ABSTRACT
Background: Dengue fever is an infectious disease of global health concern. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and field experience of a locally transmitted outbreak of dengue fever in Muscat Governorate, Oman from mid-March to mid-April 2022, and the multi-sectoral approach to control the outbreak. Methods: Data were collected from an electronic e-notification system, active surveillance and contact investigations. Results: Of 250 suspected and probable cases, 169 were confirmed as dengue fever with DENV-2 serotype. Of these, 108 (63.9%) were male and 94 (55.6%) were Omani. The mean age was 39 years (standard deviation 13 years). Fever was the most common symptom and occurred in 100% of cases. Haemorrhagic manifestations occurred in 10% (n=17) of cases. Hospitalization was required for 93 cases (55.1%). The field investigation included 3444 houses and other suspected sites. Breeding sites for Aedes aegypti were identified in 565 (18.5%) sites visited. Interventions to control the outbreak included environmental and entomological assessment of the affected houses and surrounding areas (400 m radius of each house). Conclusion: Outbreaks are expected to continue, with the possibility of severe cases due to antibody-dependent enhancement. More data are required to understand the genetics, geographical spread and behaviour of A. aegypti in Oman.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: COVID-19 vaccines lower the risk of infection hospitalization, and death. Despite the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, some caregivers are hesitant to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. In this study, we explored the factors that influence Omani mothers' intentions to vaccinate their 5-11 year-old children. Methods: Of the 954 mothers approached, 700 (73.4%) participated in a cross-sectional face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire in Muscat, Oman, between 20 February and 13 March 2022. Data on age, income, level of education, trust in doctors, vaccine hesitancy, and intention to vaccinate their children were collected. Logistic regression was used to assess determinants of mothers' intention to vaccinate their children. Results: Most mothers had 1-2 children (n = 525, 75.0%), had a college degree or higher education (73.0%), and were employed (70.8%). More than half (n = 392, 56.0%) reported that they were likely or very likely to get their children vaccinated. The intention to get children vaccinated was associated with older age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.08; p =0.003), trust in their doctor (OR = 2.12, 95%, CI: 1.71-2.62; p < 0.001), and low vaccine hesitancy (OR = 25.91, 95% CI: 16.92-39.64; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Understanding the factors that influence caregivers' intentions to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 is important for the development of evidence-based vaccine campaigns. To increase and sustain high vaccination rates for COVID-19 vaccination in children, it is critical to address the factors that cause caregiver hesitation about vaccines.
