1373Severe acute respiratory infection with high mortality rate in Sana'a city, 2018-2019 Yemen

Abstract

Abstract Background The burden of influenza and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) in conflict countries such as Yemen is exacerbated due to limited resources and the collapse of the health system. The aims are to describe epidemiology of SARI, determine influenza detection and case fatality rates among SARI patients. Methods We used a descriptive analytical study design. All SARI patients who meet WHO case definition during 2018-2019 from Sana'a city were included. Nasopharyngeal samples were examined by polymerase chain reaction. A soft copy of data that collected by surveillance staff was obtained from the National Influenza Control Program (NICP). Case fatality rate and detection rate were calculated and P value < 0.05 used for statistical significant. Results 1447 SARI patients were reported: 73% males, 54% aged 15- < 50 years. Comorbidity was among 27% (387) of them: (57% cardio-vascular diseases and 50% diabetes). Samples of 934 (64%) SARI patients were tested and influenza viruses were detected in 141 (15%) patients (13% type A and 2% type B). Higher influenza viruses were detected in winter months (November – February) (17% vs 9%, P < 0.001). Overall SARI fatality rate was 19% (276), significantly higher among patients with comorbidity (26% vs 16%, P < 0.001) confirmed influenza (30% Vs 15%, P value < 0.001) and not receiving antiviral (51% vs 17%, P < 0.001) than relevant groups. Conclusions SARI patients in Yemen had a high case-fatality rate particularly SARI patients with confirmed influenza. Introduce influenza vaccination for the risk group should be considered. Key messages Influenza and SARI cases are high in Yemen and progress to death.