Poor Sanitary Conditions Research Articles

Demographic profile of HIV and helminth-coinfected adults in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Helminth and HIV infections are endemic among poor populations. Studies investigating the socio-demographic and economic risk factors associated with dual HIV and helminth coinfection are scarce. This study aimed to describe risk factors associated with HIV and helminth coinfections among peri-urban South African adults residing in poorly developed areas with high poverty levels, lack of sanitation and a clean water supply. Adult participants (n = 414) were recruited from clinics in the south of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Participants' demographic, socio-economic, sanitation and household information, anthropometric measurements and HIV status were collected. Stool samples were donated for coproscopy to detect helminths using the Kato-Katz and Mini Parasep techniques. Blood was collected to confirm participants' HIV status and to determine Ascaris lumbricoides-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) levels to improve microscopy sensitivity. Overall coinfection was 15%, and single helminth and HIV prevalence were 33% and 52%, respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides was predominant (18%). Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that coinfection was 11.9% and 19.8%, respectively, among the 18-34 years and 35-59 years age groups (p = 0.0006), 16.4% and 19.9%, respectively, for the no income and < R1000.00 groups (p = 0.0358) and 22.8% and 17.1%, respectively, for the pit or public toilets and toilets not connected to sewage groups (p = 0.0007). Findings suggest that the dual infection with HIV and helminth infections among adults residing in under-resourced areas with poor sanitary conditions is frequent. Older age, poor toilet use and low income are associated with coinfection. More attention is required to break the cycle of coinfections and possible disease interactions. The study highlights the importance of determining and treating helminth infections among adult population during HIV and helminth coinfection and the influence of poor sanitation and socioeconomic status on disease transmission.

Persistence and molecular epidemiology of blaNDM-positive Gram-negative bacteria in three broiler farms: A longitudinal study (2015–2021)

Although carbapenems have not been approved for animal use, blaNDM-positive bacteria (NPB) are increasingly being detected in farm animals. It is important to investigate the routes and underlying mechanisms of evolution and transmission of animal-borne NPB. In this study, NPB recovered from chicken feces and environmental samples in three adjacent broiler farms were investigated. We found that 13.0% of Escherichia coli strains recovered from chicken feces during the period 2015–2016 carried the blaNDM gene. In 2017–2021, however, as many as 55.8% chicken and environmental samples collected during the breeding period were found to harbor NPB. Importantly, such strains were detectable in samples from farmland (10.3%, 8/78), vegetable fields (7.3%, 3/41), and environment of chicken farms (25.6%, 41/160) which had been left vacant for a long period of time. Intriguingly, different sequence types of NPB became dominant in different years. Both clonal dissemination of NPB and horizontal transmission of blaNDM-bearing plasmids were observed among different farms and among the environment niches inside and outside the farm houses. Worryingly, transmission of NPB and blaNDM-bearing plasmids between these farms and other places was also observed. All in all, our results suggested the persistence of NPB in chickens and farm environments, presumably due to extensive contamination by exogenous materials and transmission of NPB within the farm system. These events were aggravated by the increase in antibiotic usage and poor sanitary conditions in the farm houses. Stringent control measures should be implemented to arrest transmission of animal-borne NPB to the environment and the community.

Archaeoparasitological characteristics of drains in the Phanagoria city of the Khazar period (VIII-IX centuries AD)

This article reports the parasitic contamination of water-collecting drains in the Greek city of Phanagoria, dated back to the Khazar period (8th-9th centuries AD).Helminths of the Opistorchiidae and Diphyllobothriidae families were found in soil samples obtained from water conduits. Based on the life cycle of these parasites and the historical and archaeological context, the authors argue that both humans and animals could have become infected with them through eating fish from freshwater rivers and reservoirs of the Taman Peninsula, or, more likely, from more distant rivers. Taenia eggs discovered in the samples indicate that the dietary habits of the people who lived in Phanagoria in the Middle Ages included the consumption of insufficiently thermally processed meat of pigs, cattle, and small cattle.Numerous eggs of the genera Trichuris and Ascaris identified in the studied samples taken from water conduits could belong to humans and domestic animals (pigs). This fact suggests a settlement with poor sanitary conditions. A similar route of transmitting both geohelminths and various intestinal infections might indicate a high risk of infection with gastrointestinal infectious diseases in the population of medieval Phanagoria.The study showed that wastewater and rainwater were collected in watercourses and went to a cistern without prior treatment. Its use for drinking water is, therefore, highly improbable; it is more likely that this water source was used to water plants and livestock, providing the means by which geohelminths persisted in domestic animals and humans.

