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  • South Sudan declares Rift Valley fever outbreak in parts of Eastern Lakes State

    More haemorrhagic fever cases in eastern Sudan

    November 19 - 2017 KASSALA

    Medical sources report an increasing incidence of haemorrhagic fever in Kassala in eastern Sudan. Three deaths were reported at Kassala hospital in early November.
    ...
    Medical sources report an increasing incidence of haemorrhagic fever in Kassala in eastern Sudan. Three deaths were reported at Kassala hospital in early November, and doctors are frustrated by lack of government response.
    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
    -Nelson Mandela

  • #2

    GENEVA, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Three people in South Sudan have died of a suspected viral haemorrhagic fever and 60 of their contacts are being monitored for any infection, the World Health Organization said on Monday.


    The Thomson Reuters Foundation stands for free, independent journalism, human rights, women's empowerment, and the rule of law.

    Comment


    • #3
      The second article states that the deaths occurred in December. But the first article was already posted on November 22, 2017. So it's not clear whether these are the same outbreak, or whether one of the articles is incorrect.

      Comment


      • #4
        Source:
        Outbreaks and Emergencies Bulletin


        Week 1: 30 December 2017 - 5 January 2018

        Suspected viral haemorrhagic fever South Sudan
        3 Cases
        3 Deaths
        CFR 100%

        EVENT DESCRIPTION

        On 28 December 2017, a cluster of three suspected viral haemorrhagic fever
        cases from Yirol East county, in the Eastern Lakes State, was reported to the
        National Ministry of Health and WHO. The putative index case was a 30 yearold
        pregnant female who became ill on 7 December 2017 with fever, headache,
        neck pain, and sudden nose, gum, and injection site bleeding. She was
        admitted to a health facility the same day and was transferred to a private clinic
        8 days later after no improvement in symptoms. She was treated at the clinic
        for malaria and typhoid fever over 4 days and died at home on 19 December
        2017 after her symptoms worsened. The second case, a 13 year-old female
        from the same village as the first case, became ill on 20 December 2017 with
        headache, joint and neck pain, fever, generalized swelling of the joints, and
        bleeding from the nose and gums. She died at home on 26 December 2017
        after developing bleeding from skin blisters. The third case, a 15 year-old male
        from the same village as the first two cases, became ill on 24 December 2017
        with headache, fever, sweating, neck pain, nose and gum bleeding, vomiting
        of blood, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. He died at home on 27
        December 2017 after failing to respond to treatment at a private clinic.

        A preliminary investigation conducted by the county, state, and national
        Ministries of Health, Doctors with Africa (CUAMM), and WHO found that all
        patients were epidemiologically linked by time (onset of illness between weeks
        49 and 51) and place (residence in the same village). There was no history of close physical contact between the cases and no cases had a notable travel
        history. No samples were collected from the cases and supervised burials were not performed. No symptoms were reported among the close contacts of
        the cases during the course of their clinical illnesses or since their deaths. Sixty contacts were identified and are being followed up by a surveillance team
        comprised of Ministry of Health and WHO staff. The investigation found evidence of zoonotic haemorrhagic illness, including two abortions among goats and
        sheep, and eight goat deaths with evidence of extensive hemorrhage, and one ill cow. Deaths among wild birds were also reported during the time that the
        cluster of cases was detected.

        PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

        National and state multi-sectoral taskforces have been activated to coordinate investigations and response activities.

        National and state rapid response teams have been deployed to conduct epidemiological and laboratory investigations of the cases. This includes active
        case finding, sample collection and monitoring of contacts, and training of health workers in case identification, infection prevention and control, and
        provision of supportive care.

        The Ministry of Health has engaged the Ministry of Animal Health Resources and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to
        work with the national taskforce in conducting animal health investigations and implementing containment measures.

        An outbreak response plan is being developed to guide the investigation and response activities, including the mobilization of stakeholders and resources
        to control the outbreak. A multi-sectoral coordination mechanism is planned, including public health, animal heath, entomological, and laboratory
        surveillance, a risk communication and social mobilization strategy, and case management including infection prevention and control guidance.

        SITUATION INTERPRETATION

        The outbreak of suspected viral haemorrhagic fever in South Sudan could rapidly evolve, and critical information including laboratory confirmation of the
        etiology of disease is needed to direct response efforts. Strengthened surveillance in affected human and animal populations is needed to facilitate rapid
        detection of human and animal cases and response; strengthened capacity to clinically manage any new cases is also needed in the affected area.



