Learning from water treatment and hygiene interventions in response to a hepatitis E outbreak in an open setting in Chad.

Learning from water treatment and hygiene interventions in response to a hepatitis E outbreak in an open setting in Chad. J Water Health. 2018 Apr;16(2):223-232 Authors: Spina A, Beversluis D, Irwin A, Chen A, Nassariman JN, Ahamat A, Noh I, Oosterloo J, Alfani P, Sang S, Lenglet A, Taylor DL Abstract 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...
Source: Journal of Water and Health - Category: Environmental Health Tags: J Water Health Source Type: research