Wüstenschiff

RIFT VALLEY FEVER, OSTAFRIKA (33): BURUNDI (MUYINGA)
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Date: Thu 10 May 2007
Source: Radio Publique Africaine, Bujumbura, (trans. from French) 10 May
2007 [edited]


Rift Valley fever hits Burundi
[transcribed from a radio broadcast by correspondent MS]
------------------------------
Rift Valley fever has killed one person in Muyinga Province [in the north
east]. According to the deputy director of the Kiyanza [phonetic] health
centre, [words indistinct] 200 more people are affected by the disease. The
same source said that 7 people were hospitalised at the Kiyanza [phonetic]
health centre. Others are at home. Mrs Francine [name indistinct], who is
the centre's deputy director, said that the centre had received medication
[?] for the disease yesterday [9 May 2007]. She said that the [provincial]
governor's adviser on public health had travelled there to see the
situation with those already infected and those not yet infected.

Sources said that those infected had eaten meat from animals [which came]
from Tanzania.

--
communicated by
Michelle Sellors
<michelle.sellors@masta.org>

[This is the first report of Rift Valley fever cases in Burundi and
represents a significant extension westwards of the Rift Valley fever
outbreak in East Africa. A map of Burundi can be accessed at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... urundi.pdf>.

The province of Muyinga is located in northeast Burundi and the town of
Muyinga is close to the Tanzanian border. - Mod.CP]

CHIKUNGUNYA - AFRICA (GABON) (02)
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Date: Sat 19 May 2007
From: Andreas Krueger <krueger@bni-hamburg.de>

[ProMED-mail apologizes for an unintentional delay in posting this
statement from Andreas Krueger, which concerns the detection of
chikungunya virus in Libreville, Gabon, and would like to thank
Andreas Krueger for sharing this finding with us.]

This outbreak almost coincides with recent entomological findings
(November 2006), which describe the 1st detection of the potential
chikungunya virus (CHIKV) vector _Aedes albopictus_ in Libreville
(together with _Ae. aegypti ssp. formosus_): Krueger A & Hagen RM:
First record of _Aedes albopictus_ in Gabon, Central Africa.
[Tropical Medicine & International Health, in press]. (Also to be
presented at the 5th European Congress on Tropical Medicine and
International Health, Amsterdam, 24-28 May 2007).

_Aedes albopictus_ has already been incriminated as the main vector
of CHIKV during epidemics in the Indian Ocean region since 2005 and
is also known as one of the world's most important invasive species.

--
Communicated by
Andreas Krueger
Medical Entomology
Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine
Hamburg, Germany
<krueger@bni-hamburg.de>

MALARIA - ANGOLA (CUANZA-NORTE): REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
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Date: Fri 1 Jun 2007
From: coulibaly sidi <sidi_couly@yahoo.ca
Source: allAfrica.com [N'dalatando (Angola) -- accessed 30 May 2007] [edited]
<http://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200705300892.html>


A total of 117 people died of malaria out of 4992
registered cases between January and March [2007]
at the N'dalatando hospital in the province of
Cuanza-Norte, Angop learned Wednesday [30 May 2007] from an official source.

Its director general, Caetano Jose Miguel,
indicated that this was an increase of more than
2928 cases relative to the same period in 2006.
The hospital also saw 82 cases of acute
respiratory infection and 32 cases of diarrhea.
According to the doctor, this hospital dispensed
sufficiant medication to respond to the demand of these patient.

With a capacity of 250 patients, this medical
institution functions with 10 doctors and 169 nurses.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Malaria is endemic in Angola and a sudden
increase in mortality indicates problems with
susceptibility to the drugs used for treatment.
The text does not indicate the drugs used, but it
could be chloroquine, which is cheap and widely
available. A recent study from Angola (Kryger T
et al. Assessment of clinical course and outcome
of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Angola
diagnosed by microscopic and molecular
methods.Int Marit Health. 2004;55(1-4):75-85)
found that 98 percent of the P. falciparum
isolates in Angola carried the pfcrt mutation
used as a marker of choloroquine resistance.
Further information will be appreciated. ? Mod.EP]

MASERN - DEMOKRATISCHE REPUBLIK KONGO (KATANGA)
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Date: Fri 1 Jun 2007
Source: ReliefWeb, Fri 1 Jun 2007 [edited]
<http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db9 ... enDocument>


Democratic Republic of the Congo: Measles outbreak in northern Katanga
------------------------------------------------------------------
There is a measles outbreak in Malemba-Nkulu territory in northern
Katanga region in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is
affecting more than 10 villages. Around 3500 cases [have been]
recorded in last couple of weeks [20 May - 1 Jun 2007] and more than
150 children have died so far.

