Background: On 5th December 2018, the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) was notified of a varicella outbreak in a female psychiatric ward in the Eradah Complex for Mental Health in Riyadh. We conducted this outbreak investigation to describe the causative organism, its source, its mode of transmission, and identify challenges in case management and outbreak control in this unique healthcare setting.Methods and materials: An observational descriptive case series study was conducted. We defined the suspected case of varicella as a patient with sudden onset of disease with mild fever, generalized maculopapulovesicular rash with no apparent cause, to be confirmed by the laboratory or epidemiological link. We reviewed patients' records, and the relevant data set was retrieved (demographics, symptoms, and vaccination status). We interviewed staff patients, but unfortunately, psychiatric admitted patients could not be interviewed because they are unstable. Meetings with the varicella outbreak team, public health officials, and medical managers were held.Results: We identified a total of 9 confirmed cases of varicella (5 admitted patients, 4 staff) out of 78 females (ward 14B) and one suspected case. The mean age of cases was 35.5 years (range = 25-48 years), 55.5% of cases were Saudi. All cases were epidemiologically linked: The incubation period ranged from 8-17 days (average of 14 days). 100% had a maculopapular rash, 77.8% had vesicles, and 55.6% had a fever. The index case of this outbreak was most likely a nurse who diagnosed to have chickenpox on 17 September. The secondary attack rate was 10%. 22% reported previous varicella vaccination. All cases recovered without any complications. Conclusion:Based on symptoms, incubation period, the epidemiological investigation, we found evidence of probable nosocomial transmission of varicella virus from person-to-person between the staff and the patients due to close contact. We recommended screening of exposed patients and staff, vaccination of those who have negative varicella serology, affording isolation rooms for females' wards and continuous follow-up until no new case appears for 42 days (2 incubation periods) after the rash onset of the last identified case to ensure that the outbreak has ended.
Porcine rotaviruses are potential reservoirs for genetic exchange with human rotaviruses. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of porcine Rotavirus antigen and associated risk factors in pig-raising communities and institutional piggeries in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 376 faecal samples from pigs of all ages were collected from backyard and institutional piggeries by convenience sampling. The faecal samples collected were analysed using commercially available ELISA kit: BioK 343/2, for the antigenic diagnosis of rotavirus in porcine faeces. The overall prevalence of rotavirus antigen in pigs was 9.8 % (37/376). Piglets (10.4 %) had a higher prevalence than adults (9.1 %), while males (10.1 %) were more infected than females (9.6 %). Breed-specific prevalences revealed 5.9 %, 12 % and 15.5 % for local, exotic and cross-breeds, respectively. There was a significant association between breed (P < 0.05) (Odds Ratio OR = 2.927; 95 % Confidence Interval CI on OR = 1.288—6.653) and rotavirus infection. Management system revealed 14 % and 8.2 % prevalence for intensive and semi-intensive systems, respectively. There is evidence of Rotavirus infection (9.8 %) in pigs in Zaria, and the breed is a risk factor. This study provides the first data on the prevalence of rotavirus and risk factors of rotavirus infection among pigs in Zaria and environs, Kaduna state, Nigeria. There is a need to enlighten the public on the zoonotic implication and economic impacts of rotavirus infections.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.