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Outbreak investigation of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Borena Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, November 2019: A Case Control study

Abstract

Visceral Leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania parasites that infect mammals, transmitted by Phlebotomine, mostly affects the poorest, distributed worldwide and prevalent in Ethiopia. Knowing risk factor is a remedy for control and the aim was to identify factors. The study was during October-November 2019 in Borena. 1:2 Case-control were identified by case definition and 33 cases were included in the study. Participants >18years interviewed and caregivers questioned for legality. Epi-info and SPSS were used for data entry and analysis respectively. Predictors were identified using chi-square at significant level P<0.05 with 95%CI, then analysed using logistic regression to identify associated factors. During the time 153 suspected cases, 9 suspected deaths were reported; among these 33(22%) cases and 3 deaths were verified. Among 33 cases 15(45.5%) were in July 2019, in comparison of 4years data, there is surge cases in July-August 2019, 26(79%) of cases were from Dire, AR=15/100,000, CFR=9.1%. Among all, 15-64year were highly affected with AR=19.3. Case-control engaged 99(100%) respondents and among all 93(93.9%) were male, 68(68.8%) were 15-64years. Adult education AOR=30.438(2.378, 389.602), bed-net AOR=9.024 (1.763,46.205) and walling AOR=0.052(0.004,0.739) were associated factors at 95%CI with p- value<0.05. Male 15-64years were highly susceptible. Level of education, bed-nets and walling were associated factors. Awareness of community on prevention method; using repellents, bed-net utilization, and safe sleeping mechanisms are mandatory. Formulating guidelines for male 15-64years for vector control and awareness creation on feeding habit of Phlebotomine, prevention and control also further investigation were recommended.

Belay Regassa1*, Negussie Deyessa2, Adamu Addissie2, Abdulnasir Abagero2, Gemechu Shumi1 , Gemechu Gudina1

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