Doctors Worldwide (DWW) has set up 4 emergency medical teams to send
to the area. Transport is very difficult particularly after heavy
rains in recent weeks. We are co-coordinating help with WHO, OCHA and
local government. The following actions have been taken; four kits of
medical supplies have been bought and will be [used] by 4 teams in 4
villages, and expect to cover at least 800 children for one month:
that is about 200 children per team. All sick children will be
treated free of charge. DWW will distribute 6 bicycles in different
villages. The bicycles will help nurses to collect vaccines from
Malemba city and organize an immunization campaign up to 95 km [59
miles] from Malemba.

The World Health Organization (WHO) will provide transport of
medicines by special flight (AIR SERV), and its departure is planned
for Saturday (02 June 2007). The government, through the medical
officer of the district, will provide a 4X4 pickup from Kamina to
Malemba-Nkulu, and DWW will provide diesel. This vehicle [will start]
to bring vaccines from EPI Kamina office tomorrow and will [reach]
Malemba during the weekend to work together with DWW delegation. All
teams will use the existing public facilities or private houses as
contributions from local community.

DWW is planning to set up a social mobilization and health promotion
campaign to encourage parents to use the treatment centres which will
be located separately at:
- Muko-Mutombo (in Malemba city close to the DWW/RADEM maternity building);
- Lubinda village, at 65 km [40.4 miles] from Malemba city, in
Ngoy-mani area, at 6 km [3.73 miles] from Kimbalama village where DWW
is building a 2nd maternity;
- Kabumbulu village, at 50 km [31 miles] from Malemba city on the
Congo river; and
- Lwamba village, at 75 km [46.6 miles] from Malemba city.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Brent Barrett

[The high death toll in this outbreak reflects the magnitude of the
problem of containing measles in the heart of the African continent.
A map of the DRC is available at:
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... rcongo.pdf>. - Mod.CP]

RIFT VALLEY FEVER - OSTAFRIKA (33): TANZANIA
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Date: Wed 23 May 2007
Source: FEWS NET (Famine Early Warning Systems Network) [edited]
<http://www.fews.net/centers/innerSectio ... &m=1002416>


The following information has been derived from FEWS NET (Famine Early
Warning Systems Network, a USAID (United States Agency for International
Development) subsidiary), where the most recent report for Tanzania,
covering the period from 24 Apr to 18 May 2007, was published on 23 May 2007:

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) has been contained, and the vaccination campaign is
continuing, although a significant shortfall of vaccine dosages persists.
The consumption of red meat is starting to increase, improving incomes in
the livestock sector that was hit by low demand for red meat following the
RVF outbreak.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Tanzania submitted to the OIE (Office International des Epizooties; World
Organization for Animal Health) its 1st "immediate notification" on the RVF
epizootic on 12 Feb 2007. Since then, 3 follow-up reports have been sent:
No. 1 (10 Apr 2007), No. 2 (06 May 2007), and No. 3 (31 May 2007). The last
5 outbreaks were notified in follow-up report No. 2; according to No. 3, no
new outbreaks have been registered since 6 Apr 2007.

According to OIE's event summary, a total of 19 outbreaks have been
recorded in Tanzania throughout the epizootic; for details and map, see
<http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/public.ph ... ortid=4782>.
- Mod.AS]

TUBERCULOSIS, XDR - SÜDAFRIKA (09): WESTERN CAPE
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Date: Wed 30 May 2007
Source: Independent Online [edited]
<http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1 ... 436C553281>


An 18 year old youth has died of [extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis
(XDR TB)], the 5th death from the deadly strain of TB in the Western Cape,
as Brooklyn Chest Hospital runs out of space in its special isolation ward.
The 22 bed isolation unit, specially set up to address the rising incidence
of XDR TB in the province, is now full, as provincial health authorities
move fast to identify further space to address the demand.

The issue of isolation of patients with XDR TB and the slightly less
dangerous multi-drug resistant TB (MDR TB) is in the spotlight following
news on Mon 28 May 2007, that Delft doctors were forced to send home a
highly infectious female patient because of a shortage of isolation unit beds.

The 53 year old woman was diagnosed with MDR TB, but considering she is
still infectious after 18 months on alternative treatment, doctors suggest
she could well be another XDR TB case.

According to health department spokesperson, Faiza Steyn, the woman was to
be admitted to Brooklyn Chest Hospital today [30 May 2007].

