1493Trends of Rotavirus Gastroenteritis during a Conflict Time, Yemen, 2014-2019

Abstract

Abstract Background The Rotavirus Gastroenteritis (RVG) is a contagious vaccine-preventable disease that contributes to the high morbidity and mortality among under 5 children. In Yemen, Rotavirus Surveillance System (RVS) was launched in 2007 as sentinel surveillance and the vaccine was introduced in 2012. However, the current protracted conflict led to a significant breakdown of health services including immunization and water, sanitation and hygiene. The aim is to describe the pattern of RVG during the conflict time: 2014-2019. Methods 2014-2019 RVS data that covers demographic variables, clinical symptoms, vaccination status and laboratory results were analyzed using Epi.info 7.2. Results 6,663 suspected RVG cases were reported. The most affected age group was 9-12 months and cases were higher among males (59%). RVG shows a seasonal pattern where RVG was predominantly reported in the cold season. Only 24% needed admission due to severe dehydration. Only 65% of cases were vaccinated, of them 85% received two doses. The case fatality rate was 1.1%, and was significantly higher among unvaccinated (1.8 vs. 0.6%, P < 0.0001). Of the 5,875 samples collected, only one third found positive to Rotavirus where the predominant genotypes were G12 P [8] and G 2 P [4]. Conclusions The findings highlight that RVG is still an ongoing cause of morbidity among under 5 children in Yemen that upsurges with the low Rotavirus immunization coverage. Therefore, boosting immunization coverage together with other diarrhea prevention strategies are required. Furthermore, ongoing surveillance is important to monitor the RVG epidemiology and to evaluate vaccine effectiveness against the currently circulating genotypes. Key messages It is First research about rota that done in Yemen during conflict so it gives opportunity for future increased scientific rigor, outcomes-focused research, and health informatics. It provides policy makers by recommendation for improving public health and surveillance system during crisis.