Assessment of Nutritional Status of MBChB 4th Year Second Semester Students at Cavendish University Zambia, Longacres Campus, Lusaka, Zambia

It has been established that leading a sedentary lifestyle makes people prone to health problems such as hypertension, diabetes and poor nutrition. In addition, the poor sanitary conditions in schools and places of lodging have resulted in the contraction of urinary tract infections. The main aim of this study was to determine the general health status of the 4th year medical students at Cavendish University Zambia, Lusaka. This was done through the analysis of blood sugar levels, urine samples, blood pressure and body mass index. The study serves to answer what the nutritional status is based on body mass index, how blood pressure relates to hypertension, what the levels of diabetes are among students, what the general urinalysis findings are and the general factors associated with the health status of students. The study was conducted on 41 students, 26 being males and 15 females. In the blood glucose test, 14% presented with an abnormal level of glucose and 86% were normal. On average male students had a blood glucose level greater than 6.0mmol/L while female students had levels below 6.0mmol/L. in the BMI calculations, 61.3% of the students had a normal BMI, 7 being female and 20 being male a total of 8 females and 6 males had an abnormal BMI value. The criteria for normal urinalysis value were the absence or traces of the substance and abnormal values were indicated by the presence of small, moderate or large amounts of the substances. 100% of the students had normal glucose, blood and urobilinogen readings. 55.4% of the participants presented with normal blood pressure while 44.6% presented with abnormal blood pressure levels.

Cardiac tamponade and right pleural effusion secondary to amoebic liver abscess treated with repeated ultrasound guided-percutaneous needle aspiration: a case report

Amoebic liver abscess is common in low middle income countries and is mostly associated with poor sanitary condition. There is limited data describing patients with cardiac tamponade and right pleural effusion secondary to amoebic liver abscess in resource limited settings. We describe a 16-year-old female, grade 9 student who was diagnosed with cardiac tamponade and right pleural effusion secondary to amoebic liver abscess. Patient was successfully managed with metronidazole and repeated ultrasound guided-percutaneous needle aspiration. Chest X-ray was used in monitoring the patient’s progression. In resource limited settings, where there are no pigtail catheters or trained cardiac surgeons, early diagnosis with prompt initiation of metronidazole and repeated ultrasound guided-percutaneous needle aspiration of the liver abscess may help treat and prevent complications in these patients.

Environmental issues of children's health in the Kazakh SSR (1941–1943)

The article discusses issues related to children's health care in the Kazakh SSR during World War II. Based on archival data the authors of the article concluded that the increase in child mortality in the early years of the war was due to the high incidence of infectious diseases such as whooping cough, diphtheria, dysentery, pneumonia, scarlet fever, measles, and others. The reasons were the shortage of the necessary number of medical institutions, their insufficient equipment and absence of qualified medical staff, untimely detection of diseases and late hospitalization, lack of quarantine boxes and certain percentage of unvaccinated children. Among other reasons there are low living standards of the population, poor sanitary conditions in some children's institutions, and nutritional problems of children. All this led to increased morbidity and mortality of children in the early period of the war.

The role of ecological monitoring of the course of the Manchurian ash forest growth as a vital factor of environmental engineering

Ecological monitoring of forests stands is an important issue, because it allows to delve deeper into the issue of the state of forests and consider many problems in the field of forest management and pathology. Forests are an important formative element of terrestrial ecosystems of various ranks. Intensive exploitation, coupled with natural aging processes, inevitably leads to forest weakening and inability to fulfil their ecological functions. This is especially noticeable on the territory of the Priamursko-Primorsky forest region where a large area elongated from the north to the south presents a variety of natural and climatic conditions forming their own biocenosis. In case of loss, due to poor forest pathological or sanitary condition, the forest is unable to perform its functions. The process of forest cutting down will inevitably lead to damage to the ground cover, shrubs and grasses growing in the forest, changes in the microclimate, water balance of the soil. Changing key conditions can lead to a change in the ecological system. Therefore, today the issue of researching and monitoring the ecological state of the forest is relevant, allowing understanding the level of awareness about the state of the forest fund of the Russian Far Eastern region.

