Risk Factors associated with Dengue Fever Outbreak in Dire Dawa Administration City, Ethiopia, October, 2015

Abstract

Background: Dengue Fever is under recognized mosquito borne viral disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. In 2013, Ethiopia reported the first Dengue outbreak in Dire Dawa city which affected 11,409 people. On October 3/2015, five suspected serum samples from Dire Dawa were confirmed positive for Dengue at national laboratory. We investigated to determine associated risk factors and implement control measures. Methods: We conducted a 1:2 un-matched case control study from October 7-15/2015. Case was any person with fever of 2-7 days and more than two symptoms: headache, arthralgia, myalgia, rash, or bleeding from any part of the body. We recruited participants using purposive sampling from health facilities in Diredawa and used structured questionnaire to collect data. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors. Sixty-nine serum-samples were tested by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: We enrolled 210 participants (70 cases and 140 controls) in the study. Females accounted for 51.4% of cases and 57.1% of controls. The mean age was 23.7±9.5 standard deviation (SD) for cases and 31.2±13 SD for controls. Close contact with Dengue patient (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =5.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.75-10.44), nonuse of bed-nets (AOR=2.74, 95% CI: 1.06-7.08) and stagnant water around the village (AOR=3.61, 95% CI: 1.31-9.93) were independent risk factors. From the samples tested, 42 were confirmed positive.Conclusions: Individuals who live with Dengue Fever patient, around stagnant water and do not use bed nets are at high risk of contracting the disease. Health education on Dengue prevention was given and mosquito breeding sites were drained. Strong vector prevention strategies are recommended by enhancing the existing malaria prevention and control program.Key Words: Dengue Fever, Dire Dawa, Outbreak, Risk factors.