The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global public health concern with rapid growth in the number of patients with significant mortality rates. The first case in Sudan was reported on 13 March 2020, and up to 3 July 2020 there are 9894 confirmed cases and 616 deaths. The case fatality rate was 6.23%. There is variation in case fatality rate (CFR), which in some cities (like Khartoum) was low (3.8%), but in others (like North Darfur) it was very high (31.7%). The government of Sudan has implemented preventive measures during the current coronavirus disease pandemic, such as partial lockdown, contact monitoring, risk communication, social distance, quarantine and isolation to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. However, there are new community cases every day; this could be as a result of the weak application of these measures by the government, and the lack of commitment of people to these measures. The number of COVID-19 cases is currently decreasing in Sudan, but we are expected to see an increase in numbers of cases as a result of the massive demonstrations that occurred in Sudan recently, and as a result of the expected reopening and restoration of normal life. The government must increase testing facilities, and maintain social distancing and necessary precautions to limit the spread of infection after life returns to normal.
Elizabethkingia meningoseptica
is a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in soil and water. This organism is associated with nosocomial infections, especially in neonatal wards, as it has been isolated from contaminated medical equipment. Prompt diagnosis and early institution of appropriate combination therapy for prolonged period are crucial in the management of such infections. Herein, we describe two premature neonates admitted to our special care baby unit at 31 and 36 weeks old, respectively, who were diagnosed with neonatal bacterial sepsis. In both patients, blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid cultures indicated that
E. meningoseptica
was the causative organism. This bacterium is generally resistant to multiple antibiotics, including combination therapy. Therefore,
E. meningoseptica
can cause severe infection with a high risk of mortality and neurological sequelae in neonates. Intensive care and multidisciplinary interventions and involvement of an infection control team are crucial for effectively managing and preventing these infections.
Objective: Data showed that maternal anaemia during pregnancy negatively affects maternal/fetal outcomes. We here attempted to reconfirm this in this specific region of Sudan, with special reference to fetal/neonatal outcome. Methodology: This cross-sectional observational study was carried out at Omdurman Maternity and Khartoum North Teaching Hospitals-Sudan from March 2018 to March 2019, with 246 pregnant women presented in labour enrolled. Maternal characteristics, haemoglobin (Hb) measured after labour initiation and fetal/neonatal outcomes were analyzed. Results: When maternal anemia was defined as Hb less than 10.0 g/dL, 80 (32.5%) had anemia and 166 had not. Anemic women (Hb; 8.3 ± 0.31), compared with non-anemic women (Hb; 11.4 ± 0.61), were significantly more likely to have low birth weight (LBW) infants (40% vs. 15.7%) and still birth (12.5% vs. 4.8%). There was a correlation between hemoglobin concentration and the followings: LBW, respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal nursery admission, still birth, early neonatal death, and low Apgar score. Conclusions: Maternal aneamia negatively affected fetal/neonatal outcomes. This data may be useful to make health policy in this area.
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