Abstract
BackgroundDespite the availability of a highly effective vaccine, yellow fever virus (YFV) remains an important public health problem across Africa and South America due to its high case-fatality rate. This study investigated the historical epidemiology and contemporary entomological and social determinants of a YFV outbreak in South Omo Zone (SOZ), Ethiopia.MethodsA YFV outbreak occurred in SOZ, Ethiopia in 2012–2014. Historical epidemiological data were retrieved from the SOZ Health Department and analyzed. Entomological sampling was undertaken in 2017, including mosquito species identification and molecular screening for arboviruses to understand mosquito habitat distribution, and finally current knowledge, attitudes and preventative practices within the affected communities were assessed.ResultsFrom October 2012 to March 2014, 165 suspected cases and 62 deaths were reported, principally in rural areas of South Ari region (83.6%). The majority of patients were 15–44 years old (75.8%) and most case deaths were males (76%). Between June and August 2017, 688 containers were sampled across 180 households to identify key breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes. Ensete ventricosum (“false banana”) and clay pots outside the home were the most productive natural and artificial breeding sites, respectively. Entomological risk indices classified most sites as “high risk” for future outbreaks under current World Health Organization criteria. Adult mosquitoes in houses were identified as members of the Aedes simpsoni complex but no YFV or other arboviruses were detected by PCR. The majority of community members had heard of YFV, however few activities were undertaken to actively reduce mosquito breeding sites.DiscussionStudy results highlight the potential role vector control could play in mitigating local disease transmission and emphasize the urgent need to strengthen disease surveillance systems and in-country laboratory capacity to facilitate more rapid responses to future YFV outbreaks.
Highlights
Yellow fever virus (YFV) is a flavivirus transmitted primarily to humans and non-human primates through the bite of an infected female mosquito; Aedes spp. are responsible for transmission in Africa and the Americas, while Haemagogus spp. vectors are restricted to the latter region (Monath & Vasconcelos, 2015)
In 2015–2016, urban outbreaks of yellow fever virus (YFV) were declared in Angola and Democratic Republic of Congo, and a sylvatic outbreak has been ongoing in Brazil since late 2016 (Zhao et al, 2018; Kraemer et al, 2016; World Health Organization (WHO), 2017; Chippaux & Chippaux, 2018; Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), 2018)
The main peak of the outbreak occurred from March to May 2013, with cases appearing to decline following the emergency vaccination campaign which commenced on June 10, 2013 (Fig. 2)
Summary
Yellow fever virus (YFV) is a flavivirus transmitted primarily to humans and non-human primates through the bite of an infected female mosquito; Aedes spp. are responsible for transmission in Africa and the Americas, while Haemagogus spp. vectors are restricted to the latter region (Monath & Vasconcelos, 2015). Despite the availability of a highly effective vaccine, which can confer lifelong immunity, YF continues to occur in epidemic situations, and it is estimated to result in 130,000 human cases and 78,000 deaths annually in Africa alone (Garske et al, 2014). YF prevention and control requires strong laboratory and surveillance systems with rapid case detection and reporting, appropriate case management, efficient healthcare policies, including routine immunization of infants, vector control activities and both reactive and preventive vaccination campaigns (World Health Organization (WHO), 2003). Despite the availability of a highly effective vaccine, yellow fever virus (YFV) remains an important public health problem across Africa and South America due to its high case-fatality rate. Discussion: Study results highlight the potential role vector control could play in mitigating local disease transmission and emphasize the urgent need to strengthen disease surveillance systems and in-country laboratory capacity to facilitate more rapid responses to future YFV outbreaks
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