Steyn said there were currently 37 confirmed XDR TB patients in the Western
Cape. The 18 year old boy, the most recent person to die of XDR TB, died at
his home.

Meanwhile, to cope with the shortage of beds, both confirmed and suspected
cases were being admitted into a side section of an isolation ward at
Brooklyn Chest Hospital, used for MDR TB patients. Other than the stopgap
side ward, Steyn said provincial health authorities were making plans to
convert an "ordinary" TB ward at Brooklyn Chest Hospital, which has 45
beds, into an XDR TB ward.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[As a reminder, XDR TB is now defined as an isolate resistant to INH
(isoniazid) and RIF (rifampicin) (MDR TB) that is also resistant to a
fluoroquinolone and to one or more of the following 3 injectable
anti-tuberculosis drugs: capreomycin (CM), kanamycin (KM), and amikacin (AK).

The number of cases of XDR TB continues to grow, especially in South
Africa. It is not stated in the posting how many of the total and of those
who died were infected with HIV as well.

Clearly, additional hospital space is needed to minimize community
transmission of this drug resistant pathogen.

In this latest reported death, the death at home occurred prior to the
microbiologic confirmation of XDR TB. This has been common in South Africa,
especially in the HIV co-infected cohort, a measure of the rapid
progression of TB in and profoundly cellularly immunosuppressed population.

The Western Cape Province of South Africa can be found on a map of the
country at <http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... uthafr.pdf>.
Most of the country's provinces have had cases of XDR TB. - Mod.LL]

CHOLERA, DIARRHEA & DYSENTERY UPDATE 2007 (21)
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In this update:
Africa
[1] Cholera - Djibouti (Tadjourah)
[2] Cholera - Angola (Luanda Province)
[3] Cholera - Kenya (Western, Nyanza Provinces)
[4] Cholera - Kenya (Northeastern Province)
[5] Cholera - Congo (Pool, Kouilou Regions)
[6] Cholera - Somalia (Lower Jubba)
[7] Diarrhea, school - Botswana (Gaborone)

******
[1] Cholera - Djibouti (Tadjourah)
Date: Tue 29 May 2007
Source: Reuters Foundation AlertNet, UN Integrated Regional Information
Networks (IRIN) report [edited]
<http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdes ... 839bc8.htm>


An outbreak of cholera that left 5 people dead in 2 villages in the
Tadjourah region of north western Djibouti has been contained, an official
with the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tue 29 May [2007].

"No new cases have been reported in the area since 18 May [2007],"
Djibouti-based WHO medical officer, Karim Djibaoui, told IRIN. Efforts to
bring the outbreak under control included setting up emergency treatment
centres in the affected areas, providing clean drinking water, and
launching a hygiene awareness campaign, he added.

About 76 cases of the disease, including the 5 fatalities, had been
reported in the area in the first 2 weeks of May 2007.

A Djibouti news agency, Agence Djiboutienne D'Information, said local
health officials had linked the latest outbreak in Hangade and Balho
localities, in Tadjourah, to the use of water from a contaminated well by
illegal immigrants.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[The country of Djibouti, located where the Red Sea meets the Gulf of Aden
and bordering both Ethiopia and Somalia, can be found on a map of Africa at
<http://kcm.co.kr/bethany/c_maps/djibouti-1.gif>. - Mod.LL]

******
[2] Cholera - Angola (Luanda Province)
Date: Mon 28 May 2007
Source: Angola Press (ANGOP) [edited]
<http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/noticia-e.asp?ID=534608>


[On 28 May 2007, local health director, Monteiro Antonio, informed ANGOP
that over the past 5 days, 5 new cholera cases have been identified in
Sambizanga district, in Luanda.] According to Antonio, the [occurrence] of
the disease in the area was caused by the constant rains that fell in the
Angolan capital (Luanda) from February to April 2007, as well as the poor
drainage in the region.

Since the start of 2007, Sambizanga district has already registered 883
cases of cholera, 18 of which have resulted in death.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Luanda province, in north western Angola, can be found on a map of the
country at <http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... angola.pdf>. -
Mod.LL]

******
[3] Cholera - Kenya (Western, Nyanza Provinces)
Date: Mon 28 May 2007
Source: Kenya Broadcasting Corporation [edited]
<http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=42798>


Nine people have died of cholera in Busia district. The area minister of
health (MOH), Dr Silas Ayunga, says all the deaths occurred at
Port-Victoria sub-district hospital where the victims had been admitted for
treatment. He said Bukoma and Sango Islands in Port-Victoria, Budalangi
division, were the hardest hit by the outbreak.

