WHO Reports on Ebola Transmission in Uganda and Other Health Concerns
The WHO reported a second Ebola Sudan cluster in Uganda, comprising three confirmed and two probable cases linked to a child who recently died. Unsupervised burials of the mother and newborn increased transmission concerns. Separately, CWD was found in Texas for the first time at a deer farm. A study indicates that sleep debt in Norwegian nurses raises infection risks. Enhanced surveillance and health protocols are paramount in addressing these issues.
On March 8, the World Health Organization (WHO) released updates regarding a second cluster of Ebola Sudan cases in Uganda, consisting of three confirmed and two probable instances. These developments have prompted heightened surveillance due to concerns over undiscovered transmissions. All infections are linked to a 4-year-old child, the tenth case, who succumbed to the virus on February 25. Reports indicate that the child’s mother and newborn also died from acute illnesses, recorded as probable cases, without being tested.
The WHO announced that the mother exhibited symptoms starting on January 22, eventually passing away on January 6. Her newborn child died shortly thereafter on January 12. Alarmingly, the WHO confirmed that these three deaths were not followed by supervised burials, increasing the risk of virus spread. The outbreak has seen an additional confirmed case of a woman who had contact with the deceased child, as well as another woman connected to the mother, both of whom are currently hospitalized.
As of March 2, the organization reported monitoring of 192 new contacts in relation to this second outbreak cluster. These individuals are primarily located in Kampala and the surrounding Wakiso district, as well as in Ntoroko district, which lies near the Democratic Republic of the Congo border. This marks Uganda’s sixth outbreak of Ebola Sudan, with the current case fatality rate recorded at 29%, significantly lower than rates observed in previous outbreaks that ranged from 41% to 70%.
In a separate report, chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been identified for the first time at a deer farm in Kaufman County, Texas, as confirmed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Two white-tailed deer, a male aged 20 months and a female aged 8 months, tested positive during routine CWD monitoring. In response, the Texas Animal Health Commission has placed the facility under quarantine to prevent the disease’s dissemination.
CWD is caused by prions, which are infectious misfolded proteins that can transmit between cervids through bodily fluids. Since its initial identification in 1967, CWD has been reported across 36 U.S. states, five Canadian provinces, and parts of Europe and Asia. Stringent testing protocols are required in permitted deer breeding facilities to comply with health regulations.
Lastly, a study conducted by researchers at Haukeland University Hospital in Norway reveals a significant correlation between sleep debt, night shifts, and an elevated risk of common infections among nurses. The study assessed data from 1,335 Norwegian nurses, primarily female, and indicated that inadequate sleep notably increased susceptibility to conditions such as the common cold and more severe illnesses like pneumonia and gastrointestinal infections. Published in Chronobiology International, this study highlights the adverse health impacts of shift work, which affects a significant portion of the global workforce.
In conclusion, the recent updates from the World Health Organization regarding Uganda’s Ebola outbreak emphasize the critical need for enhanced surveillance and public health measures, particularly due to the emergence of linked cases and undetected infections. Additionally, the detection of chronic wasting disease in Texas deer farms and the health risks surrounding sleep debt among nurses serve as significant reminders of ongoing challenges in both wildlife health and occupational health. Continued vigilance and comprehensive preventive strategies are essential to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases.
Original Source: www.cidrap.umn.edu
