Last data update: Nov 04, 2024. (Total: 48056 publications since 2009)
Records 1-3 (of 3 Records) |
Query Trace: Mukurasi K[original query] |
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Epidemiological description of Marburg virus disease outbreak in Kagera region, Northwestern Tanzania
Mmbaga V , Mrema G , Ngenzi D , Magoge W , Mwakapasa E , Jacob F , Matimba H , Beyanga M , Samweli A , Kiremeji M , Kitambi M , Sylvanus E , Kyungu E , Manase G , Hokororo J , Kanyankole C , Rwabilimbo M , Kaniki I , Kauki G , Kelly ME , Mwengee W , Ayeni G , Msemwa F , Saguti G , Mgomella GS , Mukurasi K , Mponela M , Kapyolo E , McHaro J , Mayige M , Gatei W , Conteh I , Mala P , Swaminathan M , Horumpende P , Ruggajo P , Magembe G , Yoti Z , Kwesi E , Nagu T . PLoS One 2024 19 (9) e0309762 INTRODUCTION: In March 2023, a Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak was declared in Kagera region, Northwestern Tanzania. This was the first MVD outbreak in the country. We describe the epidemiological characteristics of MVD cases and contacts. METHODS: The Ministry of Health activated an outbreak response team. Outbreak investigation methods were applied to cases identified through MVD standard case definitions and confirmed through reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR). All identified case contacts were added into the contact listing form and followed up in-person daily for any signs or symptoms for 21 days. Data collected from various forms was managed and analyzed using Excel and QGIS software for mapping. RESULTS: A total of nine MVD cases were reported with eight laboratory-confirmed and one probable. Two of the reported cases were frontline healthcare workers and seven were family related members. Cases were children and adults between 1-59 years of age with a median age of 34 years. Six were males. Six cases died equivalent to a case fatality rate (CFR) of 66.7%. A total of 212 individuals were identified as contacts and two (2) became cases. The outbreak was localized in two geo-administrative wards (Maruku and Kanyangereko) of Bukoba District Council. CONCLUSION: Transmission during this outbreak occurred among family members and healthcare workers who provided care to the cases. The delay in detection aggravated the spread and possibly the consequent fatality but once confirmed the swift response stemmed further transmission containing the disease at the epicenter wards. The outbreak lasted for 72 days but as the origin is still unknown, further research is required to explore the source of this outbreak. |
Infection prevention and control of highly infectious pathogens in resource-limited countries: an experience from Marburg viral disease outbreak in Kagera Region - Tanzania
Kinyenje E , Hokororo J , Ngowi R , Kiremeji M , Mnunga E , Samwel A , Sylvanus E , Mnken E , Yango M , Mtalika M , Mmbaga V , Saitoti N , Malecha A , Kundy F , Rwabilimbo M , Kaniki I , Mwisomba G , Charles E , Mughanga P , Kitambi M , Paul R , Richard E , Musyani A , Rabiel I , Haule G , Marandu L , Mwakapasa E , Manasseh G , Sindato C , Beyanga M , Kapyolo E , Jacob F , McHaro J , Mayige M , Msemwa F , Saguti G , Kauki G , Masuma J , Mrema G , Kohi M , Yoti Z , Habtu M , Mwengee W , Mukurasi K , Gatei W , Ruggajo P , Kwesi E , Eliakimu E , Horumpende P , Magembe G , Nagu T . BMC Infect Dis 2024 24 (1) 628 Marburg viral disease (MVD) is a highly infectious disease with a case fatality rate of up to 90%, particularly impacting resource-limited countries where implementing Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures is challenging. This paper shares the experience of how Tanzania has improved its capacity to prevent and control highly infectious diseases, and how this capacity was utilized during the outbreak of the MVD disease that occurred for the first time in the country in 2023.In 2016 and the subsequent years, Tanzania conducted self and external assessments that revealed limited IPC capacity in responding to highly infectious diseases. To address these gaps, initiatives were undertaken, including the enhancement of IPC readiness through the development and dissemination of guidelines, assessments of healthcare facilities, supportive supervision and mentorship, procurement of supplies, and the renovation or construction of environments to bolster IPC implementation.The official confirmation and declaration of MVD on March 21, 2023, came after five patients had already died of the disease. MVD primarily spreads through contact and presents with severe symptoms, which make patient care and prevention challenging, especially in resource-limited settings. However, with the use of a trained workforce; IPC rapid needs assessment was conducted, identifying specific gaps. Based on the results; mentorship programs were carried out, specific policies and guidelines were developed, security measures were enhanced, all burial activities in the area were supervised, and both patients and staff were monitored across all facilities. By the end of the outbreak response on June 1, 2023, a total of 212 contacts had been identified, with the addition of only three deaths. Invasive procedures like dialysis and Manual Vacuum Aspiration prevented some deaths in infected patients, procedures previously discouraged.In summary, this experience underscores the critical importance of strict adherence to IPC practices in controlling highly infectious diseases. Recommendations for low-income countries include motivating healthcare providers and improving working conditions to enhance commitment in challenging environments. This report offers valuable insights and practical interventions for preparing for and addressing highly infectious disease outbreaks through implementation of IPC measures. |
Accelerating COVID-19 vaccination among people living with HIV and health care workers in Tanzania: A case study
Jalloh MF , Tinuga F , Dahoma M , Rwebembera A , Kapologwe NA , Magesa D , Mukurasi K , Rwabiyago OE , Kazitanga J , Miller A , Sando D , Maruyama H , Mbatia R , Temu F , Matiko E , Kazaura K , Njau P , Imaa J , Pinto T , Nur SA , Schaad N , Malero A , Damian D , Grund J , Mgomella GS , Johnson A , Cole G , Mmari E , Gatei W , Swaminathan M . Glob Health Sci Pract 2024 BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence on COVID-19 vaccination uptake among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and health care workers (HCWs), with the current evidence concentrated in high-income countries. There is also limited documentation in the published literature regarding the feasibility and lessons from implementing targeted vaccination strategies to reach PLHIV and HCWs in low- and middle-income countries. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, PILOTING, AND IMPLEMENTATION: We designed and implemented multifaceted strategies to scale up targeted COVID-19 vaccination among PLHIV and HCWs in 11 administrative regions on the mainland of Tanzania plus Zanzibar. An initial 6-week intensification strategy was implemented using a diverse partnership model comprising key stakeholders at the national- and subnational levels. A layered package of strategies included expanding the number of certified vaccinators, creating vaccination points within HIV clinics, engaging HCWs to address their concerns, and building the capacity of HCWs as "champions" to promote and facilitate vaccination. We then closely monitored COVID-19 vaccination uptake in 562 high-volume HIV clinics. Between September 2021 and September 2022, the proportion of fully vaccinated adult PLHIV increased from <1% to 97% and fully vaccinated HCWs increased from 23% to 80%. LESSONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our intra-action review highlighted the importance of leveraging a strong foundation of existing partnerships and platforms, integrating COVID-19 vaccination points within HIV clinics, and refining strategies to increase vaccination demand while ensuring continuity of vaccine supply to meet the increased demand. Lessons from Tanzania can inform targeted vaccination of vulnerable groups in future health emergencies. |
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