Browsing by Author "Meseret Gebreselama"

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    Ethiopia Field Epidemiology Training Program (EFETP) Compiled Body of Works in Field Epidemiology
    (Addis Ababa University, 2025-12-12) Meseret Gebreselama; Abigiya Wondimagegnehu; Hadgu Mendefro
    Background: Cholera remains a persistent public health concern in Ethiopia, particularly in regions with limited access to safe water and sanitation. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of a recent cholera outbreak at Suhul General Hospital in the North West Zone of the Tigray region. It focuses on demographic, clinical, and environmental characteristics of affected patients in order to better understand the dynamics of the outbreak. Although data on occupation and water sources were not available, these factors are critical for identifying risk groups and possible sources of contamination, especially among individuals with higher occupational exposure to unsafe water. Method: A total of thirty-five patients admitted to or treated at Suhul General Hospital during the outbreak were reviewed. The study analyzed demographic patterns, clinical presentations, and care distribution to assess the burden and outcomes of the outbreak. Results: The findings revealed a striking gender disparity, with 94.3% of cases occurring in males. Male patients ranged in age from 2 to 75 years, while the two female cases fell within the narrower range of 22 to 25 years. Regarding care distribution, 54.3% of patients were managed as outpatients, while 45.7% required hospitalization, highlighting considerable disease severity and increased healthcare demand. Clinically, 75% of patients exhibited some degree of dehydration, and 36.1% were classified as having severe dehydration. Furthermore, 72.2% of patients presented with both vomiting and watery diarrhea. Despite the severity of illness in some cases, all patients survived, demonstrating the effectiveness of timely therapeutic interventions. Conclusion: This outbreak highlights the critical importance of hydration-focused therapy, which proved effective in preventing deaths. The study underscores the urgent need for routine water quality monitoring, strengthened surveillance, and efficient public health response strategies to mitigate future cholera risks in the region.