        Last edited by sharon sanders; January 9, 2018, 11:42 AM. Reason: added pdf link
        "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
        -Nelson Mandela

        Comment


        • #5
          Either this outbreak started a month before official notification to WHO which means it could be much more extensive, or the MoH lied to WHO about the timing.

          I have saved a screen shot of the article in post 1 in our archives before it disappears.

          Comment


          • #6
            South Sudan investigates the suspected Viral Haemorrhagic Fever outbreak in Yirol East, Eastern Lakes State

            Juba, 10 January 2018 – Following a report of suspected viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) outbreak in Thonabutkok village, Yirol East County on 28 December 2017, a multi-sectoral response in the context of one health was launched by the Ministry of Health, WHO and other experts from the human and animal health for an in-depth investigation to establish the cause of deaths in three people as well as reported deaths and abortions in domestic animals and wild birds.

            The team followed up close contacts of the three deaths and monitored them for any signs and symptoms of VHF. So far no close contacts on follow-up have developed any symptoms. In addition blood samples were drawn from humans and animals to analyse the possible causes of the suspected VHF outbreak.

            Thanks to the swift multi-sectoral response to this outbreak, laboratory investigations have revealed that all the seven samples from the humans have tested negative for VHF including Ebola, Marburg, Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, Rift Valley Fever and Sosuga viruses, says Dr Argata Guracha, the Officer in Charge for WHO South Sudan.

            The Ministry of Health with support from WHO and partners continued to investigate and monitor the situation at all levels, says Dr Guracha. In light of the increasing risk of emerging and re-emerging disease outbreaks and epidemics, WHO with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and the Government of Japan, strengthened epidemic preparedness and response through building the capacity of multidisciplinary experts drawn from line ministries and partners to respond to such events, Dr Guracha emphasized.

            To strengthen animal and public health surveillance, WHO supported the deployment of an additional team from the National Ministry of Health, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to coordinate, monitor and supervise the response in Yirol East county. In addition, over 30 frontline health care workers were trained in case management and infection prevention and control (IPC). WHO also prepositioned medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) to support the response.

            Besides, public awareness has been heightened to ensure that any person who has fever and bleeding and two or more other symptoms such as headache, vomiting and joint pains is immediately reported to the health facilities. Any deaths of people who developed high fever and bleeding should also be reported quickly to health authorities.

            Haemorrhagic illness can be caused by a wide range of diseases – including Rift Valley Fever, Crimean- Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue, as well as Lassa fever and Marburg.

            http://www.afro.who.int/news/south-s...-eastern-lakes

            "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
            -Nelson Mandela

            Comment


            • #7
              Source: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/1...0612012018.pdf
              (See page 6 of 20)

              SUSPECTED RIFT VALLEY FEVER 5 Cases 3 Deaths 60%CFR
              EVENT DESCRIPTION

              WHO continues to closely monitor the outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever
              (VHF) in Eastern Lakes State, South Sudan. Since our last report on 5 January
              2018 (Weekly Bulletin 1 of 2018) , two new suspected cases have been reported
              and are being investigated. On 9 January 2018, one of the contacts of the initial
              cluster of cases, an 18-year-old, 7-months pregnant female from Thonabutkok
              village, developed chills, joint pains, headache, neck pains, and two episodes of
              epistaxis. Further updates on this case will be provided.

              During the week, a 14-year-old girl from Arwa village in Yirol West (adjoining
              Yirol East where the initial cases originated) was admitted to a health facility
              with fever and conjunctival injection. There was no epidemiological linkage
              between this suspected case and the initial cluster of cases reported previously.
              A blood specimen has been collected and shipped for testing.

              As part of investigations to establish the etiology of the event, six human blood
              samples were collected from close asymptomatic contacts and shipped to the
              Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI). On 10 January 2018, all six samples
              tested negative for Ebola, Marburg, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Rift
              Valley fever (RVF), and Sosuga viruses by polymerase chain reaction. Follow up
              serological analysis showed that one sample had high RVF IgM and IgG titres
              and two other samples had high RVF IgG titres. A total of seven animal samples
              (two from sheep, two from goats and three from cattle) were also obtained and shipped to UVRI for testing. The test results are pending.

