M. Essayagh, A. El Rhaffouli, S. Essayagh, T. Essayagh
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Twenty million cases of typhoid and paratyphoid fever (TF) are observed annually worldwide with more than 200,000 deaths. These fevers occur in areas where hygiene is precarious, mainly in developing countries. The objective of this study was to describe epidemiological patterns of TF in Meknes, Morocco in order to improve preventive measures.
Methods: We conducted a case series study based on data from 2013 to 2016 in the Meknes TF surveillance system. Data collected included socio-demographic variables, place of residence, season, mode of water supply, and food consumed. Diagnosis of TF was confirmed with the Widal test. Data were analyzed with Epi-info version 7 and mapping was done with Qgis version 2.18.1.
Results: Three hundred and twenty-two cases were reported with a male/female sex ratio of 0.9. Average age was 26 ± 20 years. Incidence increased from 13 per 100.000 inhabitants in 2013 to 8 per 100.000 inhabitants in 2016. Two hundred and seventy-nine (87%) cases occurred in urban areas and 174 (54%) cases developed in summer. One death was recorded.
Conclusion: Public awareness campaigns on health education for hygiene are needed. Focus should be placed on transmission by food handlers.
Click here to read the article, published in Revue d’Epidemiologie et de Sante Publique.