Воспалительные заболевания кишечника и гельминтозы

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including nonspecific ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are chronic recurrent immunemediated conditions. The prevalence of this pathology among residents of developed countries has increased significantly in recent decades. However, in about a third of the world's countries, mainly in developing countries with poor sanitary and hygienic conditions, these diseases are practically absent. According to hygienic theory, modern, overly hygienic environmental conditions negatively affect the human immune system. This predisposes genetically susceptible individuals to developing inflammatory diseases such as IBD. According to modern recommendations, immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate are used to treat this pathology. However, scientists are looking for new ways to solve this problem. One of the promising directions in this area is the study of the action of helminth-derived immunosuppressive molecules. The hygienic hypothesis suggests an inverse association between parasitic infections and the incidence of IBD. Epidemiological, experimental and clinical evidence support the idea that helminths may contribute to reducing the number of inflammatory bowel diseases. Data have been accumulated on the importance of regulatory pathways, such as regulatory T-cells, by which helminths induce such protection. The study of the mechanisms of influence of helminths on innate and acquired immune responses may contribute to the development and introduction into therapeutic practice of new therapies for IBD. This article presents a literature review on the relationship of helminths and IBD, as well as the possibility of using helminths or helminth-derived immunosuppressive molecules in the therapy of this pathology. Key words: helminth infections, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease

Management of Amoebic Liver Abscess: A hospital based prospective observational study

Background: Approximately 400 million people worldwide are affected by amoebiasis and the most common extra-intestinal manifestation of this infection especially in developing countries is amoebic liver abscess. The protozoa Entamoeba histolytica, enters the portal venous system from the colon. Early and prompt diagnosis with immediate treatment leads to improved morbidity and mortality rates. Primary treatment of amoebic liver abscess is conservative, however in certain high risk cases for rupture, guided drainage or surgical exploration should not be delayed. Materials and methods: This was a hospital based prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Surgery, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences &amp; Research, New Delhi. The study was conducted over a period of 02 years from March 2018 to March 2020. A total of 52 patients with diagnosis of amoebic liver abscess were included in the study. Follow up period was 06 months after discharge from the hospital. Data was analyzed and observed for various parameters including various modalities of management, morbidities and moralities. Results: A total of 52 patients (48 male and 04 female) were included in the study. A low prevalence of amoebic liver abscess was seen in the patients below 10 years of age. Majority of our patients belong to lower middle class (42.30%). Abdominal pain was the most common symptom reported (78.84%). Most commonly seen abnormalities in laboratory findings were deranged coagulation profile (71%), leukocytosis (65%), hypoalbuminemia (60%) and elevated alkaline phosphatase (52%). Right lobe was involved in 80 % patients and 94% patients had solitary abscess. Amoebic serology was positive in all patients. All patients were treated with Metronidazole 750mg (intravenous/oral) thrice daily for a period of 10-14 days. Out of 52 patients, 43 showed improvement after initial three days of therapy with metronidazole. Remaining 09 patients didn’t show improvement with metronidazole alone and hence were subjected to other treatment modalities. Conclusion: Amoebic Liver abscess is prevalent in developing countries particularly India owing to the poor sanitation and hygiene conditions. Most of the uncomplicated cases detected early can be managed medically while those developing complications may need intervention in the form of aspiration or pigtail insertions. Surgical exploration in the form of laparoscopy and laparotomy is reserved for selected cases of rupture and where ever possible laparoscopic drainage should be preferred. The key to preventing amoebic infections is mass sanitation awareness along with improving health education.

Environmental Health Risks After the 2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquake and Salient Mitigating Strategies: A Critical Appraisal.

