Publications by authors named "Freda L Aceng"
Article Synopsis
- * The research involved analyzing historical data from the National TB and Leprosy Programme, mapping the spatial distribution of TB cases across different regions and districts within Uganda, revealing that the CNR varies significantly by area and time.
- * Findings indicate that certain districts like Moroto and Kampala consistently reported high CNR while others like Kalangala fluctuated, leading to recommendations for intensified efforts and increased funding for Uganda's National TB program.
Rift valley fever outbreak in Sembabule District, Uganda, December 2020.
One Health Outlook
November 2023
Article Synopsis
- Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a serious viral illness affecting both humans and livestock, characterized by high mortality and severe symptoms; the outbreak was highlighted by a confirmed human case in Uganda in December 2020.
- The investigation involved defining suspect and confirmed cases through symptoms and testing methodologies (RT-PCR for humans and ELISA for livestock) to monitor the situation and gather data on exposure risks.
- Results indicated that while the index case consumed raw cow milk and had a positive connection to the virus, most herdsmen and surrounding individuals remained asymptomatic; however, potential contact with infected animal fluids raised concerns about broader transmission.
Article Synopsis
- The study evaluates the completeness and timeliness of outpatient department (OPD) health reports in Uganda using data from January 2020 to December 2021.
- Overall, most regions showed excellent performance with high completeness (99.5% in 2020 and 100% in 2021) and improved timeliness (82.8% in 2020 and 94.9% in 2021), though Kampala and Nakasongola struggled consistently.
- The findings suggest that while reporting is generally strong, there is a need to support areas that face timeliness issues to enhance overall public health surveillance.
Article Synopsis
- Disease surveillance is essential for managing health programs, but in Uganda, reporting data on diseases was often incomplete and delayed from 2020 to 2021.
- A study evaluated weekly data from 146 districts, finding national averages for reporting completeness of 70% and timeliness of 49% in 2021, with some regions performing better than others.
- Despite improvements, no region met the timeliness target, and Kampala District had consistently low reporting rates, especially in referral and private facilities.
Background: Anthrax is a zoonotic infection caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. Humans acquire cutaneous infection through contact with infected animals or animal products. On May 6, 2018, three cows suddenly died on a farm in Kiruhura District.
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- Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, with suspected cases reported in several Ugandan districts, prompting an investigation into the outbreak's scope and exposure factors.
- Laboratory tests confirmed RVF in humans using polymerase chain reaction, leading to a case definition based on specific symptoms and testing methods for confirmation.
- The investigation involved collecting blood samples from both humans and animals, conducting interviews to identify exposure risks, and performing environmental assessments to inform control and prevention strategies.
Article Synopsis
- Anthrax cases were reported in Arua District, Uganda in 2017, involving three individuals who had handled livestock carcasses, resulting in one death; tests confirmed Bacillus anthracis in both human and bovine samples.
- A study defined probable cases based on specific skin lesion symptoms over a three-year period and involved reviewing medical records and conducting a case-control study comparing those affected to asymptomatic individuals.
- The investigation found 68 cases (67 probable, 1 confirmed) with higher rates in males and those aged 30-39; key risk factors included skimming, butchering, and handling carcasses of livestock that died suddenly.
Article Synopsis
- Between 2016 and 2019, Uganda experienced seven cholera outbreaks in refugee settlements, totaling 1,495 cases and 30 deaths, emphasizing the health risks faced by refugees.
- Most fatalities occurred early in the outbreaks, often before individuals could reach treatment facilities, and outbreaks affected both refugees and local communities.
- To improve cholera control, enhanced measures such as oral vaccination and better sanitation during refugee registration are needed, alongside the development of a standardized protocol for conducting case-control studies to inform future prevention strategies.
Background: Methanol, an industrial solvent, can cause illness and death if ingested. In June 2017, the Uganda Ministry of Health was notified of a cluster of deaths which occurred after drinking alcohol. We investigated to determine the cause of outbreak, identify risk factors, and recommend evidence-based control measures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Gastrointestinal anthrax is a rare but serious disease. In August 2017, Isingiro District, Uganda reported a cluster of >40 persons with acute-onset gastroenteritis. Symptoms included bloody diarrhoea.
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- Leprosy remains a significant public health issue in Uganda, affecting 40% of districts, with a monitoring period from 2012 to 2016 highlighting the disease's persistence.
- Analysis of case-finding data showed a 7% annual decline in reported leprosy cases, particularly in the eastern (14%/year) and central (11%/year) regions, while the western and northern regions showed no significant changes.
- Despite the overall decrease, 70% of new cases from the most-affected districts were concentrated in the northern region, suggesting the need for targeted control measures.