GIDEON - Global Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Network

Trypanosomiasis in Kenya

Dr. Stephen Berger — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:35:16 +0000

Rates of human Trypanosomiasis in Kenya are relatively low in contrast to surrounding countries – see graphs [1].

Although both disease incidence and rates per 100,000 are highest in Uganda and Sudan, most cases affecting tourists have been acquired in Tanzania.

The following background data on Trypanosomiasis in Kenya are abstracted from Gideon www.GideonOnline.com and the Gideon e-book series [2,3] (Primary references available on request)

Time and Place:
- African sleeping sickness first entered Kenya from Uganda in 1901.
- By 1965 Gambian sleeping sickness had virtually disappeared from Kenya, and was replaced by Rhodesian sleeping sickness.
- The disease is reported from the western region, and is relatively common in the Lambwe Valley, Nyanza region.
- As of 2004, endemic areas consisted of Bungoma, Busia and Teso districts (Ugandan border area).
– 912 cases of sleeping sickness were reported in the Lambwe Valley during 1959 to 1984

700,000 persons are considered at risk.

In one study, 100% of trypanosomiasis patients were found to be co-infected with malaria, 64.5% with helminthosis, 22.5% typhoid, 16.1% urinary tract infections, 12.9% HIV and 3.2% tuberculosis (2000 to 2009).

Exported cases:
1991 – An American national acquired trypanosomiasis following travel through Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda.
1996 – A Mexican tourist acquired trypanosomiasis in Kenya.

The endemic species is Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.

The local vectors are Glossina pallidipes, G. swynnertoni and G. fuscipes ssp. fuscipes.

Trypanosoma brucei was detected in horses on a farm in Thika (1994 publication)

Prevalence surveys:
2.5% of domestic dogs in Busia and Teso Districts (2003 publication)
1% of livestock in Busia District (2011 publication)

Notable outbreaks:
1964 – An outbreak of African trypanosomiasis was reported in Alego, Central Nyanza, in 1964.
1980 to 1984 – An outbreak of African trypanosomiasis was reported in the Lambwe Valley.

References:
1. Gideon graph tool at http://www.GIDEONonline.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/Gideon-Graphs.pps
2. Berger SA. Infectious Diseases of Kenya, 2012. 404 pp, 61 graphs, 1741 references. Gideon e-books, http://www.gideononline.com/ebooks/country/infectious-diseases-of-kenya/
3. Berger SA. African Trypanosomiasis: Global Status, 2012. 53 pp, 37 graphs, 567 references. Gideon e-books, http://www.gideononline.com/ebooks/disease/african-trypanosomiasis-global-status/

Update: February 1, 2012

Dr. Stephen Berger — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:08:34 +0000

GIDEON what’s new summary: February 1 to February 1, 2012

Infectious Diseases – Diseases (46 updates)

23 Diseases

23 Country notes

Map

Lyme Disease in the United Kingdom

Dr. Stephen Berger — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:55:52 +0000

The incidence of Lyme disease has been increasing in the United Kingdom since reporting began, with highest rates in Scotland. In the following graph I’ve contrasted these rates with those of the Uhnited States. [1]

Reference:
1. Gideon graph tool at http://www.GIDEONonline.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/Gideon-Graphs.pps

Note featured on ProMED

Leprosy in India

Dr. Stephen Berger — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:20:36 +0000

Southeast Asia continues to account for the most of the global leprosy burden, with more than 50% of the world’s cases reported from India. In the following graph, I’ve compared regional data with those of India. [1]

References:
1. Graph tutorial at: http://www.GIDEONonline.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/Gideon-Graphs.pps

Note featured on ProMED

Update: January 23, 2012

Dr. Stephen Berger — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:57:34 +0000

GIDEON what’s new summary: January 22 to January 23, 2012

Infectious Diseases – Outbreaks (1 updates)

1 Disease

Map

Infectious Diseases – Diseases (105 updates)

41 Diseases

64 Country notes

Map

H5N1 Influenza – Graphic Summary Through 2011

Dr. Stephen Berger — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:54:10 +0000

As of December 2011, most cases of human infection by H5N1 Influenza virus were reported in Cambodia, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. In the following graph [1], note that successive peaks were reported by Vietnam and Indonesia, followed by increasing activity in Egypt during recent years.

The second graph [1] illustrates the fact that a disproportionately high case fatality rate has been reported among cases occurring in Indonesia.

References:
1. Graph tutorial at: http://www.GIDEONonline.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/Gideon-Graphs.pps

Note featured on ProMED