The deaths prompted the MOH to recall all staff on leave back on duty to
deal with the situation. He also instructed the public health officers in
Budalangi division to close down eating premises that posed a health threat.

Meanwhile, at least 7 people have died of cholera in Siaya district in the
last month. The area district medical officer of health, Dr Elizabeth
Okoth, said the area recorded 50 cases of the disease over the same period,
23 of which were treated at local hospitals and discharged. She said others
are still [under observation] in the health institutions.

The doctor called residents of the area to observe proper hygiene, and
ensure that each home has a pit latrine and stop the habit of relieving
themselves in thickets as this fuels the spread of the disease.

[byline: Wesley Ruto]

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[A map of Kenya can be found at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... /kenya.pdf>. Busia is in
the Western Province, on the border of Kenya and Uganda, and Siaya is
located in the Nyanza Province, south of the Western Province. - Mod.LL]

******
[4] Cholera - Kenya (Northeastern Province)
Date: Tue 17 May 2007
Source: AllAfrica.com, The East African Standard (Nairobi) report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200705170022.html>


A woman and 2 children succumbed to cholera, as health officials raised a
fresh alert over another outbreak in Northeastern Province. The deaths
bring to 17 the number of people killed by the waterborne disease since
last month [April 2007].

A mother and her daughter, aged 5, died in the Dadaab refugee camps in
Garissa District, while the other, a 10 year old, was a resident of Liboi
division at the Kenya-Somalia border. Provincial medical officer of health,
Dr Omar Ahmed, said about 60 refugees at the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camps have been admitted to hospitals
with symptoms of the disease. He said more than 118 cases had been
reported, including 10 who died in Mandera District.

Cholera was first detected early this year [2007], in the Garissa refugee
camps, at the height of influx of immigrants from volatile Somalia.

The outbreak also comes after the provincial public health officer, Dr
Ahmed Fankey, ordered the closure of the main health facility in the camps
[as a result of] poor sanitation.

[byline: Victor Obure]

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[Kenya's Northeastern Province can be found on the map at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... /kenya.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

******
[5] Cholera - Congo (Pool, Kouilou Regions)
Date: Tue 17 May 2007
Source: AllAfrica.com, UN Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN)
report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200705170461.html>


Lack of appropriate health and sanitation facilities, as well as poor
sensitization of local communities have encouraged the spread of cholera in
the Bouenza area of Congo, officials said. According to an epidemiological
bulletin published by Congolese health authorities, 21 cases of the disease
have been reported in Loutete, of whom 7 died. Another 207 cases have been
reported in Loudima, of whom 8 died, since the beginning of May 2007.

The bulletin was produced by the national cholera crisis committee, headed
by Jeannine Bahou.

The most affected areas are more than 200 km (124.3 mi) south west of the
capital, Brazzaville. In January [2007], the Congolese health ministry
reported cases of cholera in Pointe-Noire, the country's 2nd-largest town,
with 800 000 people. Later, the disease spread to Brazzaville and other
southern regions of the country. At least 6480 people were affected in
Pointe-Noire, of whom 62 died. At the time, the outbreak was thought to
have been caused by heavy rains and poor hygiene conditions in
Pointe-Noire, as well as via passengers on the regular air flights that
link the cities.

"The last cases occurred in Brazzaville, on 5 Apr 2007, and in the Kouilou
Region, where Pointe-Noire is located, on 29 Apr 2007," the bulletin noted
on 15 May 2007.

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[A map of Congo, which is located east of Congo DR, can be found at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... /congo.pdf>. Brazzaville
is in the Pool Region and Pointe-Noir in the Kouilou Region. - Mod.LL]

******
[6] Cholera - Somalia (Lower Jubba)
Date: Mon 14 May 2007
Source: AllAfrica.com, Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu) report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200705140786.html>


Reports from Dhobley in southern Somalia indicate that cholera has severely
weakened internally displaced people in the area, who fled the continuous
fighting in Mogadishu, the Somali capital.

Dahir Ahmed, a medical officer in the Lower Jubba provincial settlement of
Dhobley, near the Kenyan border, said the infection is spreading among
families who escaped from the aftermath in Mogadishu. "The disease is
particularly increasing among children and older people who fled Mogadishu
fighting and there are no clinics or hospitals that can provide the
diarrhea-infected patients with the proper medicine," he said.

