Aug 2026· Journal of Vector Borne Diseases· 0 citations
Medicine
TL;DR
The P. vivax outbreak in a village nested in tea garden linked with behavioural factors was investigated with reactive surveillance, case management, vector control measures along with interpersonal risk factor communication with villagers.
Cholera remains a public health concern in Rumonge Health District. The area is regularly affected by the disease outbreaks despite control measures that are periodically taken after the outbreaks occur. The last outbreak started in late 2018 and ended in February 2019, with a cumulative of 234 cases, and one death. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with the 2019 cholera outbreak in Rumonge Health District. We conducted a retrospective unmatched (1:2) case-control study to investigate risk factors associated with the 2019 cholera outbreak. This was carried out from 5 March 2021–30 April 2021 in 150 households, comprising 50 cases and 100 controls. Cholera cases were drawn from the admission register of cholera patients at Rumonge referral hospital. Stratified proportional allocation sampling followed by simple random selection were used to select the cases. Afterwards, we visited the households of the selected cases and controls that were chosen among the neighborhood of the cases. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was administered to the head of each household to collect sociodemographic, water, sanitation, and hygiene practice data. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression model was used to analyze the data. A multivariate analysis revealed that drinking lake/river water (OR=3.6 [1.46–8.87]), utilizing untreated water for domestic purposes (OR=5.2 [1.31–20.59]), consuming unwashed raw fruit (OR=2.9 [1.08–7.97]), eating without washing hands with soap (OR=3.2 [1.30–8.29]) and improper washing of hands after defecation (OR=2.7 [1.10–6.84]) were predictors of cholera outbreaks in Rumonge Health District. The study revealed that drinking lake or river water, using untreated water for domestic purposes, consuming unwashed raw fruits, eating without washing hands with soap, and improper handwashing after defecation were all strongly associated with increased risk of cholera. We recommend a community-based approach through the provision of safe water, strengthened hygiene education, and integrated WASH interventions in Rumonge Health District.
Background: Malaria is a potentially fatal disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. This study aimed to identify factors associated with malaria knowledge, bed-net use, and bed-net quality in a high-risk area.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2020 in the Kaligesing Primary Health Center catchment area, Purworejo District, Central Java, Indonesia. Individuals aged 5–55 years who had suspected malaria symptoms, lived in a predefined high-risk area, or had travelled to a malaria-endemic area. Individuals with severe or complicated falciparum malaria, malnutrition, non-malarial infections, pregnancy, or breastfeeding were excluded. Of 35 recruited participants, 32 with complete questionnaire data were analysed. Variables included sociodemographic characteristics, malaria knowledge, bed-net use, and bed-net physical quality. Data were summarized using frequencies and percentages, and associations were tested using the chi-square test.Result: Participants aged 20–40 years comprised 50.0% (16/32). Females accounted for 40.6% (13/32), 40.6% had completed high school, and 34.4% were employees. Good malaria knowledge was observed in 93.8% (30/32). Bed nets were used by 59.4% (19/32), and 89.5% (17/19) of users had good-quality nets. Occupation was significantly associated with bed-net use (p-value=0.007) and showed a moderate positive association ( = 0.469).Conclusion : Occupation was associated with bed-net use. Despite good malaria knowledge and bed-net quality, use remained suboptimal, highlighting the need for targeted interventions among high-risk occupational groups.
F. Rahmasari, E. Listiowati· Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehata...· 0 citations
BACKGROUND
Malaria remains a major public health concern in Ethiopia, despite the widespread use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria, the proportion of Plasmodium species, and the risk factors for disease transmission in the study area.
METHODS
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2023 among 419 participants. Socio-demographic and environmental data were collected using structured questionnaires and observation checklists. Capillary blood samples were examined using rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS
The overall malaria prevalence was 14.6% (95% CI: 11.0-18.0). Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 59.0% of infections, Plasmodium vivax for 36.1%, and mixed infections for 4.9%. Higher prevalence was observed among symptomatic individuals (30.7%) compared to asymptomatic individuals (7.3%). Independent predictors of malaria infection included no formal education (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.10-5.94), low monthly income (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI: 1.07-8.25), lack of ITN ownership (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.14-5.75), irregular ITN use (AOR = 2.88; 95% CI: 1.13-7.32), and presence of stagnant water near households (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.14-3.99).
CONCLUSION
Malaria remains a significant public health concern in the study area. Strengthening insecticide-treated nets utilization, expanding indoor residual spraying coverage, promoting early diagnosis and prompt treatment, enhancing community awareness, and implementing effective environmental management are essential for reducing malaria transmission. Addressing socio-economic disparities is also crucial for sustainable malaria control and elimination efforts in the area.
