Cyclone Idai as a Trigger for Pellagra Outbreak in Nhamatanda, Mozambique: A Case-Control Study

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2021 Apr 12:tpmd201321. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1321. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTIn mid-June 2019, 3 months after cyclone Idai landfall in Mozambique, health authorities of Nhamatanda district reported an outbreak of Pellagra. Applying a mixed-method protocol, we carried out an investigation to characterize cases of pellagra, identify the associated factors for the outbreak using a case-control study, and explore the perceived impact on food security (availability, access, and usage) before and after Idai. We collected data from 121 cases and 121 controls and conducted in-depth interviews with 69 heads of households. The cases were more likely to be female (P < 0.01) and less educated (P < 0.01) than controls. Insufficient consumption of chicken and peanut before cyclone Idai arrival were statistically associated with pellagra (P < 0.05). From interviewed households' heads, 51% were experiencing food shortages even before the cyclone hit. Cyclone Idai served as a trigger to reduce niacin consumption below the threshold that protected Nhamatanda population from pellagra and caused a ≈2,300 case (707.9/100,000 inhabitants) outbreak.PMID:33844647 | DOI:10.4269/ajtmh.20-1321

Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg - April 12, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: V ánio André Mugabe Arlete Mahumane Cynthia Sem á Érika Valeska Rossetto Cresc êncio Sequeira Nhabomba Neusa Fataha Unicia Nyamula Ang élica Sotomane Wilson Irugula Benigno Canze Osvaldo Frederico Inlamea Uriel Kitron Guilherme Sousa Ribeiro Eduardo Source Type: research