Outbreak Investigation of Cutaneous Lesihmaniasis

Abstract

Objective: to assess the magnitude, evaluate risk factors and recommend control measures for Cutaneous Lesihmaniasis. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Landikotal Pakistan, from Jan to Feb 2017 Methodology: Active case finding was conducted amongst entire group of 414 individuals. A case was defined as skin lesion in a person residing in nomadic group of Khar Kamar from October 2015 to January 2017. Age and gender-matched controls were identified at 1:2. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 31 cases were identified with mean age of 26.4±6.5 years (range 18-48). Epi curve showed intermittent exposure. The index case had onset of symptoms in January 2016 with a peak in November 2016, 10(32%) while last case appeared in January 2017. Overall attack rate (AR) was 7.5% while most severely affected age group was 18-27 years 21(9.1%). A total of 17(55%) cases had 2-4 multiple lesions with size of 0.5-3.5 cm. Of the 31 cases, 25 reported sleeping on the ground (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.2-9.0, p<0.02), however wearing full clothing and use of repellents showed a protective effect. Conclusion: Most probable cause of outbreak was sleeping on the floor. Awareness lectures were imparted and repellent was issued to entire group.