Shabelle correspondent in Dhobley, Qorane Ismail, said areas where patients
with watery diarrhea are quarantined [are overwhelmingly full] as doctors
have been working hard on the clock to cure the patients. "Patients, most
of them children, could be seen lying on the ground where a large number of
weak patients beset by the outbreak are brought in to be cured. So far,
relatives and parents of the patients said they had no money to buy
medicine for their loved ones," doctors said.

[byline: Aweys Osman Yusuf]

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[A map of Somalia showing Lower Jubba (Juba Hoose) Region can be found at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... omalia.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

******
[7] Diarrhea, school - Botswana (Gaborone)
Date: Tue 22 May 2007
Source: AllAfrica.com, The Voice (Francistown) report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200705220900.html>


Classes at Sir Seretse Khama Junior Secondary School in Gaborone recently
came to a halt as many of the students complained of diarrhea and
headaches. The outbreak, which forced close to 200 students out of classes
on Mon 21 May 2007, started with a few students requesting to go to the
clinic after complaining of headaches and diarrhea last Fri 18 May 2007.

Deputy school head, Gloria Makhanhlela, said, "Quite a handful asked for
permission to go home complaining of headache and diarrhea. Teachers on
duty alerted us about the problem. They thought the illnesses might have
been caused by the change of weather. But in the afternoon, more students
showed signs of sickness and we phoned parents who came to take their
affected children to the clinic," said Makhanhlela.

On Mon 21 May 2007, the school alerted students of the outbreak of diarrhea
at the general assembly. "We asked those with signs of diarrhea to come
forward and about 191 students did. We used the school bus to transport
them to Block 8 and Block 6 clinics where they received medical attention.
After lunch we sent the rest of the students home."

[byline: Chedza Simon]

--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail rapporteur Brent Barrett

[Gaborone is in the Southern District of Botswana, on the border with South
Africa as can be seen on the map at
<http://www.pnm.my/mtcp/images/maps/Botswana-map.jpg>. - Mod.LL]

MASERN - DEMOKRATISCHE REPUBLIK KONGO (SANKURU)
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Date: Thu 7 Jun 2007
Source: AllAfrica, Le Potential (Kinshasa) News report [in French, trans.
Mod.LM, edited]
<http://fr.allafrica.com/stories/printab ... 70134.html>


Eleven cases [of measles] have been identified among children of various
ages between 0 and 5 years. A medical team left Lodja [the capital of
Sankuru province] on Tuesday [8 Jun 2007], for Lubefu. ["Radiookapi.net"
reported that, according to the chief doctor of the region, all measures
have been taken to avoid spread of the illness.]

No deaths have been reported, according to the regional medical chief. A
team composed of doctors, epidemiologists, and the doctor in charge of the
program for expanding vaccination are en route for Lubefu. Their objective
is to contain the epidemic and prevent its spread.

There are vaccines available to counter this epidemic, declared the
provincial medical inspector, Audrey Mulumba. More than 3000 children [will
be targeted] by this vaccination effort in the surrounding area, she
declared. The majority of the children targeted had escaped the vaccination
campaign following population movements and as a consequence of the
inaccessibility of some parts of the region, added the same source. A
program of routine vaccination will be reinforced in this part of the
country in order to avoid the return of the epidemic.

[byline: Regine Kiala]

--
communicated by:
Coulibaly Sidi
<sidi_couly@yahoo.ca>

[This outbreak is distinct from that reported on 1 Jun 2007 in ProMED-mail
post "Measles - Democratic Republic of the Congo (Katanga) 20070601.1775",
which occurred to the south in Katanga province. Sankuru province lies to
the north with its capital city close to the geographic centre of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo. A map of the Democratic Republic of the
Congo is available at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... rcongo.pdf>. Lodja is
located in the former province of Kasai Orientale (now Sankuru). - Mod.CP]

CHOLERA, DIARRHEA & DYSENTERY UPDATE 2007 (22)
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Cholera - Somalia (Somaliland)
Date: Wed 6 Jun 2007
Source: International Save the Children Alliance [edited]
<http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthe ... 9e36cd.htm>

More than 600 cases of cholera, including 8 cholera-related deaths,
have been reported in the Togdheer region of Somaliland in the past 2
weeks. Save the Children UK is working quickly with the Ministry of
Health and other agencies to help contain the outbreak aiming to keep
death rates under 1 percent.

Save the Children UK's emergency health adviser, Elizabeth Berryman,
said: "Cholera is spreading fast leaving up to 70 000 people at risk.
Cholera spreads very quickly and can cause rapid, severe dehydration
which is very difficult to control. Children are particularly
vulnerable to dehydration and severe cases of cholera are difficult
to treat in children. Early treatment, surveillance and prevention
are crucial.

