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Published on: January 28, 2019

Outbreak of rotavirus gastroenteritis with high mortality, Nicaragua, 2005

Juan José Amador1, Andrea Vicari, Reina M Turcios-Ruiz

  • 1Ministerio de Salud, Managua, Nicaragua.

Revista Panamericana De Salud Publica = Pan American Journal of Public Health
|May 29, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A rotavirus vaccine could prevent many childhood deaths and illnesses from gastroenteritis outbreaks. Key risk factors for death included severe illness, malnutrition, and care by traditional healers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • A severe rotavirus gastroenteritis outbreak in Nicaragua affected children under 5, causing significant morbidity and mortality.
  • The study aimed to assess the potential impact of a rotavirus vaccine and identify risk factors for mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if a rotavirus vaccine could have prevented illnesses and deaths during the outbreak.
  • To identify risk factors associated with death in children hospitalized with diarrhea.
  • To develop a clinical profile of hospitalized children and forecast vaccine accessibility.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study compared children who died with surviving, age-matched controls to assess immunization access.
  • Clinical, stool, and immunization data were collected from hospitalized children.
  • Rotavirus was tested in stool samples.

Main Results:

  • The 2005 outbreak resulted in 47,470 consultations and 52 deaths.
  • A rotavirus vaccine could have prevented up to 68% of deaths and 51% of severe cases.
  • Severe illness, malnutrition, and care by traditional healers were identified as risk factors for death.
  • Rotavirus was detected in 42% of hospitalized children, linked to severe disease and dehydration.

Conclusions:

  • Rotavirus vaccine introduction could significantly reduce the impact of seasonal rotavirus outbreaks.
  • Improvements in oral rehydration programs and training for traditional healers are also recommended.
Abstract

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