No abstract

To determine the current distribution of bovine dermatophilosis in Zimbabwe, participatory rural appraisals were held at 36 locations in six districts. Results showed that bovine dermatophilosis is no longer confined to Hwange-Lupane area, but is now endemic in Gokwe, Sanyati, Kwekwe, and Kadoma. Virgin outbreaks of the disease were preceded by the appearance of Amblyomma variegatum ticks within an area. Spreading to new geographical areas (cited above) occurred during the liberation struggle (1975/79), droughts (1992/93, 1995/96), and of late, the land re-distribution exercise (2000-2002). Immediately after the war (1980/82), both the ticks and the disease were first cited in Gokwe whereas prior to that (1922-1980), both were confined to Hwange-Lupane area in the northwestern parts of Zimbabwe. Transmission from Gokwe to Sanyati, and from Sanyati to Chenjiri, occurred during the droughts of 1992/93 and 1995/96 respectively. In all the cases, the spreading of dermatophilosis was secondary to reduced tick control on cattle. The presence of dermatophilosis in the highveld (Kwekwe, Kadoma), a prime cattle production zone for the country, is a major threat to livestock production. These results have policy implications for tick and tick-associated diseases (dermatophilosis) control strategies for Zimbabwe.

Malaria Is Of Public Health Importance In Zimbabwe. A Sharp Rise In The Number Of Malaria Cases In Binga District Was Noted During Week Five In 2013. On Further Analysis, The Siansundu Clinic Was Found To Be In An Outbreak Situation. The Study Was Conducted To Determine Factors Associated With Contracting Malaria In Binga District, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe. An Unmatched 1: 1 Case-Control Study Was Conducted In Siansundu, Binga, Among 124 Residents. A Case Was A Person Who Presented With Malaria Symptoms, A Control Was A Person Who Was A Neighbour Of A Case And Did Not Suffer From Typical Malaria Symptoms Or Had A Negative RDT Result From The 1st Of January 2013. A Pre-Tested Interviewer-Administered Questionnaire And A Checklist Were Used To Collect Data. Data Were Analyzed Using Epi Info, Where Odds Ratios And P Values Were Calculated. Risk Factors For Contracting Malaria Were: Fetching Water At Night (OR 2.55, P-Value 0.04); Having Inadequate Mosquito Nets Per Sleeping Space (OR 3.596, P-Value 0.036); Worshipping And Praying Outside At Night (OR 3.417, P-Value 0.0006). Wearing Long Clothing At Night Was A Protective Factor Against Contracting Malaria (OR 0.156, P-Value 0.001). The Case Fatality Rate Was 0.43%. The District Was Not Prepared For The Outbreak And Responded Late. Educational Strategies To Address The Risk Factors For Malaria And Regular Meetings By The Emergency Preparedness And Response Team Were Recommended To Prevent Future Outbreaks And Aid Outbreak Preparedness.

No abstract

Sick leave is time spent away from work due to illness or injury. A preliminary review of sick leave records for 2012 for the 6 clinics in Nkulumane showed 3 clinics experienced higher sick leave incidents than the other 3 clinics. The study sought to establish the prevalence and associated factors for sick leave in the City of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. An analytic cross-sectional study was carried out among Bulawayo City Health employees working in 20 health facilities. A total of 144 respondents and 3 key informants were interviewed. An interviewer-administered questionnaire, key informant interview guide, and a checklist were used to collect data, which was analysed using Epi Info. The prevalence of sick leave was 34%. Employees who took sick leave less than six months ago were 4.3 times more likely to go on frequent sick leave than those who did not (POR 4.3, P-Value 0.002). Employees who reported good team climate were less likely to go on frequent sick leave (POR 0.29, P-Value 0.002). Feeling unappreciated at work was a risk factor for frequent sick leave (POR 2.61, P-Value 0.01). The cost of sick leave for the City of Bulawayo in 2012 was $US20 840. Periodic refresher meetings on conditions of service, training of managers and other employees on good teamwork, and production of a standard template for recording sick leave by clinics may assist in curbing frequent sick leave incidents.