"If health systems in Africa were properly resourced with doctors,
nurses and a network of community health workers, and the correct
drugs stocked, cholera outbreaks would not escalate as fast as they
have done here. Access to health care has to be improved and fast if
we're to stop hundreds dying for diseases and infections that are
easy to cure."

Somaliland has been devastated in recent years by drought, floods and
local conflict. It has poor health infrastructure and sanitation and
is often neglected by international agencies and donors. Save the
Children has been running health programmes in Togdheer region for
the last 7 years.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

Somaliland (from
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somaliland>) is a de facto independent
republic located in the Horn of Africa within the internationally
recognized borders of Somalia. On 18 May 1991, the people of
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia. However, it was not
recognized by any other country or international organization. It is
bordered by Ethiopia in the south and west, Djibouti in the
northwest, the Gulf of Aden in the north, and the autonomous region
Puntland in Somalia in the east. The capital of Somaliland is
Hargeisa. - Mod. LL]

IRIN hat geschrieben:TANZANIA: Rift Valley Fever under control, says government

DAR ES SALAAM, 19 June 2007 (IRIN) - An outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) earlier this year has been brought under control, the country's livestock ministry said.

"There are no more cases of the viral disease in livestock. The viral disease is now under control," Charles Mlingwa, deputy minister for livestock development, told parliament in Dodoma on 18 June.

RVF is a highly contagious viral disease that infects livestock and humans. The disease spread to 10 administrative regions in Tanzania between January and May, killing 134 of the 306 people infected, according to Mlingwa. The central region of Dodoma, where 85 people died, was the worst affected, the health minister, David Mwakyusa, said.

An ongoing mass vaccination of livestock helped bring the outbreak under control, according to veterinary officials. Other control measures included restrictions on livestock movement and a ban on the slaughter of cattle.

Mlingwa told parliament that people could now consume beef, but insisted the meat must be inspected by public health officials. "People must continue to avoid slaughtering sick animals," he stressed.

RVF was first diagnosed in January in the northern regions of Arusha and Manyara and by the end of May, cases of human and livestock infections and deaths had been reported in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Kilimanjaro, Mbeya, Morogoro, Singida and Tanga.

A total of 46,680 cattle, 56,990 goats and 32,900 sheep were infected. Some 5,610 cattle, 6,896 goats and 3,998 sheep died. He said the government spent about US$3.84 million to bring the disease under control, with most of the money going on imported vaccines.

The RVF outbreak has resulted in a significant reduction in the consumption of red meat in the affected regions and surrounding areas. Incomes of livestock dependent communities have dwindled as a result.

"I used to sell more than 500kg of meat every day, but now I can hardly sell 100kg," said Rashid Khalfan, who operates a butchery in Kisutu, Dar es Salaam. Prices of fish and chicken in Dar es Salaam and other RVF-affected regions soared as demand rose.

In neighbouring Kenya, a total of 684 cases of RVF, including 155 deaths, were detected between 30 November 2006 and 12 March 2007, according to the United Nations World Health Organization.

The disease also hit Somalia, with 114 cases, including 51 deaths, reported in Juba, Gedo, Hiran, Middle Juba, Middle and Lower Shabelle regions between 19 December 2006 and 20 February 2007.

The RVF virus is spread to humans from livestock via the aedes mosquito, which breeds rapidly during floods.

It can be transmitted through contact with infected animal material, such as blood or organs. Consumption of milk, a staple for many pastoral people, is also thought to lead to infection. Symptoms in humans include bleeding through the nose and mouth and liver failure.

Quelle: http://www.irinnews.org

Grüsse
Alexander

MASERN - NIGERIA (BORNO)
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Date: Wed 20 Jun 2007
Source: Angola Press [edited]
<http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/noticia-e.asp?ID=539755>


An outbreak of measles has killed 60 children aged between 6 months
and 12 years in Nigeria's northern state of Borno, the local media
reported on Tue 19 Jun 2007.

The epidemic, which broke out in the state capital, Maiduguri, and
its environs a few days ago, has so far affected some 400 children,
the report quoted officials of the affected areas as saying. The
worst-affected areas include the Maiduguri council, where 125
children have been treated for measles, an acute and highly
contagious viral disease marked by distinct red spots followed by a
rash, which occurs primarily in children. Other badly hit councils
are Borno, Konduga (25 deaths each), as well as Jere and Bama (20
deaths each).

