Comoros - Soaring cases of fever, flu and cough: hospitals are overwhelmed - November 29, 2023 - Rift Valley Fever ?

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An epidemic that does not yet say its name | La Gazette Des Comoros

11/29/2023

In Ngazidja, as in the other islands, private clinics and health centers are under attack. Patients present with symptoms of flu, fever, cough and sometimes febrile gastroenteritis with positive thick smears.
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In Mohéli, the observation is the same as in Ngazidja. People are rushing to health facilities. Same for Anjouan. Here the inhabitants speak of a so-called seasonal flu which has really taken hold on the island. “Almost all households are affected, old people and children are not spared.
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Faced with this situation, the Ministry of Health through the Director General of Health Dr Saindou Ben Ali Mbae recommends that the population apply barrier gestures to better protect themselves against this phenomenon ... He would like to reassure that the ministry is hard at work to identify this unusual phenomenon. “We would also like to reassure the population that steps are being taken to identify, via samples, the origin of this unusual phenomenon.
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https://lagazettedescomores.com/santé/une-épidémie-qui-ne-dit-pas-encore-son-nom-.html

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November 29 2023

Editor

Soaring cases of fever, flu and cough: Hospitals are overwhelmed

While hospitals are overrun, particularly by cases of flu, fever and cough, health authorities indicate that no new illnesses have yet been detected.
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The Ministry of Health also emphasizes that the nature of this disease is not officially known.
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Analyses and sample collection are underway.
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Dr Halidi, one of the manager of the Palu program, affirmed that it is not "malaria" although the signs are similar.
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https://www.al-fajrquotidien.com/fl...re-grippe-et-toux-les-hopitaux-sont-debordes/

 

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Comoros: an unknown epidemic worries health authorities

The Comoros health system is overwhelmed by patients presenting symptoms of flu and gastroenteritis. The nature of this epidemic is still unknown.

Raphaël Cann • Published on November 30, 2023 at 12:31 p.m., updated November 30, 2023 at 2:50 p.m.

Hospitals and private clinics in the Comoros have been stormed in recent days. Patients present with flu symptoms, fever and cough, or gastroenteritis. According to a press release from the Comoros General Directorate of Health, the nature of this epidemic is still unknown. Samples will be taken to determine the origin of this phenomenon.

If the symptoms are not very serious and rather suggest a seasonal epidemic, it is above all the congestion of the health system which is worrying. Whether in Grande Comore or Mohéli, hospital beds are almost all occupied. While awaiting the results of the analyses, the health authorities recommend that the population respect barrier gestures.

https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/mayo...nquiete-les-autorites-sanitaires-1447310.html

 

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Three questions for the PNLP coordinator
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01/12/2023 Andjouza Abouheir
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Question: Currently the country is hit by an epidemic which has not yet given its name with malaria symptoms, do you think it is malaria?

Dr Abdullatif Hadjira: The Union of Comoros is currently experiencing an increase in cases of flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and other respiratory conditions. It is crucial that the population understands the importance of getting tested in order to prevent the spread of these diseases and to receive appropriate care. Symptoms of the flu and malaria can be similar, making screening even more essential. Fever, combined with cough, headache, muscle aches and fatigue, may be a sign of a flu infection or a bite from a malaria-carrying mosquito. It is therefore advisable to consult a health professional as soon as these symptoms appear.
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To raise awareness among the population optimally, we must all act. Start by monitoring your symptoms. If you experience symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, and fatigue, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Rapid diagnostic tests are available even at the community level. Don't ignore these signs or delay your visit to the doctor. It is imperative to follow preventive measures, namely following recommended hygiene measures such as washing your hands regularly with soap, avoiding touching your face, wearing a face mask in public and maintaining appropriate physical distance from others...


https://lagazettedescomores.com/san...pagation-de-la-grippe-et-du-paludisme-»-.html

 

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 2: 08- 14 January 2024
Data as reported by: 17:00; 14 January 2024
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All events currently being monitored by WHO AFRO
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Comoros
Rift Valley Fever suspected

Grade Ungraded
Date notified to WCO 1/12/2024
Start of reporting period 1/12/2024
End of reporting period 1/12/2024

Total cases 471
Cases Confirmed
Deaths 9
CFR 1.90%

An unusual disease outbreak began in the Comoros around late October 2023. 471 suspected cases hospitalized distributed between Ngazidja and Moili, in nine health districts. Symptoms included flu-like illness and gastroenteritis; 2% had meningoencephalitis, epistaxis, and petechiae. 16 blood samples were taken from these cases for biological analyses and lab results ruled out dengue, Rift Valley fever, influenza, and COVID-19. Mohéli Island also reports cattle and goat deaths. As of January 5, 2024, four samples (3 cattle, 1 human) tested positive for past RVF infection but negative for IgM. Further investigation continue.​

https://www.afro.who.int/countries/...ergencies-bulletin-week-02-08-14-january-2024