A 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria, followed by a 7.6-magnitude earthquake, caused over 50 000 deaths and over 100 000 injuries. The immediate physical injuries were severe, but the health repercussions, including the strain on healthcare services and the possibility of disease outbreaks, were equally concerning. Infections due to multidrug resistant microbes were also a matter of concern. Earthquake has caused not only loss of property and physical damage but also has a great negative impact on the mental health of the people. It is associated with serious psychological trauma. Moreover, the risk of malnutrition also became evident. Food aid and nutritional supplements can reduce the risk of malnutrition, but they are not a long-term solution. Establishment of sustainable food systems and restoration of agricultural productions are essential. Other demanding issues like derth of access to essential services related to health care, chances of child birth related complications following earthquake also need to be addressed. Emerging crises and disasters (conflicts, pandemics, epidemics), in addition to pre-existing conditions (collapsed health facilities, cold winter conditions, destruction of lifeline infrastructures, overcrowding in emergency shelters, poor sanitation, and unfavorable socio-economic conditions), may further exacerbate the already precarious public health situation and significantly delay the recovery process. The early warning and protection against the development of infectious diseases in earthquake-affected areas depend on good disease surveillance at the local and regional levels, which has been proposed as one of several techniques for prevention and management of infectious diseases in these areas. Our article outlines high-level approaches to reduce the risk of health issues among victims of Turkey and Syria.

Games and Audiovisuals of Non-Communicable Diseases as Health Promotion, Green Technology for Women Workers

Some of the millions of Indonesian migrant workers who live and work in Malaysia are there illegally and do not have health insurance. If they get sick, their access to health services is limited because the Indonesian JKN system is unable to protect their health. Limited facilities and infrastructure make them vulnerable, so they are more susceptible to disease, especially if the pattern of clean-living behavior is lacking, nutritional intake is low, and the body’s biological condition is not good. in addition to poor sanitary conditions and working environments, a heavy workload, malnutrition, and a lack of guaranteed protection. The implementation of health development includes efforts that must be carried out in an integrated and sustainable manner. This service aims to make TKI independent in maintaining their health while working in Malaysia. Residents’ knowledge from the results of the post-test after the presentation of the material shows an increase in knowledge, so that the percentage of “good” knowledge becomes 91%. The resulting attitude variable also increased from 52% to 70%. The behavior variable increased from 65% to 91% good behavior, so bad behavior decreased.

Risk of Viral Infectious Diseases from Live Bats, Primates, Rodents and Carnivores for Sale in Indonesian Wildlife Markets.

Southeast Asia is considered a global hotspot of emerging zoonotic diseases. There, wildlife is commonly traded under poor sanitary conditions in open markets; these markets have been considered 'the perfect storm' for zoonotic disease transmission. We assessed the potential of wildlife trade in spreading viral diseases by quantifying the number of wild animals of four mammalian orders (Rodentia, Chiroptera, Carnivora and Primates) on sale in 14 Indonesian wildlife markets and identifying zoonotic viruses potentially hosted by these animals. We constructed a network analysis to visualize the animals that are traded alongside each other that may carry similar viruses. We recorded 6725 wild animals of at least 15 species on sale. Cities and markets with larger human population and number of stalls, respectively, offered more individuals for sale. Eight out of 15 animal taxa recorded are hosts of 17 zoonotic virus species, nine of which can infect more than one species as a host. The network analysis showed that long-tailed macaque has the greatest potential for spreading viral diseases, since it is simultaneously the most traded species, sold in 13/14 markets, and a potential host for nine viruses. It is traded alongside pig-tailed macaques in three markets, with which it shares six viruses in common (Cowpox, Dengue, Hepatitis E, Herpes B, Simian foamy, and Simian retrovirus type D). Short-nosed fruit bats and large flying foxes are potential hosts of Nipah virus and are also sold in large quantities in 10/14 markets. This study highlights the need for better surveillance and sanitary conditions to avoid the negative health impacts of unregulated wildlife markets.

A preliminary study of the bacteriological evaluation of raw milk from Kogi State University dairy farm

Milk is a food that inherently favours microbial growth and due to its characteristics, several precautions must be taken to prevent contamination in its production, processing and consumption, which are routinely subject to changes. Raw milk is a complex mixture which is highly nutritious, contain high level of water (85%) and a pH close to neutral which makes it highly perishable and a suitable medium for the growth and multiplication of microorganisms. This study was carried out to evaluate the bacteria associated with raw milk from a dairy farm. A total of seven (7) raw milk samples were -gotten from different lactating cows. The samples were examined for pH, organoleptic property, and turbidity. Isolation of bacteria was done using the pour plate method, gram staining and various biochemical test were conducted to identify the organisms. The pH value of the samples ranged from 6.5 to 6.9. The total bacterial count ranged from 4.3x106 to 9.0x104 CFU/ml, and total coliform count ranges from 5.1x106 to 4.0x104 the bacteria isolated were Bacillus spp Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp and Streptococcus spp. The high bacteria count obtained in this study is an indication of poor sanitary condition and this calls for strict hygienic measure during handling of raw milk and its products.