Konduga council secretary, Kaka Ali Yale, was quoted as saying
communities without access to health centers have been supplied with
drugs and drips for the treatment of the disease.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rappporteur Brent Barrett

[Borno (formerly Bornu) is the most internally located province of
Nigeria; see the map accessible at
<http://www.motherlandnigeria.com/n_images/nigeria4.gif>.

It is likely that this outbreak is a reflection of inadequate vaccine
coverage, a situation not uncommon even in well-organized societies
in the interior of Africa. The death toll is distressingly high.
Greater effort and better organization will be required to control
further outbreaks of this highly contagious disease. - Mod.CP]

CHOLERA, DIARRHEA & DYSENTERY UPDATE 2007 (23)
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In this update:
Africa
[1] Diarrhea, dysentery - Zimbabwe
[2] Cholera - Somalia (Mudug)

******
[1] Diarrhea, dysentery - Zimbabwe
Date: Mon 18 Jun 2007
Source: AllAfrica, Zimbabwe Standard (Harare) report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200706181021.html>


Cities in Zimbabwe have been hit by an unprecedented water crisis
with some urban centers going for more than 2 weeks without water,
raising fears of an outbreak of diseases. Water supplies have become
extremely erratic since the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa)
wrested control of water and sewer reticulation systems from local
authorities. The crisis has forced desperate residents to dig wells.

Among the most affected cities are Harare, Chitungwiza, Chegutu,
Mutare, Gweru, Zvishavane, Kadoma, and Chinhoyi. In Harare the
worst-hit suburbs include Tafara, Mabvuku, Glen View, Budiriro,
Mufakose, Greendale, Waterfalls, Hatfield, Borrowdale, and Chisipite.

Unlike some residents of low-density suburbs such as Highlands,
Greendale and Borrowdale who have boreholes, high-density residents
have resorted to fetching water from sewage-infested streams. Their
toilets are blocked because there is no running water, while large
green flies are attracted by the stench and filth.

Harare residents said cases of diarrhea and dysentery among children
were mounting everyday as the state of hygiene deteriorates.

[Byline: Caiphas Chimhete]

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[A map of Zimbabwe can be found at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... mbabwe.pdf>. - Mod.LL]

******
[2] Cholera - Somalia (Mudug)
Date: Sun 17 Jun 2007
Source: AllAfrica, Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu) report [edited]
<http://allafrica.com/stories/200706170011.html>


At least 25 people died from watery diarrhea while dozens more, most
of them children, were ailing from the disease in Mudug provincial
settlements of Haradheere in central Somalia.

Omar Abdulahi, an intellectual in the area, told Shabelle that the
plague infected a large number of children and older people in the
region. "In the past days at least 25 have died. People in the
settlements where the disease is prevailing are very much concerned
because we feel that the epidemic is rapidly spreading," he said.

Abdulahi said medical officers and clinics were very scarce in the
settlements, calling on local and international aid agencies to bring
an immediate medical assistance to the region.

[Byline: Aweys Osman Yusuf]

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>

[In Somalia, the term acute watery diarrhea is used, often, instead
of cholera. Cholera has certainly been occurring throughout most of
the country. Mudug is an administrative region (gobolka) in central
Somalia. Bordered by Ethiopia, the Somali regions of Nugaal and
Galguduud, and the Indian Ocean, its capital is the city of
Gaalkacyo. - Mod.LL

It can be seen on a map of the country at
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... omalia.pdf>
- CopyEd.MJ]

TUBERCULOSIS, XDR - SÜDAFRIKA (10): WESTERN CAPE
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Date: Thu 21 Jun 2007
Source: Independent Online [edited]
<http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1 ... 371C820336>


The number of people with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB)
has more than quadrupled in the Western Cape in the past 3 months,
provincial health department figures show. Also, the Brooklyn Chest TB
Hospital has 22 beds in the isolation wards to treat XDR TB cases and it
has no room for more patients. This comes as the City of Cape Town has
drawn up contingency plans in the event of an XDR TB outbreak.

Since World TB Day in March 2007, 45 XDR TB cases have been reported in the
province; 8 people have died, according to department figures. In March
2007, there were 10 known XDR TB cases in the province. XDR TB, which is
resistant to 1st and 2nd line antituberculosis treatment, is very difficult
to treat. It has killed 290 patients nationwide.

Department spokesperson, Faiza Steyn, said most patients with XDR TB were
admitted as quickly as possible to Brooklyn. "At times, patients do have to
wait for a bed at Brooklyn Chest Hospital," Steyn said. Some patients were
treated in side wards at the hospital, while the rest were in isolation at
prisons in the province, she added.

