Anthrax outbreaks in Tanzania have been reported from the human, livestock and wildlife sectors over several years, and is among the notifiable diseases. Despite frequent anthrax outbreaks, there is no comprehensive dataset indicating the magnitude and distribution of the disease in susceptible species. This study is a retrospective review of anthrax outbreaks from the human, livestock, and wildlife surveillance systems from 2006 to 2016. The objectives were to identify hotspot districts, describe anthrax epidemiology in the hotspot areas, evaluate the efficiency of the anthrax response systems and identify potential areas for further observational studies. We prepared a spreadsheet template for a retrospective comprehensive record review at different surveillance levels in Tanzania. We captured data elements including demographic characteristics of different species, the name of health facility, and date of anthrax diagnosis. Also, we collected data on the date of specimen collection, species screened, type of laboratory test, laboratory results and the outcome recorded at the end of treatment in humans. After establishing the database, we produced maps in Quantum GIS software and transferred cleaned data to Stata software for supportive statistical analysis. Anthrax reported incidences over 4 years in humans were much higher in the Arusha region (7.88/100,000) followed by Kilimanjaro region (6.64/100,000) than other regions of Tanzania Mainland. The health facility based review from hotspot districts in parts of Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions from 2006 to 2016, identified 330 human anthrax cases from the selected health facilities in the two regions. Out of 161 livestock and 57 wildlife specimen tested, 103 and 18 respectively, were positive for anthrax. This study revealed that there is gross under-reporting in the existing surveillance systems which is an obstacle for estimating a true burden of anthrax in the hotspot districts. Repeated occurrences of anthrax in livestock, wildlife and humans in the same locations at the same time calls for the need to strengthen links and promote inter–disciplinary and multi-sectoral collaboration to enhance prevention and control measures under a One Health approach.

Ebola and Marburg virus diseases are said to occur at a low prevalence, but are very severe diseases with high lethalities. The fatality rates reported in different outbreaks ranged from 24–100%. In addition, sero-surveys conducted have shown different seropositivity for both Ebola and Marburg viruses. We aimed to use a meta-analysis approach to estimate the case fatality and seroprevalence rates of these filoviruses, providing vital information for epidemic response and preparedness in countries affected by these diseases. Published literature was retrieved through a search of databases. Articles were included if they reported number of deaths, cases, and seropositivity. We further cross-referenced with ministries of health, WHO and CDC databases. The effect size was proportion represented by case fatality rate (CFR) and seroprevalence. Analysis was done using the metaprop command in STATA. The weighted average CFR of Ebola virus disease was estimated to be 65.0% [95% CI (54.0–76.0%), I2 = 97.98%] whereas that of Marburg virus disease was 53.8% (26.5–80.0%, I2 = 88.6%). The overall seroprevalence of Ebola virus was 8.0% (5.0%–11.0%, I2 = 98.7%), whereas that for Marburg virus was 1.2% (0.5–2.0%, I2 = 94.8%). The most severe species of ebolavirus was Zaire ebolavirus while Bundibugyo Ebolavirus was the least severe. The pooled CFR and seroprevalence for Ebola and Marburg viruses were found to be lower than usually reported, with species differences despite high heterogeneity between studies. Countries with an improved health surveillance and epidemic response have lower CFR, thereby indicating need for improving early detection and epidemic response in filovirus outbreaks.