Full-fatted Hermetia illucens larva as a protein alternative: effects on weaning pig growth performance, gut health, and antioxidant status under poor sanitary conditions

ABSTRACT We investigated the effectiveness of full-fatted black soldier fly larvae (BSF) supplementation on growth performance, gut health, and antioxidant capacity of weaned pigs under poor sanitation. Eighty 28-d-old piglets were divided into four groups (five replicates of four pigs each): control group comprising pigs under hygienic conditions without BSF addition (PC); control group comprising pigs under poor sanitary conditions without BSF addition (NC); and BSF6 and BSF12 groups comprising pigs supplemented 6% and 12% BSF, respectively. Pigs were fed the diets in two feeding programs: Phase I (1–14 d) and II (15–28 d) containing 3,300 and 3,265 kcal/kg of metabolisable energy and 22.5% and 21.5% of crude protein, respectively. Compared to the NC, the BSF6 and BSF12 increased body weight and average daily feed intake in Phase II (P < 0.05). The BSF exhibited greater nutrient digestibility, immunoglobulin A and glutathione peroxidase levels, cecum weights, duodenal villus height, duodenal villus-to-crypt depth ratio, and caecal Lactobacillus spp. (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the BSF6 and BSF12 showed significantly decreased diarrheal rate, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, small intestine weight, caecal pH, and duodenal crypt depth unlike the NC (P < 0.05). The BSF12 had lower malondialdehyde concentration and Escherichia coli than the NC (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of 12% BSF improved growth performance and nutrient utilisation, thereby reducing gut inflammation and modulating antioxidant capacity in post-weaning piglets.

ANALYSIS OF BEEF, MUTTON AND CHICKEN DEMAND IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the consumers demand and preference for meat in Bauchi State. A multistage sampling technique was used to select five hundred and eighty-six households in the study area and data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study revealed that, most (96.9%) of the household heads were male and married (89.8%) with about 35.7% of them having secondary education and 30.0% taken farming as their occupation. The study also revealed that, the mean monthly household head income and mean monthly expenditure on beef, mutton and chicken as N2,287.96, N1,946.04 and N1,734.44, respectively. It was further revealed that, households spend more on beef and least on chicken. The results of the regression analysis on the determinants of household demand for beef, mutton and chicken revealed that, household size, market locations, price of meat, household head monthly income and educational levels of the household head had a significant effect on meat demand in the study area. The result showed that, major constraints to meat consumption were financial problem, high cost of meat, health related problems, poor sanitary condition of meat vendors as well as high prices of other food items of necessities. Based on the result of this findings, it was therefore recommended that, federal/State governments should enhance economic boasting programmes to improve the income of consumers; there should be a concerted effort on the part of government and non-governmental bodies on measures of increasing animal feeds and feeding to boast animal production.

Carnival and the Theme of Migration

Carnival and the Theme of Migration

Intestinal parasite infections associated with sociodemographic and seasonal factors in the Western Amazon.

Intestinal parasites are a constant public health problem in the Amazon region, with a high prevalence of cases related to poor sanitary conditions. We investigated the sociodemographic and seasonal factors associated with human intestinal parasite infections in an area of the Western Amazon, Brazil, from September 2017 to August 2019. Data were collected using a database available at the Diagnostic Support Centre (Centro de Apoio ao Diagnóstico, CAD) of the Municipality of Rio Branco, on positive diagnoses for intestinal parasites. Among the 53,200 samples analysed, 18.3% (n = 9712) were positive. Of these, 96.4% (n = 9363) and 3.6% (n = 349) were protozoan and helminthic infections, respectively. Males showed higher odds ratio (OR) for Enterobius vermicularis infection (OR: 2.3) and giardiasis (OR: 1.9) and lower OR for Endolimax nana (OR: 0.9) and Entamoeba coli (OR: 0.9) infections. Individuals aged ≥ 15 presented higher OR for Strongyloides stercoralis (OR: 3.4), hookworms (OR: 2.3), and almost all protozoan infections than younger individuals. In the dry season, the OR for hookworms (OR: 1.5), Iodamoeba butschlii (OR: 1.4), and Endolimax nana (OR: 1.3) infections was higher than that in the rainy season, including a high chance of polyparasitism (OR: 1.6). We concluded that there was a significant difference between the different types of intestinal parasites, particularly protozoa, with high OR in the dry season and for certain groups.

