East African journal of public health
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East Afr J Public Health · Mar 2010
ReviewLessons learned during active epidemiological surveillance of Ebola and Marburg viral hemorrhagic fever epidemics in Africa.
To review epidemiological surveillance approaches used during Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fever epidemics in Africa in the past fifteen years. Overall, 26 hemorrhagic epidemic outbreaks have been registered in 12 countries; 18 caused by the Ebola virus and eight by the Marburg virus. About 2551 cases have been reported, among which 268 were health workers (9,3%). ⋯ Collaboration with those in charge of the conservation of wildlife is essential for the early detection of viral hemorrhagic fever epidemics. Hemorrhagic fever epidemics caused by Ebola and Marburg viruses are occurring more and more frequently in Sub-Saharan Africa and only an adapted epidemiological surveillance system will allow for early detection and effective response.
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East Afr J Public Health · Mar 2010
Case ReportsHantavirus pulmonary syndrome in the Atlantic Argentinean Patagonia region.
The hantavirus causes a hemorrhagic disease and in 1993 was responsible for an outbreak of a pulmonary syndrome in the south of the United States of America. The disease is endemic in the north of Argentina where the Oran strain is prevalent. A fatal case of the Hanta Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) occurring in a migrant agricultural worker is reported.
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East Afr J Public Health · Mar 2010
Pattern of drug use among elderly patients in public and private hospitals in Dar-as Salaam.
The aim of this study was to assess the use of potentially inappropriate medications in the elderly patients (> or = 65 years of age) according to the 2002 Beers criteria. ⋯ Based on the findings, there is a need for both the public and health care professionals to be aware of the harmful drugs in the old age so as to minimize occurrence of side effects.