              On 28 December 2017, the South Sudan Ministry of Health reported a cluster of three severe haemorrhagic cases, epidemiologically linked by place (all
              occurred in Thonabutkok village) and time (onset of illness occurred in epidemiological weeks 49 and 51). Nonetheless, there was no close physical contact
              between them and no travel history. At least 60 contacts have been listed and are being followed up. There was also evidence of zoonotic haemorrhagic illness
              among goats, sheep and cattle. One death was reported in a wild bird.

              PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS...
              

              Comment


              • #8
                Outbreaks and Emergencies Bulletin, Week 3: 13 - 19 January 2018

                Suspected Rift Valley fever South Sudan


                13
                Cases
                3
                Deaths
                23.1%
                CFR


                EVENT DESCRIPTION

                WHO continues to closely monitor the outbreak of suspected Rift Valley fever
                (RVF) in Eastern Lakes State, South Sudan. Since our last report on 12 January
                2018 (Weekly Bulletin 2 of 2018), six new suspected cases have been reported
                and are being investigated. One suspected case, a 14 year-old girl from Yirol
                West, has been excluded from national case counts based on negative PCR and
                serology results. This week, a blood sample was collected from an 18 year-old
                pregnant female who was a contact of one of the initial cases, and results are
                pending. Results from blood samples collected from six other suspected cases
                are also pending. Of seven samples collected from animals (two sheep, two
                goats, and three cows), one sample collected from a sick cow showed high RVF
                IgG titres indicative of previous RVF infection. The other samples were negative
                for RVF on serology.

                On 28 December 2017, the Ministry of Health of South Sudan reported a cluster
                of three severe haemorrhagic cases, which were epidemiologically linked by
                place (all occurred in Thonabutkok village) and time (onset of illness during
                epidemiological weeks 49 and 51). There was no close physical contact between
                the cases and no history of travel. Sixty contacts have been identified and are
                being followed up. Goats, sheep, and cattle in the area also showed evidence of
                zoonotic haemorrhagic illness. One death was reported in a wild bird.

                PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
                The national and state level multi-sectoral taskforces continue to coordinate investigations and response activities. The Ministry of Health continues to
                convene regular multi-sectoral and inter-agency coordination meetings, with participation by the Ministry of Animal Health Resources and Fisheries,
                WHO, FAO, Health Cluster and partners. The state level taskforce holds daily coordination meetings, with technical support from the national Ministry of
                Health, the Ministry of Livestock, WHO, and partners.
                A One Health multidisciplinary rapid response team led by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Livestock continue to support investigation and
                response activities in Yirol East.
                A multi-sectoral outbreak investigation and viral haemorrhagic fever response plan is to be finalized.
                Two laboratories, the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and Institut Pasteur Dakar (IPD), have been identified to conduct any further laboratory
                testing required. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are on standby to support sample collection and testing.
                US CDC shared generic RVF risk communication materials for adaptation to the South Sudan context, and UNICEF has drafted key risk communication
                messages for affected communities, which have begun to be disseminated to mobilize communities.
                There is no designated treatment centre for managing new suspected cases, but there are plans for one to be established. Adequate supplies of personal
                protective equipment and sample collection kits are available to support current outbreak response needs.
                Regular updates will be disseminated using situation reports and press releases as the situation evolves.

                SITUATION INTERPRETATION
                The suspected RVF outbreak in South Sudan should continue to be closely monitored. Despite insecurity in the area which impedes access, surveillance in
                human and animal populations needs to be scaled up rapidly to detect new human and animal cases in a timely fashion, and continued support from partners
                and international laboratories may be needed to support testing of animal and human cases. Clinical capacity to manage any new cases, with infection
                prevention and control, should also be enhanced in affected areas. Although investigational findings available to date indicate that Rift Valley fever is the
                etiological agent of this outbreak, more substantial confirmation is needed.

                "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                -Nelson Mandela

                Comment


                • #9
                  Source: https://reliefweb.int/report/south-s...republic-south
                  Rift Valley Fever (RVF) Outbreak: Yirol East, Eastern Lakes State, Republic of South Sudan - Situation Report No. 4 as at 17.00 Hours; 21 January 2018

                  Report

                  from Government of the Republic of South Sudan Published on 21 Jan 2018 ? View Original


                  Download PDF (261.58 KB)


                  Situation update
                  ? Since the last update (of 14 January 2018), five new suspect RVF cases have been reported in Yirol East. These include two males and three females aged 7-32 years, one of whom is still hospitalised in the treatment facility in Yirol East.
                  Their blood samples have been collected and are in the process of being shipped to Juba en route to Entebbe, UVRI for testing.
                  ? As of 21 January 2018, a total of 15 suspect RVF human cases have been reported in Eastern Lakes State. Out of the 15 suspect human cases reported since 7 December 2017, three human cases have been confirmed, three died and were classified as probable cases with epidemiological linkage to the three confirmed cases, four were classified as none-cases following negative laboratory results for RVF, and laboratory testing is pending for the recent five suspect cases...