Treatment was provided for everyone who needed it. City health director,
Ivan Toms, said the department and clinics had implemented steps to reduce
the health risk of TB and XDR TB. "These include clinic designs to separate
waiting areas for TB clients, ensuring good airflow in TB areas, providing
masks to coughing TB patients, and respirators for all staff in the TB
area," he said.

XDR TB statistics for South Africa show that there are 437 cases, with 290
patients having died. Most were in KwaZulu-Natal, where the outbreak started.

[byline: Vusumuzi Ka Nzapheza]

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[Initially most of the cases of XDR disease were occurring in HIV infected
individuals with rapid progression and death. Mortality was observed even
before the isolate was identified as XDR TB. It would be important to know
what percentage of the cases now are occurring in those who are HIV
infected and what empiric therapy in suspected XDR disease is being used.

The Western Cape Province of South Africa can be found on a map of the
country at <http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... uthafr.pdf>.

Most of the country's provinces have had cases of XDR TB. - Mod.LL]

MASERN - ZAMBIA
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Date: Wed 27 Jun 2007
Source: Xinhua News Agency, Wed 27 Jun 2007 [translated from French by
corresp.CS]
<http://www.french.xinhuanet.com/french/ ... 448476.htm>


Zambia: Measles outbreak of over 200 cases
------------------------------------------
More than 200 cases [of measles] have been detected in several districts in
Zambia, said Canisius Banda, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, on
Wed 27 Jun 2007. Affected districts were Kaputa, Chinsali, Chibombo, Mbala
and Mazabuka and medical teams have been sent to provide aid.

Those who have contracted the disease are presumed not to have been
vaccinated during the most recent immunization campaigns. The next
immunization campaign against measles is scheduled for the period 9 to 14
July [2007].

Measles remains one of the main childhood diseases and one of the most
important causes of mortality in developing countries despite the
availability of a good vaccine.

--
communicated by:
Coulibaly Sidi
<sidi_couly@yahoo.ca>

[A map of Zambia showing some of the above locations is available at
<>. - Mod.CP]

LEPRA - DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (KATANGA)
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Date: Mon 16 Jul 2007
Source: Afrique en ligne, Panapress report [edited]
<http://www.afriquenligne.fr/news/daily_ ... 707162919/>


About 400 new leprosy cases have been recorded in Moba, northern
Katanga province, in DR Congo during a screening campaign begun last
May [2007] in the province.

According to health district supervisors and other community-based
agents, leprosy has been spreading in the area located near Lake
Tanganyika, south of Kalemie.

Specialists from Fondation Damien have been striving to study new
care strategies for lepers in the area.

--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Brent Barrett

[For a map of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, see
<http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/ma ... rcongo.pdf>.
Moba is a port that lies on the western shore of Lake Tanganyika in
the province of Katanga. Katanga, a region of extreme poverty, saw
violent conflict between militias and government forces until
mid-2006 (see <http://www.interaction.org/congo/index.html>).
Thousands of refugees have returned to Katanga since the 2nd half of 2006.

Leprosy is a chronic infection due to _Mycobacterium leprae_. It is
not highly contagious and has a long incubation period. In 2004,
Damien Foundation, an NGO (non-governmental organization) operating
in eastern and western DR Congo, reported 9798 new cases of leprosy
(see <http://www.watchlist.org/reports/pdf/dr ... 060426.pdf>).
The "new" cases of leprosy in the current and prior reports are
likely the result of enhanced case finding. Leprosy "outbreaks" are
very unusual. Leprosy among children would be an indication of
ongoing transmission in the community, but the ages of the "new"
cases in Moba are not reported.

The mechanism of transmission of leprosy is unknown. The only known
reservoir of leprosy is the human species; only those with the
lepromatous form of leprosy are thought to be contagious. The
proportion of the "new" cases in Moba with lepromatous leprosy is
also not reported, Household contact with a case of lepromatous
leprosy poses an increased risk for infection. Casual and short-term
contact do not seem to spread the disease.

Because lepromatous patients excrete enormous numbers of leprosy
bacilli in their nasal secretions as collected through nose blows,
the mode of spread is likely respiratory or nasal discharge. As the
organism is also present in skin, skin contact is thought to be
another mode of spread. Because the organisms persist on surfaces in
the environment, fomites are also a potential source of infection.
Other sources such as soil, insect vectors, and armadillos are
speculative. In the absence of a significant insect vector or
non-human reservoir, antimicrobial therapy of the infectious human
reservoir is an effective strategy to control transmission. - Mod.ML]