Outbreaks of plague in nonendemic areas in Burma in 1976

Outbreaks of human bubonic plague cases were reported in several nonendemic areas in the country. These outbreaks were reported from Kachin State (135 cases), Arkan State (55 cases), Mon State (21 cases), Pegu Division (70 cases), Kayah State (58 cases), Rangoon City (5 cases), northern and eastern parts of Shan State (9 cases), and Maymyo (7 cases). A total of 678 and 52 deaths were reported in the country up to the week ending 18-12-76 out of which 360 cases with 44 deaths were from nonendemic areas. Almost all of the towns and villages affected were located on major trade routes which have direct connection with endemic areas in central Burma. The case fatality rate in nonendemic areas ranged from 0 to 75

, the overall fatality rate being 12.2

. This high rate was mainly due to the late recognition of the cases. The outbreaks in the plain areas occurred from January to May expect in Shwegu in Kachin State and Rangoon City while in the hilly regions it occurred from May to December. The peak incidence was observed in March in the plain areas and in August in hilly regions. The epizootics preceeded the outbreaks by one to 8 weeks. Unpaired serum samples tested serologically at the National Health Laboratory revealed 57

positivity rate. Higher positive rate is expected should paired serum samples be tested.

A preliminary report on the assessment of control and surveillance of haemorrhagic fever in Rangoon

A serological survey was carried out in July and August 1974 in Rangoon with a view to assess the effectiveness of insecticide spraying in the control of the current outbreak of haemorrhagic fever surveillance programme. Altogether 914 children were bled from 3 test areas and 3 control areas. 597 or 65.3

of the children gave history of recent past febrile illness. Frequencies of antibody to dengue and chikungunya were uniformly and highly distributed in all townships regardless of the socio-economic status. The over allpercent antibody prevalent to dengue 3 in the sprayed areas was: 98.2 in Dagon (Nawarat Yeiktha and Minmanaing Quarter), 98.9 in Pabedan and 97.0 in Thaketa Township while in the control areas it was: 100.0 in Latha and 94.5 in and N. Okkalapa Townships. Similary, the over all percent HI antibody to chikungunya in sprayed areas was: 98.2 in Dangon (Nawarat Yeiktha and Minmanaing Quarter).98.9 Pabedan and 96.0 in Thaketa Township while in the control areas it was: 100.0 in Latha and 94.0 in N. Okkalapa Township. All ages and both sexes were qually affected. The findings were discussed and recommendations made.