; 95%CI =1.66- 6.23). Protective factors included age of 15-19 years (aOR=0.38; 95% CI 0.23 - 0.62), absence of stagnant water around the house (aOR=0.27; 95% CI=0.16 - 0.44), having a female as head of household (aOR=0.47; 95% CI=0.25 - 0.90), occupation such as apprentice (OR=0.24; 95%CI=0.11 - 0.52).Conclusions: The study revealed that environmental factors and non-use of malaria preventive measures are the main determinant of malaria transmission among adolescents living in areas with persisting malaria transmission in Senegal. Strategies aiming at improving disease awareness and access to health care interventions such as LLIN are thus needed to improve malaria control and prevention among these vulnerable groups.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulkareem Ali Hussein Nassar ◽  
Amr Abdulaziz Torbosh ◽  
Yassin Abdulmalik Mahyoub ◽  
Mohammed Abdullah Al Amad

Abstract Background: Dengue Fever (DF) is a significant health problem in Yemen especially in the coastal areas. On November 6, 2018, Taiz governorates surveillance officer notified the Ministry of Public Health and Population on an increase in the number of suspected DF in Al Qahirah and Al Mudhaffar districts, Taiz governorate. On November 7, 2018, Field Epidemiology Training Program sent a team to perform an investigation. The aims were to confirm and describe the outbreak by person, place and time in Taiz governorate, and identify its risk factors.Methodology: Descriptive and case-control study (1:2 ratio) were conducted. WHO case definition was used to identify cases in Al Qahirah or Al Mudhaffar districts during August-November 2018. Control was selected from the same districts who did not suffer from DF. Predesigned questionnaire was used to collect data related to sociodemographic, behavioral and environmental characteristics. Bivariate and multivariate backward stepwise analyses were used. The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. A P value < 0.05 was considered as the cut point for statistically significant. Epi info version 7.2 was used.Results: A total of 50 DF cases were found. Almost 52% were males and 76% were <30 years of age. The overall attack rate was 1/10,000 of the population. Case fatality rate was 4%. In multivariate analysis, not working (aOR = 26.6, 95% CI: 6.8–104.7), not using mosquito repellent (aOR = 13.9, 95% CI:1.4–136.8), wearing short sleeves/pants (aOR = 27.3, 95% CI: 4.8–156.8), poor sanitation (aOR = 5.4, 95% CI: 1.4–20.3), presence of outdoor trees (aOR = 13.2, 95% CI: 2.8–63.0) and houses without window nets (aOR = 15.7, 95% CI: 3.9–63.4) were statistically significant risk factors associated with DF outbreak. Eleven 11 (58%) of blood samples were positive for DF IgM.Conclusions: DF outbreak in Al Qahirah and Al Mudhaffar districts, Taiz governorate was confirmed. This study provides evidence-based information regarding the identified risk factors that contributed to the occurrence of this outbreak. Raising community awareness on the importance of personal protection measures and improving the sanitation services are strongly recommended.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengistie Kassahun Tariku ◽  
Sewnet Wongiel Misikir

Abstract Objective: To confirm the existence of Outbreak, describe cases in person, place and time, and identify determinants of the outbreak. Unmatched case control study in the ratio of 1:4 (38 cases and 152 controls) was conducted in Artuma fursi woreda from July 13- August 1 /2018. Data were collected with standard questionnaires. Collected data were entered into Epi Info version 7 and exported to Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 23 for analysis. Results: A total of 38 cases and 1 death with attack rate and case fatality rate 11.8/100,000 and 2.6% respectively. All study participants had not vaccination history. Females and age group 5-14 were more affected. Being 5-14 years old versus (vs) 15 years [adjusted odd ratio (AOR) =3.53; 95% CI; 1.52-8.45)], contact with cases vs no contact with cases [AOR=2.78; 95% CI; 1.23-8.67] and travel history 7-18 days prior onset of illness vs no travel history [AOR= 2.53; 95% CI; 1.31-7.24] were significantly associated with contracting measles. Routine and supplement immunization should be strengthened to reduce future occurrence of outbreak. Keywords: Measles, outbreak, Artuma fursi woreda


2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Danis ◽  
M Di Renzi ◽  
W O’Neill ◽  
B Smyth ◽  
P McKeown ◽  
...  

We report the findings of the first case-control study conducted in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to determine risk factors for sporadic Campylobacter infections. A total of 197 cases and 296 case-nominated controls matched for age, were included. Based on Population Attributable Fraction (PAF), the most important risk factors were consuming chicken [adjusted matched (am) OR 6.8; 95%CI 2.1-21.9], consuming lettuce (amOR 3.3; 95%CI 1.5-7.1) and eating in takeaways (amOR=3.1; 95%CI 1.4-6.6). Contact with sheep (amOR=11; 95%CI 1.6-78), peptic ulcer (amOR=19; 95%CI 3.8-93.7), hiatus hernia (amOR=20.3; 95%CI 2.3-183.3), lower bowel problems (amOR=4.5; 95%CI 1.2-16.8) were also independently associated with infection. Mains water supply showed protective effect (amOR=0.2; 95 CI 0.1-0.9). The findings highlight the continued need for consumer food safety education and further control measures throughout the food chain on the island of Ireland.


