Comparison of generic and proprietary sodium stibogluconate for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis in Kenya.

Objective: To compare the use of generic and proprietary sodium stibogluconate for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar).

Methods: A total of 102 patients with confirmed kala-azar were treated in a mission hospital in West Pokot region, Kenya, with sodium stibogluconate (20 mg/kg/day for 30 days)--either as Pentostam (PSM) or generic sodium stibogluconate (SSG); 51 patients were allocated alternately to each treatment group.

Findings: There were no significant differences in baseline demographic characteristics or disease severity, or in events during treatment.

An outbreak of West Nile fever among migrants in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.

In February 1998, an outbreak of acute febrile illness was reported from the Kapalata military camp in Kisangani, the Democratic Republic of Congo. The illness was characterized by an acute onset of fever associated with severe headache, arthralgia, backache, neurologic signs, abdominal pain, and coughing. In 1 individual, hemorrhagic manifestations were observed.