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Niger: Unknown disease (Situation as of 12 October 2013) E-mail Print
EPR-Niger-unknown-diseases-12oct2013
A total of 23 cases and 7 deaths (CFR: 30%) were reported from Ferro and Binguel Kiardi villages in Tera District
Event description
From 28 August to 12 October 2013, a total of 23 cases including 7 deaths (CFR: 30% ) were reported in Ferro (13 cases) and Binguel Kiardi (10 cases) villages in Tera District, Tillaberi Region of Niger. The reported cases were presenting with fever, dysphagia, epistaxis, vomiting, neck pains, submandibular lymphadenopathy and ulceronecrotic lesions in the tonsils.
None of the cases presented with pseudomembrane at the back of the throat, which is a common feature of diphtheria. Five (20%) of the cases presented with epistaxis which is not a common feature of diphtheria.
Throat swabs from five patients tested for diptheria, and blood sera from two patients tested for Infectious Mononucleosis at CERMES laboratory were all negative.
In view of the atypical features, the negative laboratory tests for diphtheria, and the high case fatality ratio reported, further investigations are needed to determine the actual magnitude, source, possible etiology of the dis-ease and risk of further spread.
Actions taken
The Ministry of health with support from WHO continues to investigate the diseases. WHO has deployed an epidemiologist to provide technical support in coordination of the investigations.
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Please see Niger Health Updates 2013 thread maintained by Ronan Kelly. Many of the above symptoms have been mentioned all year in various updates.
Niger: Unknown disease (Situation as of 12 October 2013) E-mail Print
EPR-Niger-unknown-diseases-12oct2013
A total of 23 cases and 7 deaths (CFR: 30%) were reported from Ferro and Binguel Kiardi villages in Tera District
Event description
From 28 August to 12 October 2013, a total of 23 cases including 7 deaths (CFR: 30% ) were reported in Ferro (13 cases) and Binguel Kiardi (10 cases) villages in Tera District, Tillaberi Region of Niger. The reported cases were presenting with fever, dysphagia, epistaxis, vomiting, neck pains, submandibular lymphadenopathy and ulceronecrotic lesions in the tonsils.
None of the cases presented with pseudomembrane at the back of the throat, which is a common feature of diphtheria. Five (20%) of the cases presented with epistaxis which is not a common feature of diphtheria.
Throat swabs from five patients tested for diptheria, and blood sera from two patients tested for Infectious Mononucleosis at CERMES laboratory were all negative.
In view of the atypical features, the negative laboratory tests for diphtheria, and the high case fatality ratio reported, further investigations are needed to determine the actual magnitude, source, possible etiology of the dis-ease and risk of further spread.
Actions taken
The Ministry of health with support from WHO continues to investigate the diseases. WHO has deployed an epidemiologist to provide technical support in coordination of the investigations.
---------------------------------
Please see Niger Health Updates 2013 thread maintained by Ronan Kelly. Many of the above symptoms have been mentioned all year in various updates.