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Outbreaks and Emergencies Bulletin, Week 4: 20 - 26 January 2018

                    Suspected Rift Valley fever South Sudan

                    20 Cases
                    3 Deaths
                    15.0% CFR

                    EVENT DESCRIPTION

                    The outbreak of suspected Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Eastern Lakes State, South
                    Sudan, continues to be closely monitored by WHO and partners. Since our last
                    report on 19 January 2018 (Weekly Bulletin 3 of 2018), seven new suspected
                    cases have been reported from Yirol East County. As of 26 January 2018, two
                    are still hospitalized at a treatment facility in Yirol East. A total of 20 cases have
                    been reported, including three confirmed cases, three probable cases who died
                    and had epidemiological links to the confirmed cases, four classified as noncases
                    following RVF laboratory testing, and ten cases for whom laboratory
                    testing is pending at the Uganda Viral Research Institute (UVRI). This week,
                    samples from six cases tested negative for Ebola, Marburg, Crimean-Congo
                    haemorrhagic fever, RVF, and Sosuga viruses by PCR at UVRI. Serological
                    testing is ongoing. A total of three deaths have been reported. Since one animal
                    sample showed high RVF IgG titres indicative of previous RVF infection last
                    week, no new results of animal sample testing have become available.
                    On 28 December 2017, the Ministry of Health of South Sudan reported a cluster
                    of three severe haemorrhagic cases, which were epidemiologically linked by
                    place (all occurred in Thonabutkok village, Yirol East County) and time (onset of
                    illness during epidemiological weeks 49 and 51). There was no close physical
                    contact between the cases and no history of travel. Goats, sheep, and cattle in
                    the area also showed evidence of zoonotic haemorrhagic illness. Wild bird dieoffs
                    were reported in association with the initial cluster of cases, and there have been
                    continued reports of animal deaths in the outbreak area.
                    ...
                    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                    -Nelson Mandela

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Source: https://reliefweb.int/report/south-s...public-south-1
                      Rift Valley Fever (RVF) Outbreak: Yirol East, Eastern Lakes State, Republic of South Sudan - Situation Report No. 6 as at 17.00 Hours; 2 February 2018

                      Report

                      from Government of the Republic of South Sudan Published on 02 Feb 2018 ? View Original


                      Download PDF (884.13 KB)


                      Situation update
                      • Since the last update (of 26 January 2018), six new suspect RVF cases have been reported in Yirol East. These include two males and four females aged 7-60 years, and clustered in Wonthow payam, Yirol East county. There are currently no suspect cases on admission.
                      • The number of alerts have continued to decline in the week with the last alert that met case definition being reported on 25th January 2018. Three alerts were reported from 26th Jan to 27th Jan 2018 but they all did not meet the case definition. From 28th Jan 2018 to date, there have been no new alerts from all the areas under surveillance...

