We report an outbreak of dengue in Darfur, western Sudan, during September 2014–April 2015. Dengue virus–specific PCR testing of 50 samples from nonmalaria febrile illness case-patients confirmed 35 dengue cases. We detected 7 cases of dengue shock syndrome and 24 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Dengue virus-specific PCR testing of 50 samples from nonmalaria febrile illness case-patients confirmed 35 dengue cases. We detected 7 cases of dengue shock syndrome and 24 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever.
This study aimed to explore the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) inside four species of mosquitoes: Culex univittatus (Theobald), Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) Aedes vittatus (Bigot) and Aedes vexans (Meigen). Adult wild mosquitoes were collected from different sites: Soba West, Hellat Kuku, Shambat, and Khartoum North Central Live Stock Market (KCLM). Surveys were carried out at Khartoum State during two phases: pre to the rainy season and post to the rainy season. Mosquito specimens were identified using classical keys then preserved at −80 °C freezer for two weeks till the virus examination using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were carried out. WNV has been detected inside the three species of mosquitoes: A. vexans, C. univittatus , and C. quinquefasciatus . The species were collected from Hellat Kuku, (Shambat and Hellat Kuku), and (Shambat and KCLM) respectively. Two species of mosquitoes were positive for the virus: C. quinquefasciatus and C. univittatus . Positive results for the virus during the first phase of the study; males of C. quinquefasciatus and C. univittatus collected during the second phase of the study were also tested for the existence of the virus and they were positive. For our knowledge this study represents first record of WNV inside wild mosquitoes in Sudan. PCR technique provided reliable information because specific primer-probe sets were used for the detection of the virus. Extra studies are required to incriminate these species of mosquitoes as potential vectors of WNV.
Background: The last cholera epidemic in Sudan occurred in 2006/07, over 20,000 cases (4% case fatality rate) were recorded, index case was coming from South Sudan. In regard to recent outbreak in South Sudan June 2015, Sudan carried out preparedness procedures to prevent cholera spread. The uncontrollable open borders and the South Sudan refugees-over 198,000 – settled in Sudan poses a great cholera spread risk. Objective: To illustrate cholera preparedness and response activities. Methods: Comprehensive study utilize data collected from reports of cholera higher committee, investigation for cholera rumors, risk assessment missions for refugee camps and preparedness strengthening missions to States bordering South Sudan. Findings: Higher committee was developed to undertake and follow preparedness activities under areas of surveillance, health promotion, environmental health, case management and points of entry (POE). Surveillance system was enhanced in all sentinel sites (1522) including refugee camps, daily zero reports were activated. Training for Rapid response teams and health cadres at hospital were achieved in all States with (70%) of the target. 39 rumors for cholera were investigated, laboratory test indicated negative results. Regarding case management; Cholera kits, protocols and leaflets were distributed to all States, isolation areas were established in Khartoum and bordering States. Preventative precautions at POE were implemented to rehabilitated isolation area at Khartoum airport and establish case referral system. Trips coming from South Sudan were observed throughout the period of the outbreak and leaflet distributed to passengers Actions were carried out urgently to allow chlorination of water in all States and provide deep trench latrines with 50% of target with focusing on refugee camps. Administration of cholera vaccine recommended by WHO assessment mission at refugee camps. Conclusion: Significant government and partners commitment to avail resources was observed. Efforts done lead to reduce possibility of cholera spread especially at refugee camps.
Background: Heat stroke contributes considerably to cause morbidity and mortality during hot season. The main factors associated with severity and mortality of disease unclear. In Sudan heat stroke occurred mainly in Red Sea State during previous years. The purpose of this study is to assess association between heat stroke and pre-existing medical conditions in Northern State of Sudan. Study: Descriptive analysis of Heat Stroke outbreak at Northern State of Sudan. Methods: Analysis of secondary data of diseases surveillance system was used. The pattern of the outbreak was described and other risk factors were studied to assess their associated with Heat stroke in Northern State of Sudan 2015. Results: Northern State was reported 44 probable cases of Heat stroke with case fatality (CFR) 72.3% (32 deaths), among them 64% were males and 36% were female. Halfa locality was reported 82% of cases due to decreased of humidity. The majority of the cases (81.8%) were represented in age groups more than 45 years. Majority of reported deaths had chronic illness and significant statistical association with their age group. All deaths were complained from high grade fever, hypotension (65.5%) and unconsciousness (46.9%) while the alive cases were complained from high grade fever and hypotension. Seventy eight percent of deaths occurred in the age group more than 45 years. Conclusion: Northern State experienced a climatic change during last two year and heat waves became more augmented lead to heat related illness in the area. Elderly, chronic medical condition and humidity were found to be the main risk factors associated with deaths.
Objective: Since 1998 seasonal epidemic meningitis has been a recurrent problem in Sudan with a variation in the severity between seasons. Mass vaccination campaign with conjugated vaccine (MenAfriVac) for Neisseria meningitidis A was implemented in Sudan since October 2012, since then case base surveillance of meningitis was implemented. The target age group was 1–30 years. Measuring of meningitis trends in three years pre and post the campaign against NmA is mandatory to assess the impact of introducing (MenAfriVac) vaccine. Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of NmA in Sudan, 2010–2015. Methods: Descriptive study using data of notable suspected meningitis cases by national surveillance system. Results: EpiInfo 7 software used to analyze the data. 2010–2012 a total of 4273 suspected cases were reported (13.08/100,000 Attack Rate (AR)) with 185 deaths (4.35% Case Fatality Rate (CFR)). The most effected Age-Group was ( < 5) representing 62% of cases, 61% of cases were observed among males and 39% among female. The positivity rate of NmA was 4.2%. 2013–2015 After MenAfriVac® and case-based surveillance implementation; a total of 794 suspected cases were reported (4.5/100,000 AR) with 59 deaths (7.0% CFR), the most effected Age-Groups were (1–4) representing 40.3% of cases following by Age-Groups ( < 1) representing 39.7% of cases, 64% of cases among male and 36% among female. The positivity rate of NmA was 0%, no confirmed case of NmA was reported. Conclusion: Introducing of MenAfriVac® proved to be an effective strategy contributed to decrease the overall number of meningitis suspected cases in Sudan.
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