An Update on the Epidemiology of Noma (Facial Gangrene) in Ethiopia

Abstract

Noma is an infectious disease that mainly affects debilitated children in developing countries. The geographic region of the noma belt, stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia, is arguably the most affected area in the world. This updated retrospective cross-sectional study assessed the epidemiology of Noma in Ethiopia. The assessment was based on a review of patients' medical records from three noma treatment centers. A modified case report form (CRF) was used to collect the clinical information required for data analysis. One hundred eighty-two patient records from the medical registries of the three centers were analyzed to determine the results of the updated study. Data analysis revealed that the disease occurred primarily in children younger than ten years of age. However, the condition also occurred in neonates, infants, children, and adults. Amhara and Oromia regions had a high number of noma cases, 29.2% (n=38) and 25.4% (n=33), respectively. The geographical distribution also suggests that noma is a tropical disease. Cheeks, lower lips, and upper lips were the most commonly affected orofacial anatomic regions. Indeed, more attention should be paid to these geographic regions and children younger than ten.