Addis Ababa University, College of Health Science, School of public Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, Field epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program ( EFELTP)
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Date
2023-09
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Ninety-Four per cent (94%) of malaria morbidity and mortality cases are
attributed to the African region. Ethiopia is among ten African countries contributing to these
cases. 60% of the Ethiopian population lives in malaria-risk areas with different levels of
malaria risk. Although the country has made significant progress towards malaria
elimination, seasonal outbreaks persistently resurface, including in previously non-malarious
areas where people had low immunity. Abobo woreda is an epidemic-prone high-
transmission area with stable transmission. However, the district experienced a malaria
outbreak starting in the 21st Epi week of 2022, which prompted the investigation.
Methods-We did a descriptive study, followed by two case-control studies with randomly
chosen cases (86) and community controls (172). The malaria cases were confirmed with
RDT or microscopy, and the controls had no symptoms during the outbreak. We collected
data through a questionnaire given by an interviewer, entered it into Epi-info version-7, and
analyzed it with SPSS version 20. We did bivariate and multivariable logistic regression to
find out what factors caused malaria.
Result: Between the 21st and 36th Epi weeks of 2022, 198 cases of malaria were reported,
with no deaths. With a mean age of 22 (12.31 SD) years, the overall attack rate was
20.2/1000. The two most common species were Plasmodium vivax (PF) 71 (8%) and
Plasmodium falciparum (PF) 755. Breeding location close to the house (AOR = 4.28; 95%
CI: 1.8–10.27), sleeping outside (AOR = 3.94; 95% CI: 2.18–7.37), and a residence with
open eaves (AOR = 3.82; 95% CI: 1.97–7.93) were all independent risk variables. Regular
use of ITNS (AOR=0.195; 95%CI: 0.068–0.56), IRS-sprayed homes (AOR=0.42; 95%CI:
0.22-0.80), awareness of malaria transmission (AOR=0.51; 95%CI: 0.28–0.93), and
preventative and control measures (AOR=0.50; 95%CI: 0.27–0.93) were protective measures.
Conclusion and recommendation: Risk factors included sleeping outside, being close to a
breading site, and having an open ceiling. However, taking preventative steps like utilizing
ITNS, having your house sprayed with IRS, and being knowledgeable about prevention and
transmission were all necessary. Regular environmental monitoring, a strengthened
surveillance system, communication about behavioral change, ensuring sustainable use of
COMPILED BODY OF WORK IN FIELD EPIDEMIOLOGY BY EMIRU TESSEMA,2023
ITNS, and more research with an emphasis on entomology and climate variables were among
our recommendations.
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Keywords
Abobo Woreda, Gambella, Malaria, Outbreak investigation.