Factors associated with dengue fever IgG sero-prevalence in south Kordofan state, Sudan, in 2012: Reporting prevalence ratios

Dengue fever [DF] is a vector-borne virus transmitted to humans by infected Aedes mosquitoes. In this study, we identified the most important factors associated with the prevalence of IgG antibodies in a border state between Sudan and the new republic of South Sudan. To quantify the association of specific factors with the prevalence of DF IgG antibodies in Lagawa among subjects aged 16-60 years in 2012. Analytical cross-sectional community-based study conducted in Lagawa in 2012. Indoor mosquito breeding was the most significant predictor affecting DF IgG serology. Household water storage was also strongly associated with the presence of IgG antibodies. Residence in urban areas, younger age and a history of travel to the Red Sea State were significant predictors of DF IgG seroprevalence in South Kordofan state. Indoor [household] behaviors associated with DF infection should be modified to mitigate the infection risk in the study area. Awareness should be raised regarding DF in Lagawa to ensure community participation in all control measures, and the surveillance system at the border between Sudan and the republic of South Sudan should be strengthened

Yellow Fever outbreak in Darfur, Sudan in October 2012; the initial outbreak investigation report

Sudan is subject to repeated outbreaks, including Viral Hemorrhagic Fever [VHF], which is considered to be a very serious illness. Yellow Fever [YF] outbreaks in Sudan have been reported from the 1940[s] through 2005. In 2012, a new outbreak of YF occurred in the Darfur region. To identify the potential for an outbreak, to diagnose the disease and to be able to recognize its cause among the initial reported cases. >This is a descriptive and investigative field study that applies standard communicable disease outbreak investigation steps. The study involved clinical, serological, entomological and environmental surveys. The field investigation confirmed the outbreak and identified its cause to be YF. National surveillance systems should be strong enough to detect VHF[s] in a timely manner. Local health facilities should be prepared to promptly treat the initial cases because the case fatality ratios [CFRs] are usually very high among the index cases