Against the clock: Effect of late detection of a mumps outbreak in the Western North Region of Ghana, 2022
Background: Mumps is an acute viral illness caused by the Mumps Virus (MuV) that spreads through direct contact with infected individuals. While children typically experience a mild form of the disease, adults may suffer from more severe complications. Mumps vaccination is not included in Ghana’s Ex...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
African Field Epidemiology Network
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://afenet-journal.org/against-the-clock-effect-of-late-detection-of-a-mumps-outbreak-in-the-western-north-region-of-ghana-2022/ |
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| Summary: | Background: Mumps is an acute viral illness caused by the Mumps Virus (MuV) that spreads through direct contact with infected individuals. While children typically experience a mild form of the disease, adults may suffer from more severe complications. Mumps vaccination is not included in Ghana’s Extended Program on Immunization (EPI). In March 2022, the Western North Region of Ghana experienced an outbreak of mumps. We investigated this outbreak to determine its magnitude and distribution in the region.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 9 to 12 August 2022 to assess the magnitude and distribution of the mumps outbreak in the Western North Region in Ghana. Active and retrospective case searches were performed using IDSR reports and data collected via Kobo Collect and Excel application software, focusing on individuals with confirmed, probable, or suspected mumps cases. Median age and interquartile range were calculated, with frequencies, proportions, and spatial distribution analysed using Excel, Epi Info, and QGIS.
Results: Out of the 267 mumps cases that were identified, 88.4% (234/267) were school-going children with a median age of five years interquartile range of six (Q3 (9)-Q1 (3)). Seven out of nine districts recorded cases with the highest number, 102 (38.2%) being recorded in the Juaboso district. The mumps outbreak in the Western North Region started in epi-week 12 and progressed through to epi-week 32, lasting for 20 weeks.
Conclusion: The mumps outbreak in the Western North Region primarily affected school-going children, particularly in the Juaboso district. It was detected late, implementation of response activities was delayed and the outbreak lasted 20 weeks, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions, improved vaccination, and continued surveillance.
Recommendation: The outbreak highlights the need for improved healthcare capacity, enhanced surveillance, source investigations, and inclusion of mumps vaccines in Ghana’s EPI. |
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| ISSN: | 2664-2824 |