Assessment of risk, landscape epidemiology and management strategies to combat alveolar echinococcosis in the rural communities of Hunza, Pakistan.

Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a neglected zoonotic disease. Prevalence of AE in humans is reported in Pakistan as a result of poor economic and sanitary conditions, close proximity to wildlife and limited knowledge of AE. Studies on the prevalence and transmission of AE have been limited, especially for rural Pakistan. The study objectives were to identify knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to AE, to determine awareness of the disease, and to identify knowledge about possible risk factors of infections involving the landscape epidemiological attributes of rural villages in Hunza, one of the districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, a region of Pakistan that borders China. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population of Hunza to establish the level of awareness, knowledge, attitudes, practices, landscape epidemiology, and disease management and control relating to AE in rural areas of Hunza. Data were collected by questionnaire. A total of 387 questionnaires was received. Statistical analysis showed that the population's knowledge about the disease was poor. The attitudes and practices of the participants indicated that their risk of infection was low. Knowledge of landscape epidemiology of the disease was poor but knowledge about AE disease management was good. The attitudes of residents toward disease treatment and control strategies were positive, although the overall knowledge of participants about prevention of infection was poor. Knowledge of AE is poor among the residents of Hunza, Pakistan. Our study demands continued and strengthened awareness of the changes to lifestyle and practices associated with AE, not only in the study locality but throughout other areas of Pakistan.

RELATIONSHIP OF HOME SANITARIAN WITH THE EVENT OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and has infected nearly a third of the world's population with 1.5 million deaths due to pulmonary tuberculosis. This disease is closely related to slum and unhealthy environmental conditions, poor sanitation conditions, lighting, occupancy density, ventilation, and room humidity are related to the occurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis. The study used observational analytic methods, the design used case control. The population is all who suffer from tuberculosis. Data were collected and analyzed univariate and bivariate with Chi Square test with 95% confidence level. The results obtained ventilation with p value = 0.003, OR = 0.057, lighting with p value = 0.259, OR = 0.108, humidity with p value = 0.001, OR = 0.444, temperature with p value = 0.056, OR = 0.111, and occupancy density with p value = 0.003, OR = 0.141. There is a relationship between ventilation area, occupancy density, and humidity with tuberculosis. There is no relationship between temperature and lighting on the incidence of tuberculosis.

First hepatitis E outbreak in Southeastern Senegal

The Rapid proliferation of traditional gold mining sites in the Kedougou region has led to massive migration of people from neighbouring West African countries and the establishment of several small villages where poor hygiene and sanitation conditions exist. In this context, a Hepatitis E virus outbreak was reported in Kedougou in 2014 with several cases among the traditional mining workers. Herein, we described epidemiological and laboratory data collected during the outbreak’s investigation from February 2012 to November 2014. Any suspected, contact or probable case was investigated, clinical and epidemiological data were collected. In our study, sera were collected and tested for viral RNA and anti-Hepatitis E virus (HEV) IgM. Archived serum samples from Kedougou were retrospectively screened by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 65 water samples collected from ponds and wells surrounding gold panners' sites and habitats and 75 tissues samples from rats captured in the environment of traditional gold mining sites were also tested. A total of 1617 sera were collected from 698 suspected cases, 862 contacts and 57 persons with missing information. The median age was 20 (1–88 years-old) and the sex ratio was 1.72. An overall rate of 64.62% (1045/1617) of these patients tested positive for HEV with a high case fatality rate in pregnant women. All water samples and animal tissues tested negative for HEV. Our data help not only determining of the beginning of the HEV outbreak to March 2012, but also identifying risk factors associated to its emergence. However, there is a need to implement routine diagnosis, surveillance and training of health personnel in order to reduce mortality especially among pregnant women. In addition, further studies are needed to identify the virus reservoir and environmental risk factors for HEV in the Kedougou region.