The study was a combination of two investigations into active outbreaks of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle in central Ethiopia and a retrospective analysis of outbreak reports between January 2007 and December 2011 covering the entire country. Active outbreaks were investigated in four districts of central Ethiopia: Adama, Wenji, Mojo and Welenchiti. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to acquire data at individual and herd levels, and tissue samples were collected for viral isolation and characterisation. The retrospective analyses showed that, during the five-year period, a total of 1,675 outbreaks were reported, with 62,176 cases and 4,372 deaths. The highest number of outbreaks was reported in Oromia (1,066), followed by Amhara (365) and the Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (123). Outbreaks were more frequently observed between September and December and the highest number of outbreaks was reported in 2010. During the period studied, a total of 2,174 local zebu cattle were clinically examined and morbidity and mortality rates of 13.61% (296) and 4.97% (108) were recorded, respectively. Analysis of the active outbreaks revealed a relatively consistent morbidity rate, with the highest observed in Adama (15.38%), followed by Wenji (10.26%). The highest mortality rates were also observed in Adama (5.89%) and Wenji (3.42%). The LSD virus was isolated from 22 samples and all tested positive in polymerase chain reaction analysis. The disease was observed in the cattle regardless of previous vaccination with Kenyan sheep- and goatpox vaccine; thus, vaccine efficacy was assessed under field conditions and the authors’ findings, together with a possible remedy, are presented in this paper. Los autores describen un estudio en el que se combinaron por una parte dos investigaciones sobre brotes activos de dermatosis nodular contagiosa en ganado vacuno de Etiopía central y por la otra un análisis retrospectivo de los informes sobre brotes registrados en todo el territorio nacional entre enero de 2007 y diciembre de 2011. Se investigaron brotes activos en cuatro distritos de la zona central de Etiopía: Adama, Wenji, Mojo y Welenchiti. Para obtener datos sobre los ejemplares y rebaños afectados se utilizó un cuestionario semiestructurado, y además se recogieron muestras tisulares para someterlas a pruebas de aislamiento y caracterización del virus. El análisis retrospectivo reveló un total de 1 675 brotes declarados, con 62 176 casos y 4 372 muertes, durante los cinco años estudiados. El mayor número de brotes comunicados se dio en la división de Oromía (1 066), seguida de la de Amhara (365) y la de «Naciones, nacionalidades y pueblos del Sur» (123). La época de mayor frecuencia de brotes iba de septiembre a diciembre, y el año en que se notificó un mayor número de ellos fue 2010. Durante el periodo estudiado, se sometieron a reconocimiento clínico un total de 2 174 cebúes, que arrojaron índices de morbilidad y mortalidad de un 13,61% (296) y un 4,97% (108), respectivamente. El análisis de los brotes activos puso de manifiesto una tasa de morbilidad relativamente constante, cuyos valores más altos se observaron en Adama (15,38%) y Wenji (10,26%). Los mayores índices de mortalidad también se registraron en Adama (5,89%) y Wenji (3,42%). El virus de la dermatosis nodular contagiosa fue aislado en 22 muestras, todas las cuales arrojaron resultado positivo al análisis por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Se observó que la enfermedad había afectado a ejemplares de ganado vacuno con independencia de que estuvieran o no previamente inmunizados con la vacuna keniana de la viruela ovina y la viruela caprina. A partir de ahí se evaluó la eficacia de la vacuna en las condiciones reinantes sobre el terreno, y los autores exponen sus conclusiones, así como un posible remedio, en este artículo. Les auteurs présentent les résultats de deux enquêtes sur des foyers actifs de dermatose nodulaire contagieuse affectant les bovins d’Éthiopie centrale et d’une analyse rétrospective des foyers notifiés entre janvier 2007 et décembre 2011 sur l’ensemble du territoire national. Les foyers actifs étudiés sont survenus dans quatre districts de la région centrale de l’Éthiopie, à savoir Adama, Wenji, Mojo et Welenchiti. Les données au niveau individuel et des troupeaux ont été recueillies au moyen d’un questionnaire de type semi-structuré ; des échantillons de tissus ont été prélevés en vue de procéder à l’isolement et à la caractérisation du virus. Les analyses rétrospectives ont dénombré 1 675 foyers notifiés pendant les cinq années de l’étude, avec un total de 62 176 cas dont 4 372 décès. Le plus grand nombre de foyers a été rapporté dans la région d’Oromia (1 066 foyers), suivie par Amhara (365 foyers) et la Région des nations, nationalités et peuples du Sud (123 foyers). Les foyers étaient plus fréquents chaque année entre les mois de septembre et décembre et c’est en 2010 que leur nombre a été le plus élevé. Pendant la période de l’étude, 2 174 zébus de race locale ont été soumis à un examen clinique ; les taux de morbidité et de mortalité enregistrés ont été respectivement de 13,61 % (296) et de 4,97 % (108). L’analyse des foyers actifs a fait apparaître un taux de morbidité relativement cohérent avec ces observations ; le taux de plus élevé a été enregistré dans le district d’Adama (15,38 %), suivi du district...