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Rift Valley fever,
                        South Sudan
                        Information received on 08/03/2018 from Dr Jacob Maiju Korok, Acting Director General, Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Tourism, Animal Resources, Fisheries, Cooperatives, JUBA, South Sudan
                        Summary
                        Report type Immediate notification
                        Date of start of the event 11/12/2017
                        Date of confirmation of the event 02/03/2018
                        Report date 08/03/2018
                        Date submitted to OIE 08/03/2018
                        Reason for notification First occurrence of a listed disease in the country
                        Causal agent Phlebovirus (Bunyaviridae)
                        Nature of diagnosis Clinical, Laboratory (basic)
                        This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
                        New outbreaks (1)
                        Outbreak 1 Wunthou, Lakes
                        Date of start of the outbreak 11/12/2017
                        Outbreak status Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
                        Epidemiological unit Village
                        Affected animals
                        Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Killed and disposed of Slaughtered
                        Cattle 2000 8 0 0 0
                        Sheep / goats 0 0 0 0
                        Affected population There were a few cases of abortion in cattle herds observed after heavy flooding in November 2017, when swampy areas formed and the number of mosquitoes increased. No mortalities in cattle have been reported. During the investigation clinical signs, consistent with Rift Valley fever, were observed.
                        Summary of outbreaks Total outbreaks: 1
                        Total animals affected
                        Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Killed and disposed of Slaughtered
                        Cattle 2000 8 0 0 0
                        Sheep / goats 0 0 0 0
                        Outbreak statistics
                        Species Apparent morbidity rate Apparent mortality rate Apparent case fatality rate Proportion susceptible animals lost*
                        Cattle 0.40% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
                        Sheep / goats ** ** - **
                        *Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter
                        **Not calculated because of missing information
                        Epidemiology
                        Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
                        • Contact with infected animal(s) at grazing/watering
                        • Vectors
                        Control measures
                        Measures applied
                        • Surveillance within containment and/or protection zone
                        • Vaccination prohibited
                        • No treatment of affected animals
                        Measures to be applied
                        • Movement control inside the country
                        • Quarantine
                        • Control of vectors
                        • Vector surveillance
                        Diagnostic test results
                        Laboratory name and type Species Test Test date Result
                        Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, South Africa (OIE Reference Laboratory) Cattle enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 02/03/2018 Positive
                        Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, South Africa (OIE Reference Laboratory) Sheep / goats enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 02/03/2018 Negative
                        Future Reporting
                        The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
                        ...
                        "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                        -Nelson Mandela

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Outbreaks and Emergencies Bulletin, Week 10: 3 - 9 March 2018

                          Rift Valley fever South Sudan


                          40
                          Cases
                          4
                          Deaths
                          10.0%
                          CFR


                          EVENT DESCRIPTION
                          The outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) continues to evolve in Eastern Lakes State,
                          South Sudan, with another county affected. As of 9 March 2018, a total of 40 cases
                          and four deaths have been reported from Yirol East (37 cases, 4 deaths) and Yirol West
                          (3 cases, no deaths) counties. Of these, a total of six confirmed, three probable, and
                          12 suspect RVF cases (with pending laboratory results) have been reported. Nineteen
                          suspected cases were considered as non-cases following negative laboratory results
                          for RVF. The majority of suspected cases have been women (57.1%), and individuals
                          aged 20-39 years make up the majority (72.2%) of cases.
                          In week 10, eight new suspected human cases were reported in Yirol East (five cases)
                          and Yirol West (three cases). Samples have been collected from these cases and seven
                          were shipped to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) on 7 March 2018 for
                          laboratory testing. As of 9 March 2018, there were no cases hospitalized. During the
                          week, one human sample tested RVF IgG positive, bringing the cumulative number of
                          confirmed RVF cases to six (one RVF IgM and IgG positive and five IgG-only positive).
                          Test results from 21 animal samples (from livestock) that were shipped to South Africa
                          were released during the week; eight were RVF positive (three IgM-positive and five
                          IgG-positive), six samples were classified as suspect RVF cases based on IgG and
                          IgM serological titres, and seven samples were negative. Since the beginning of the
                          outbreak, a total of 28 animal samples have been tested, with nine classified as RVF
                          positive (three IgM and six IgG), six classified as suspected RVF (based on IgG and
                          IgM serological titres), and 13 classified as RVF negative. Goats, sheep, and cattle in the area have shown evidence of zoonotic haemorrhagic illness and abortions in
                          livestock, disease in cattle, and wild bird die-offs have been reported.

