Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
BMC Infect Dis. 26 June 2018; Volume 18 (Issue 1); DOI:10.1186/s12879-018-3194-6
Vernier L, Lenglet AD, Hogema B, Moussa AM, Ariti C, et al.
BMC Infect Dis. 26 June 2018; Volume 18 (Issue 1); DOI:10.1186/s12879-018-3194-6
From September 2016-April 2017, Am Timan, Chad, experienced a large HEV outbreak in an urban setting with a limited impact in terms of morbidity and mortality. To better understand HEV epidemiology in this context, we estimated the seroprevalence of anti-HEV antibodies (IgM and IgG) and assessed the risk factors for recent HEV infections (positive anti-HEV IgM) during this outbreak.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
J Water Health. 1 April 2018; Volume 16 (Issue 2); 223-232.; DOI:10.2166/wh.2018.258
Spina A, Beversluis D, Irwin A, Chen A, Nassariman JN, et al.
J Water Health. 1 April 2018; Volume 16 (Issue 2); 223-232.; DOI:10.2166/wh.2018.258
In September 2016, Médecins Sans Frontières responded to a hepatitis E (HEV) outbreak in Chad by implementing water treatment and hygiene interventions. To evaluate the coverage and use of these interventions, we conducted a cross-sectional study in the community. Our results showed that 99% of households interviewed had received a hygiene kit from us, aimed at improving water handling practice and personal hygiene and almost all respondents had heard messages about preventing jaundice and handwashing. Acceptance of chlorination of drinking water was also very high, although at the time of interview, we were only able to measure a safe free residual chlorine level (free chlorine residual (FRC) ≥0.2 mg/L) in 43% of households. Households which had refilled water containers within the last 18 hours, had sourced water from private wells or had poured water into a previously empty container, were all more likely to have a safe FRC level. In this open setting, we were able to achieve high coverage for chlorination, hygiene messaging and hygiene kit ownership; however, a review of our technical practice is needed in order to maintain safe FRC levels in drinking water in households, particularly when water is collected from multiple sources, stored and mixed with older water.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
PLOS One. 27 November 2017; Volume 12 (Issue 11); DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0188240
Spina A, Lenglet AD, Beversluis D, de Jong M, Vernier L, et al.
PLOS One. 27 November 2017; Volume 12 (Issue 11); DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0188240
In September 2016, three acutely jaundiced (AJS) pregnant women were admitted to Am Timan Hospital, eastern Chad. We described the outbreak and conducted a case test-negative study to identify risk factors for this genotype of HEV in an acute outbreak setting.