An Investigation of Factors Associated With Recurring Typhoid Fever Epidemics in Neno by Treza Laston
Abstract
Problem: Typhoid fever is endemic in Malawi with more than 16,000 cases per year
nationwide. Malawi’s burden of typhoid is most heavily borne by children under 15 years of
age. Available data shows a rise in cases following an increase in drug resistance. While
typhoid is rarely fatal, the recovery is long and difficult. The disease takes time, money, and
productivity from those infected and their families, and is associated with numerous, long term
complications. Starting in 2013, the incidence of typhoid has significantly increased in Malawi.
Neno district in Southern Malawi with a total population of about 150,000 people has
experienced recurring typhoid fever epidemics. On May 2, 2009, an outbreak of typhoid fever
began in rural villages along the Malawi- Mozambique border resulting in 748 illnesses and 44
deaths by September 2010. Another outbreak was reported in Neno District as reported by
Nyasa Times claiming five lives and 56 suspected cases with 41 confirmed positive. Despite
numerous interventions done by the Ministry of Health including distribution of Water Guard
(WG) for in-home water treatment, education on safe drinking water, hand washing, personal
hygiene and food safety, cases of typhoid fever have continued. This study will investigate
factors associated with recurring typhoid fever epidemics in Neno and why it has affected the
same district/area.
Description
Undergraduate Proposal
Keywords
Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES