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Sudan: Yellow fever outbreak spreads to 17 localities in Darfur

Countries
Sudan
Sources
WHO
Publication date

Epidemiology

  • The outbreak has now affected 17 localities in Central, South, West and North Darfur.

  • As of 5 November 2012, 194 suspected cases have been reported, including 67 deaths (case fatality rate of 34.5%). Reports were received since the last week of September 2012 from the districts of Zalingei, Nertity, Wadisalih, Azoom, Mukjer, Nyala, Kass, Kubum, Sharq ALgabal, Mershing, Rehaid Albirdy, Genaina, Kernik, Baidha, Habila, Saraf Omra and Alseraif.

  • Surveillance shows that 83.3% of the reported cases are from Central Darfur, 7.2% are from South Darfur, 7.2% are from West Darfur and 2.3% are from North Darfur.

  • 25 samples were collected of which 3 were tested positive for yellow fever (2 samples from Nertity locality and 1 from Nyala) at the Central Public Health Laboratory in Khartoum. Some of the samples tested negative for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and chikungunya.

Actions taken

  • The spread of the disease is monitored throughout Darfur.
  • Technical support teams from FMoH are on the ground in Central, South and West Darfur for initial support, and conduct: o Outbreak investigation and initiate response o Entomological surveys conducted in the affected areas o Active cases searches o Meetings with community leaders in affected areas for awareness raising o Blood bank supplies and personal protective equipment were provided to affected States.
  • Health cadres in affected areas have been vaccinated against yellow fever.
  • WHO and the Ministry of Health have started the training programmes for more than 225 health staff in the affected localities on yellow fever surveillance, case management, outbreak investigation and infection prevention and control.
  • On 6 November, training programmes for medical doctors on yellow fever surveillance, case definition and management have started in Nyala and Kass localities in South Darfur.
  • Laboratory reconfirmation from the Institute Pasteur, Dakar, is expected early next week.
  • Health partners in the field were contacted to support response measures and activate disease surveillance in silent localities.
  • The International Coordination Group (ICG) was alerted for vaccines for a possible response vaccination campaign awaiting reconfirmation by Institute Pasteur in Senegal.

Recommendations

  • WHO recommends to continue laboratory testing of patients from newly affected localities.
  • There is a need to strengthen disease surveillance in East Darfur and it has been recommended to urgently sensitize health cadres on yellow fever surveillance and outbreak investigation, as well as case definition and management.
  • Finalize vaccination plan which shall encompass identification of partners and resources.