Elimination of Simulium neavei-Transmitted Onchocerciasis in Wambabya-Rwamarongo Focus of Western Uganda.

Elimination of Simulium neavei-Transmitted Onchocerciasis in Wambabya-Rwamarongo Focus of Western Uganda. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2020 Jun 22;: Authors: Katabarwa MN, Habomugisha P, Khainza A, Oguttu D, Byamukama E, Katamanywa J, Isingooma T, Bwenume F, Nahabwe C, Ngabirano M, Akampurira P, Bernard L, Unnasch TR, Richards F Abstract Wambabya-Rwamarongo onchocerciasis focus is one of the eight foci Uganda verified using the WHO verification guidelines. The approach for elimination was twice yearly treatment with ivermectin for every round, treating at least 90% of all the eligible population. This was in combination with vector elimination using Abate® since elimination nationwide policy was launched. From 2008 to 2013, the program distributed ivermectin with a mean treatment coverage of the ultimate treatment goal (UTG) or eligible population of 91.2%, with a range of 85-96%. In 2009, vector elimination based on ground larviciding had a dramatic impact on the Simulium vectors, as the last fly was observed in October 2009. No more Simulium vectors were observed during a period of at least 7 years, including the 3-year posttreatment surveillance (PTS) until the focus was reclassified as eliminated in August 2017. During the PTS period, none of the 10,578 trapped crabs were found infested with the aquatic stages of the vector. The last infested crab was observed in March 2010, and for at least 7 years, no infested crabs were observed. Serol...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research