                          PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
                          In light of the confirmation of additional animal cases, a joint Ministry of Health and Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries press briefing is scheduled for 12 March
                          2018 to formally declare the outbreak in Yirol East county.
                          Investigation and response activities continue to be coordinated by a multi-sectoral task force that meets weekly at the national and sub-national (Yirol East) level.
                          On 6 March 2018, a high-level delegation led by the Minister of Health with participation of officials from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries,
                          WHO, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) visited Yirol East. The delegation was briefed on the outbreak and status of prevention
                          and response activities in Yirol East and other counties at risk.
                          State rapid response teams continue to investigate all new suspected RVF cases and are supporting the collection of samples to enable confirmatory laboratory
                          testing.
                          Surveillance for human and animal cases by community health workers and community animal health workers is ongoing.
                          Community mobilization, engagement, and sensitization activities are ongoing in Yirol East, Yirol West, and Awerial counties with support from the Yirol East
                          county health department, the Eastern Lakes State Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and Community Health and Development Organization (CHADO).
                          The development of a multisectoral RVF preparedness and response framework is ongoing.
                          SITUATION INTERPRETATION
                          The RVF outbreak in South Sudan continues to evolve, and the detection of suspected cases in a Yirol West county and confirmation of additional animal cases
                          underscores the need to strengthen RVF preparedness, surveillance, and response capacity in human and animal populations at risk. Support from the Ministry of
                          Health and Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, in collaboration with WHO, FAO, and partners will be needed to implement the necessary One Health interventions aimed
                          at containing the disease in livestock and reducing the risk of animal to human RVF transmission. Extended human and animal health and entomological investigations
                          into the event, and the finalization of the multisectoral RVF preparedness and response framework are urgently needed to guide activities in this area. Technical support
                          for the development of a long term RVF risk communication strategy is also needed, as such a strategy is a key component in reducing the risk of human RVF cases
                          in this population.




                          The WHO Health Emergencies Programme is currently monitoring 50 events in the region. This week’s edition covers key new and ongoing events, including: Listeriosis in South Africa Rift Valley fever in South Sudan Lassa fever in Nigeria Cholera in Uganda Humanitarian crisis in Democratic Republic of the Congo    
                          "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                          -Nelson Mandela

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            South Sudan declares Rift Valley fever outbreak in parts of Eastern Lakes State

                            Juba, 12 March 2018 – The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries has declared a Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreak today (12 March) in Yirol East, Yirol West and Awerial Counties of Eastern Lakes State.

                            The declaration was preceded by a joint high-level advocacy mission led by the Minister of Health, Dr Riak Gai Kok. The mission, comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), visited Yirol East on 6 March 2018 to consolidate response efforts and solicit more commitments by all stakeholders to contain the outbreak.

                            The RVF outbreak was first suspected in December 2017, following three deaths in humans with a history of severe hemorrhagic illness in Thonabutkok village, Yali Payam, Yirol East County, Eastern Lakes State. The initial case dated back to 7 December 2017. Abortions in goats and sheep; deaths/disease in goats and cows were also reported and epidemiologically linked to the human cases.

                            Following the reported cases and deaths, the Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries with support from WHO, FAO and other human and animal experts, launched a multi-sectoral response, in the context of one health, for in-depth investigations to establish the exact cause of the reported deaths and illness in humans and animals.

                            Laboratory tests conducted by the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) confirmed that six human blood samples out of 34 collected were positive for Rift Valley fever. Also, one of the initial seven animal samples tested at UVRI was positive for Rift Valley Fever. Furthermore, 8 out of 21 samples collected from animals tested positive for RVF at the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reference laboratory in South Africa.

                            From 7 December 2017 to 9 March 2018, a total of 40 suspected human Rift Valley fever cases have been reported in the Eastern Lakes State. These have been reclassified based on investigations and laboratory results, as six RVF confirmed cases, three probable cases, and twelve suspected RVF cases (laboratory results are pending). Nineteen cases were discarded as non-cases following negative laboratory results for RVF and other common causes of viral haemorrhagic fever.

                            “Financial contributions from the European Union Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allowed WHO to deploy experts and provide technical and logistical support,” said Mr Evans Liyosi, WHO representative a.i. to South Sudan.

                            WHO facilitated the establishment of a multi-sectoral rapid response to investigate and prevent further spread of the disease. WHO also moved to effectively coordinate the response and support State authorities with surveillance, risk communication, case management and logistics including prepositioning assorted medical supplies in Yirol East County.

                            A joint multi-sectoral contingency plan has been developed which will be fully rolled out in Eastern Lakes to ensure RVF is contained. This will involve intensified surveillance in both humans and animals, risk communication and case management.

                            RVF is a viral zoonotic disease that primarily affects animals, but also has the capacity to infect humans. People are infected with RVF virus through contact with blood, body fluids, or tissues of RVF virus-infected animals, mainly livestock. This direct contact with infected animals can occur during slaughter or veterinary procedures, like assisting an animal giving birth. Less commonly, people can be infected with RVF virus from bites of infected mosquitoes and, rarely, from other biting insects that have the virus on their mouthparts. Spread from person to person has not been documented.



                            http://www.afro.who.int/news/south-s...rn-lakes-state









                            "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                            -Nelson Mandela

                            Comment

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