4 research outputs found
An outbreak of cholera in Medipally village, Andhra Pradesh, India, 2013
Background: Cholera continues to remain endemic in over 50 countries
and has caused large epidemics with around 3\u20135 million cases
occurring every year in Asia alone. In India, cholera is endemic in
many states. However, etiological information and age-specific
incidence related to cholera outbreaks is limited. In November 2013,
district authorities reported a cluster of diarrheal disease among
residents of Medipally to the state surveillance unit. We investigated
this cluster to confirm its etiology, describe its magnitude, identify
potential risk factors, and make recommendations for control. Findings:
A house-to-house active search was conducted to identify cases of acute
diarrhea and collect information on drinking water source. Drinking
water samples were collected from common water sources and sampled
households to test for bacteriological quality. Ten stool samples were
collected for culture. A matched case\u2013control study was conducted
to identify the risk factors. A total of 138 case-patients of diarrhea
(Attack rate: 11.5/100; Population: 15 1,200) and 1 death (Case
Fatality Ratio: 0.72/100) were identified. Five of the 10 stool samples
were culture positive for V. cholerae, serogroup O1 El Tor. Drinking
water from the overhead tank [Adjusted OR (AOR): 31.94, 95 % CI:
7.3-139.5] was associated with risk of developing illness. Conclusions:
This outbreak affected nearly 11% of the village population and was due
to contamination of the main drinking water source. Outbreaks such as
this can be prevented by constructing the drain away from the water
pipelines and by monitoring regular chlorination of drinking water
source and inspection of pipelines for damage
Descriptive epidemiology of novel influenza A (H1N1), Andhra Pradesh 2009-2010
Background: The first case of pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) in India was reported from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh on 16 th May 2009. Subsequently, all suspected cases seeking treatment from A (H1N1) treatment centers and their contacts were tested. Laboratory confirmed cases were hospitalized and treated with antivirals according to national guidelines. We reviewed the surveillance data to assess the morbidity and mortality due to A (H1N1) in the state of Andhra Pradesh (population-76,210,007) during the period from May 2009 to December 2010. Materials and Methods: We obtained the line-list of suspected (influenza like illness as per World Health Organization case definition) and laboratory confirmed cases of A (H1N1) from the state unit of integrated disease surveillance project. We analyzed the data to describe the distribution of case-patients by time, place and person. Results: During May 2009 to December 2010, a total of 6527 suspected (attack rate: 8.6/100,000) and 1480 (attack rate: 1.9/100,000) laboratory confirmed cases were reported from the State. Nearly 90% of the suspected and 93% of the confirmed cases was from nine districts of Telangana region, which includes Hyderabad. Nearly 65% of total confirmed cases were reported from Hyderabad. The attack rate was maximum (2.6/100,000) in the age group of 25-49 years. The cases peaked during August-October. 109 case-patients died (Case fatality ratio: 7%) and most (80%) of these patients had comorbid conditions such as diabetes (24%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (20%), hypertension (11%) and pregnancy (11%). Case fatality was higher (16%) among patients who were older than 60 years of age compared with other age groups. Conclusions: In Andhra Pradesh, H1N1 transmission peaked during August-October months and predominately affected adults. Case fatality was higher in patients older than 60 years with comorbid conditions