Chikungunya epidemic-related mortality

S P Manimunda1, D Mavalankar, T Bandyopadhyay

  • 1Regional Medical Research Centre (ICMR), Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. sathyamanimunda@rediffmail.com

Epidemiology and Infection
|November 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Chikungunya (CHIK) fever outbreaks can increase mortality, even when not directly registered. This study in Port Blair found a significant rise in expected deaths during the 2006 CHIK fever epidemic.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Port Blair experienced a chikungunya (CHIK) fever outbreak in 2006, affecting thousands.
  • While no direct chikungunya deaths were recorded, global data suggests CHIK fever can be fatal.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate mortality trends in Port Blair from 2002-2008.
  • To determine if the 2006 chikungunya epidemic was associated with increased mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Calculated expected monthly deaths for 2006.
  • Used average monthly mortality rates from 2002-2008 (excluding 2006) and the 2006 monthly population for calculations.

Main Results:

  • A significant increase in expected deaths was observed during specific months in 2006.
  • This rise in mortality coincided with the peak of the chikungunya fever epidemic.

Conclusions:

  • The 2006 chikungunya outbreak in Port Blair was associated with a significant increase in overall mortality.
  • This highlights the potential public health impact of chikungunya fever beyond directly registered fatalities.

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