Epidemiology of Viral Disease Outbreaks in Odisha, India (2010 to 2019)

Abstract

Background: Despite consistent public health efforts, the burden of viral disease in India remains high. The present study was undertaken to understand the etiology, frequency and distribution of viral disease outbreaks in the state of Odisha between 2010 and 2019. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted at the Virology Research and Diagnostic Laboratory located at ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha wherein all the outbreaks of viral etiologies were investigated and analyzed to provide a comprehensive picture of the state of viral disease outbreaks in the region. Findings: A total of 191 suspected viral outbreaks were investigated by the team from VRDL during September 2010 and September 2019 reported from all the 30 districts of Odisha.Annual number of suspected cases ranged from 185 to 1002. The most commonly suspected outbreaks were of Viral hepatitis (55 outbreaks; 1223 cases) followed by Dengue (45 outbreaks; 1185 cases), Chickenpox (30 outbreaks; 421 cases), Viral encephalitis (27 outbreaks; 930 cases), Measles (23 outbreaks; 464 cases), Chikungunya (10 outbreaks; 593 cases) and Rubella (1 outbreak; 60). The outbreaks peaked in frequency and intensity during the months of July and September. Interpretation : The epidemiology of viral disease outbreaks in the region is presented in the study. Health system preparedness based on evidence is essential for early detection and adequate response to such viral outbreaks. Funding Statement: The study uses data collected from the outbreaks investigated by the study team at VRDL, which is supported by the Department of Health Research, Ministry of health and family welfare, Government of India. Declaration of Interests: None. Ethics Approval Statement: Approval was obtained from the Institutional human ethical committee of ICMR RMRC Bhubaneswar for the study. Data confidentiality was ensured and only aggregated patient data is being presented in the analyses. Informed consent was obtained from the participants, following the ICMR National ethical guidelines for biomedical research involving human subjects.