S. Seyoum, M. Esmael· Malaria Journal· 0 citations
Chickenpox (varicella) outbreaks occur in settings with low immunity, overcrowding, or poor vaccination coverage. In March 2025, a cluster of febrile rash illness was reported from Manda village, Dumaria block, Purbi Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, India. Investigation was done to confirm the diagnosis, describe the epidemiology, and recommend control measures. A rapid response team led by the district epidemiologist (Field Epidemiology Training Program [FETP] trained) conducted a descriptive outbreak investigation. Investigation involved enhanced surveillance (house-to-house search), facility registers review, and interview of key informants. Case definitions (suspected, probable, confirmed) adapted from IDSP/WHO were used. Six specimens were sent for VZV IgM ELISA. Data was analyzed to produce an epidemic curve, age- and sex-specific attack rates, household attack rates, and spot-map clustering. Between 24 January and 19 March 2025, 34 cases (attack rate 5.1% of the village population of 672) were identified. Median age was 14 years (IQR 7–28); 50% were <15 years; 53% were female. The epidemic curve showed a propagated pattern with a peak in IDSP week 9 (early March). Household attack rate was 11.4%. Clinical presentation was consistent with varicella: rash (100%), weakness and body ache (100%), fever (97%). Of six specimens, four were VZV IgM positive (67%), one equivocal and one negative. No severe complications or deaths occurred. This investigation confirmed a propagated varicella outbreak in a rural Jharkhand village, largely affecting children and young adults. Rapid detection through IDSP/IHIP and field investigation by an FETP-trained team facilitated timely control through case isolation, community education and symptomatic management.
S. Pall, Soumalya Ghosh, Mohammed Asad et al.· Journal of Medical and Allie...· 0 citations
Introduction: In December 2024, a sudden increase in dengue cases was reported in Mfandena I health area (HA), Yaounde, Cameroon. Two confirmed cases that escaped routine surveillance were notified, and little data were available. A multidisciplinary team was deployed to conduct active case-finding, identify potential vectors and their larval habitats, and evaluate the dengue surveillance system.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in January 2025 (dry season) in Mfandena I HA. Cases were identified through healthcare records reviews and community screening. Suspected cases were people living in Mfandena I HA with fever >38.5°C lasting 2-7 days and at least two of the following symptoms: headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, skin rash, hemorrhagic manifestations since November 2024. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and non-structural protein 1 (NS1) tests were carried out on consenting suspected cases and their contacts. An entomological survey was conducted within a 1 km radius around the case residences. We followed the CDC framework combined with the WHO IDSR approach for surveillance system evaluation.
Results: We identified 46 dengue cases (44 suspected cases and 02 confirmed cases) and 16 contacts, but no additional cases were confirmed. Dengue cases were mostly women aged 21 years or older, with fever, arthralgia, and headache as main symptoms. The confirmed cases were male adults: one residing in Cameroon and one arriving from France, both presenting with fever and a red-spot rash. Among 143 Aedes mosquitoes collected, Ae. albopictus accounted for 88% (126/143). We detected a discarded tyre containing Ae. albopictus larvae as the likely source of infection. The surveillance system exhibited gaps in detection and reporting and was neither simple, acceptable, nor stable. Only 16% (4/25) of staff were familiar with the case definition, no sites had notification forms, and no cases had ever been reported.
Conclusion: This investigation suggests potential dengue transmission in Mfandena I HA and highlights important surveillance gaps that limited timely detection and reporting. Strengthening surveillance capacity and reinforcing routine entomological investigations are essential to improve outbreak detection, response and prevention.
Samantha Awoumou, Vanessa Nzalli, E. Ncham et al.· Journal of interventional ep...· 0 citations
Background Malaria remains a major public health and economic burden, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, which accounted for an estimated 94% of the 263 million global malaria cases and 597,000 deaths reported in 2023. In Tanzania, malaria prevalence is estimated at 8%, however regional disparities exist. Mtwara Region reported highest prevalence at 20% in 2022, increasing from 15% in 2017, despite the region's goal to eliminate malaria by 2030. Tandahimba district, in particular, has persistent high transmission despite ongoing control interventions, raising concerns about underlying environmental and socio-cultural factors to malaria transmission. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, environmental and socio-cultural influences linked with malaria cases in the Tandahimba District Council. Materials and Methods A mixed-method study using a convergent parallel design was conducted. A multi-stage cluster sampling method was used to select 522 participants. Quantitative data were collected from these participants using structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with Ward Executive Officers and the District Vector Control Officer. Quantitative data were analysed using Stata version 17, applying a modified Poisson regression model to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Variables with p ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using NVivo and integrated with quantitative results to provide a comprehensive understanding. Results Among the 522 participants, the mean age was 41 years (±22.5 SD). Maundo ward contributed the highest proportion of participants (24.1%). Environmental factors significantly associated with malaria included earth mud/grass wall materials (aPR = 1.47, 95%CI: 1.19-1.82, p < 0.001) and open eaves (aPR = 1.46, 95%CI: 1.23-1.73, p < 0.001), while metal sheet roofing was protective (aPR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.69-0.86, p < 0.001). Socio-cultural factors such as travel history (aPR = 1.28, 95%CI: 1.07-1.53, p = 0.006) and staying outdoors at night (aPR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.09-1.53, p = 0.003) increased malaria risk. Protective factors included bednet use, mosquito repellents, and mosquito sprays. Conclusions Malaria prevalence in Tandahimba District is strongly influenced by environmental housing conditions and socio-cultural behaviours. Integrated, community-led interventions addressing housing improvements and preventive practices are essential for effective malaria control.
S. J. Ipembe, Hussein Mohamed, E. Mwakapeje· MalariaWorld Journal· 0 citations
