Skip to main content
Article
Risk Assessment for Yellow Fever in Western and North-Western Provinces of Zambia
Faculty Publications
  • Olusegun A. Babaniyi, World Health Organization
  • Peter Mwaba, Ministry of Home Affairs, Lusaka
  • David Mulenga, Copperbelt University
  • Mwaka Monze, University Teaching Hospital
  • Peter Songolo, World Health Organization
  • Mazyanga L. Mazaba-Liwewe, University Teaching Hospital
  • Idah Mweene-Ndumba, University Teaching Hospital
  • Freddie Masaninga, World Health Organization
  • Elizabeth Chizema, Ministry of Health, Lusaka
  • Messeret Eshetu-Shibeshi, World Health Organization
  • Constatine Malama, Ministry of Health, Lusaka
  • Emmanuel Rudatsikira, Andrews University
  • Seter Siziya, University of Lusaka
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2015
Keywords
  • prevalence,
  • Western and North-Western provinces,
  • yellow fever,
  • Zambia
Disciplines
Abstract

Background: North-Western and Western provinces of Zambia were reclassified as low-risk areas for yellow fever (YF). However, the current potential for YF transmission in these areas is unclear. Aims: To determine the current potential risk of YF infection. Setting and Design: A cross sectional study was conducted in North-Western and Western provinces of Zambia. Materials and Methods: Samples were tested for both YF virus-specific IgG and IgM antibodies by the ELISA and YF virus confirmation was done using Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test. The samples were also tested for IgG and IgM antibodies against other flaviviruses. Results: Out of the 3625 respondents who participated in the survey, 46.7% were males and 9.4% were aged less than 5 years. Overall, 58.1% of the participants slept under an impregnated insecticide-treated net and 20.6% reported indoor residual spraying of insecticides. A total of 616 (17.0%) samples were presumptive YF positive. The prevalence for YF was 0.3% for long-term infection and 0.2% for recent YF infection. None of the YF confirmed cases had received YF vaccine. Prevalence rates for other flaviviruses were 149 (4.1%) for Dengue, 370 (10.2%) for West Nile and 217 (6.0%) for Zika. Conclusion: There is evidence of past and recent infection of YF in both provinces. Hence, they are at a low risk for YF infection. Yellow fever vaccination should be included in the EPI program in the two provinces and strengthen surveillance with laboratory confirmation.

Journal Title
Journal of Global Infectious Diseases
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-777X.150884
First Department
Public Health, Nutrition and Wellness
Citation Information
Olusegun A. Babaniyi, Peter Mwaba, David Mulenga, Mwaka Monze, et al.. "Risk Assessment for Yellow Fever in Western and North-Western Provinces of Zambia" Vol. 7 Iss. 1 (2015) p. 11 - 17
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/emmanuel_rudatsikira/9/