2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 300-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isaac See ◽  
Duc B. Nguyen ◽  
Somu Chatterjee ◽  
Thein Shwe ◽  
Melissa Scott ◽  
...  

Objective.To determine the source and identify control measures of an outbreak ofTsukamurellaspecies bloodstream infections at an outpatient oncology facility.Design.Epidemiologic investigation of the outbreak with a case-control study.Methods.A case was an infection in whichTsukamurellaspecies was isolated from a blood or catheter tip culture during the period January 2011 through June 2012 from a patient of the oncology clinic. Laboratory records of area hospitals and patient charts were reviewed. A case-control study was conducted among clinic patients to identify risk factors forTsukamurellaspecies bloodstream infection. Clinic staff were interviewed, and infection control practices were assessed.Results.Fifteen cases ofTsukamurella (Tsukamurella pulmonisorTsukamurella tyrosinosolvens) bloodstream infection were identified, all in patients with underlying malignancy and indwelling central lines. The median age of case patients was 68 years; 47% were male. The only significant risk factor for infection was receipt of saline flush from the clinic during the period September–October 2011 (P= .03), when the clinic had been preparing saline flush from a common-source bag of saline. Other infection control deficiencies that were identified at the clinic included suboptimal procedures for central line access and preparation of chemotherapy.Conclusion.Although multiple infection control lapses were identified, the outbreak was likely caused by improper preparation of saline flush syringes by the clinic. The outbreak demonstrates that bloodstream infections among oncology patients can result from improper infection control practices and highlights the critical need for increased attention to and oversight of infection control in outpatient oncology settings.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Unger ◽  
Estella Whimbey ◽  
Michael G. Gravett ◽  
David A. Eschenbach

Objective. An outbreak of 20 peripartumClostridium difficileinfections (CDI) occurred on the obstetrical service at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC) between April 2006 and June 2007. In this report, we characterize the clinical manifestations, describe interventions that appeared to reduce CDI, and determine potential risk factors for peripartum CDI.Methods. An investigation was initiated after the first three peripartum CDI cases. Based on the findings, enhanced infection control measures and a modified antibiotic regimen were implemented. We conducted a case-control study of peripartum cases and unmatched controls.Results. During the outbreak, there was an overall incidence of 7.5 CDI cases per 1000 deliveries. Peripartum CDI infection compared to controls was significantly associated with cesarean delivery (70% versus 34%;P=0.03), antibiotic use (95% versus 56%;P=0.001), chorioamnionitis (35% versus 5%;P=0.001), and the use of the combination of ampicillin, gentamicin, and clindamycin (50% versus 3%;P<0.001). Use of combination antibiotics remained a significant independent risk factor for CDI in the multivariate analysis.Conclusions. The outbreak was reduced after the implementation of multiple infection control measures and modification of antibiotic use. However, sporadic CDI continued for 8 months after these measures slowed the outbreak. Peripartum women appear to be another population susceptible to CDI.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (07) ◽  
pp. 603-611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anucha Thatrimontrichai ◽  
Nutchana Premprat ◽  
Waricha Janjindamai ◽  
Supaporn Dissaneevate ◽  
Gunlawadee Maneenil

Introduction: To identify the risks and outcomes for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (MDRGNB) sepsis in neonates. Methodology: This was a retrospective case-case-control study between 1991 and 2016. The control group was selected from the same source records of all neonates with clinical or suspected sepsis but not culture-proven. Results: The numbers of patients in the MDRGNB sepsis, non-MDRGNB sepsis, and control groups were 157, 88, and 218, respectively. MDRGNB sepsis was significantly associated with outborn infants [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.08; p = 0.003] and infants who had a neurologic sequela (aOR 11.58; p = 0.04), lower gestational age (p = 0.03) or previous aminoglycoside use (aOR 2.43; p < 0.001) compared with the control group. Non-MDRGNB sepsis was associated with outborn infants (aOR 2.63; p < 0.001), and infants who had neurologic sequelae (aOR 48.25; p = 0.001) and previous cephalosporin use (aOR 6.28; p < 0.001) or cefoperazone plus sulbactam use (aOR 6.48; p = 0.02) compared with the control group. Case fatality (OR 3.63; p < 0.001) and septic shock (OR 12.81; p < 0.001) rates, length of stay (p < 0.001), and daily hospital costs (p = 0.01) were higher in the MDRGNB sepsis group than in the control group. Conclusions: Smaller preterm neonate with previous aminoglycoside use had a higher MDRGNB than non-MDRGNB sepsis compared with the control group. Intervention to reduce MDRGNB sepsis in the NICU is cost-effective.


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