Background Measles is a highly contagious viral illness and globally, 142,300 people died from measles in 2018. On 25 March 2021, an outbreak of measles was reported from Guradamole district Bale Zone Southeast Ethiopia. Hence, we investigated to determine existence of the outbreak and to identify the associated factors. Method Descriptive and 1:2 unmatched case–control study was done in Guradamole district from March 25 to April 9/2021. For the descriptive study, a total of 98 cases were used. To identify the factor associated with the outbreak, 60 cases were selected by computer-generated simple random method by using line list as a sampling frame and 120 controls were studied. Active cases were identified through home-to-home searching in affected kebeles and controls were selected from neighbors of cases. Five serum samples were taken and an IgM test was done to confirm cases. Cases were any person who developed fever, maculopapular rash and cough, coryza or conjunctivitis while controls were without such diagnosis. We collected data by using a structured questionnaire, cases were described by time, place, and person; logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with measles. In the multivariable analysis P -value <0.05 was declared statistical significance. Results Overall, 98 cases were identified with an overall attack rate of 12/1000 population and a case fatality rate (CFR) of 7%. The highest attack rate (38/1000 population) and CFR (57%) were among children aged <59 months. Vaccination efficacy was calculated to be 82.6%. Being unvaccinated (adjusted odds ratio/AOR=5.66, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.24–25.81), contact with patient (AOR=3.24, 95%CI: 1.03–10.17), moderate malnutrition (AOR=4.34, 95%CI: 2.14–8.814), distance from health facility (AOR=4.58, 95%CI: 1.39–15.19) and history of travel to affected area (AOR=3.99, 95%CI: 1.31–12.19) were shown significant associated with measles infection. Conclusion The attack and fatality rate of the investigation were high. Being unvaccinated, distant from the health facility, malnutrition, and history of contact with measles case were associated with the outbreak. We recommend conducting vaccination campaigns, interventions to malnutrition, and strengthening routine immunization programs to reduce future measles outbreaks.

BackgroundThe unprecedented size of the 2014 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa has allowed for a more extensive characterization of the clinical presentation and management of this disease. In this study, we report the trends in morbidity, mortality, and determinants of patient survival as EVD spread into Bong County, Liberia.MethodsAn analysis of suspected, probable, or confirmed cases of EVD (n = 607) reported to the Liberian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) between March 23rd and December 31st 2014 was conducted. The likelihood of infection given exposure factors was determined using logistic regression in individuals with a definitive diagnosis by RT-PCR (n = 321). The risk of short-term mortality (30 days) given demographic factors, clinical symptoms, and highest level of treatment received was assessed with Cox regression and survival analyses (n = 391).ResultsThe overall mortality rate was 53.5 % (95 % CI: 49 %, 58 %) and decreased as access to medical treatment increased. Those who reported contact with another EVD case were more likely to be infected (OR: 5.7), as were those who attended a funeral (OR: 3.9). Mortality increased with age (P < 0.001) and was higher in males compared to females (P =0.006). Fever (HR: 6.63), vomiting (HR: 1.93), diarrhea (HR: 1.99), and unexplained bleeding (HR: 2.17) were associated with increased mortality. After adjusting for age, hospitalized patients had a 74 % reduction in the risk of short term mortality (P < 0.001 AHR: 0.26; 95 % CI AHR: 0.18, 0.37), compared to those not given medical intervention.ConclusionEven treatment with only basic supportive care such as intravenous rehydration therapy was able to significantly improve patient survival in suspected, probable, or confirmed EVD cases.

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Background Measles remains a cause of vaccine-preventable death in children worldwide. Reported cases in Ethiopiarepresent only a small proportion of expected cases, due to weak measles-based surveillance implementation. In this study, we aimed to analyze 7 years’ measles-surveillance data from Bale zone, in order to indicate measles epidemiology and surveillance-related gaps. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2019. The study population was all measles cases reported to the Bale Zone Health Office from 2013 to 2019. Data were abstracted from 7 years’ measles line lists and case-based reports using a data-abstraction check-list. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Pivot software, and were presented in tables and graphs. Results Overall, 4,241 measles cases were reported from 2013 to 2019. Mean age was 7.15 years, and 50.6% were male. The most affected age-group was children <4 years of age. Analysis indicated that the case-fatality rate was 3.07/1,000 population. Of the total cases reported, 248 (5.8%) were IgM-confirmed. The highest prevalence of 141/100,000 population was reported in 2019. Unvaccinated cases and those with unknown vaccination status numbered 890 (21%) and 731 (17.2%), respectively. The highest number of cases was reported from Ginir and Gololcha districts. Cases increased in autumn each year and peaked in May. Conclusion Measles is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Bale, due to poor immunization coverage. Its case fatality is also high, excluding community deaths. Of all the districts included, Ginir reported the highest number of cases. Improving vaccination coverage, early preparedness for the annual epidemic cycle, and strengthening case-based surveillance are important interventions to reduce measles morbidity and mortality.

Background: Measles remains causes of vaccine preventable deaths in children worldwide. Measles is under the list of weekly reportable diseases in Ethiopia; however, reported cases represent only a small proportion of the expected cases due to weak measles case-based surveillance implementation. This study was aimed to analyze seven years measles surveillance data of Bale zone in order to indicate measles epidemiology and surveillance related gaps.Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted from May 25-June 25/2019. Study population was all measles cases reported to Bale Zone Health Office from 2013 to 2019. Data were abstracted from seven years measles line list and case-based report by the investigator using data abstraction check list. The data were entered and analyzed using Microsoft excel, and presented in tables and graphs.Result: Overall, 4241 measles cases were reported from 2013 to 2019. Mean age of the cases were 7.15 and 2147 (50.6%) were males. The most affected age group were children under 4 years of age. The analysis indicated that the case fatality rate was 3.07/1000 population. From the total cases reported 248 (5.8%) were measles IgM confirmed. The highest prevalence rate of 141/100,000 populations was reported in 2019. Unvaccinated cases and cases with unknown vaccination status were 890 (21%) and 731(17.2%) respectively. The highest numbers of cases were reported from Ginir and Gololcha districts. Measles cases increase in autumn season of the year and reaches peak in May.Conclusion: Measles is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Bale zone due to poor immunization coverage. Its case fatality is also high excluding community deaths. From all districts included Ginir reported the highest number of cases. Improving vaccination coverage, early preparedness for annual epidemic cycle and strengthening measles case-based surveillance are important interventions to reduce measles morbidity and mortality.