INTRODUCTION: In October 2009, the first outbreak of pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 virus in Madagascar occurred at a school in Antananarivo. Among the first 12 cases, five were reported in boarding pupils at the school. The school closed 10 days into the outbreak. Mass oseltamivir prophylactic treatment was used to contain the outbreak. This study aimed to determine the transmission of infection among boarding school pupils and to evaluate the adverse effects of oseltamivir chemoprophylactic treatment and their impact on compliance. METHODOLOGY: After conducting an initial investigation of the outbreak we administered a questionnaire to 132 boarders who were present after the school re-opened. Questions addressed symptoms of influenza-like illness, compliance with chemoprophylaxis, and adverse effects. RESULTS: Of 59 boarders, 20 (45.0%) had confirmed pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection. Among the asymptomatic boarders, compliance with oseltamivir chemoprophylaxis was moderate: 56.2% took the full 10-day course, and 66.9% completed at least seven days. In contrast, among symptomatic boarders, only two did not take the full course of oseltamivir. Fifty percent of the boarders receiving oseltamivir experienced symptoms such as fatigue (38.7%), difficulty concentrating (22.6%) and headaches (19.4%). Bad compliance was not associated with adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Since the symptoms of pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 virus were generally mild, the burden of adverse effects must be considered when deciding on mass oseltamivir chemoprophylaxis among teenagers.
INTRODUCTION: In October 2009, the first outbreak of pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 virus in Madagascar occurred at a school in Antananarivo. Among the first 12 cases, five were reported in boarding pupils at the school. The school closed 10 days into the outbreak. Mass oseltamivir prophylactic treatment was used to contain the outbreak. This study aimed to determine the transmission of infection among boarding school pupils and to evaluate the adverse effects of oseltamivir chemoprophylactic treatment and their impact on compliance. METHODOLOGY: After conducting an initial investigation of the outbreak we administered a questionnaire to 132 boarders who were present after the school re-opened. Questions addressed symptoms of influenza-like illness, compliance with chemoprophylaxis, and adverse effects. RESULTS: Of 59 boarders, 20 (45.0%) had confirmed pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection. Among the asymptomatic boarders, compliance with oseltamivir chemoprophylaxis was moderate: 56.2% took the full 10-day course, and 66.9% completed at least seven days. In contrast, among symptomatic boarders, only two did not take the full course of oseltamivir. Fifty percent of the boarders receiving oseltamivir experienced symptoms such as fatigue (38.7%), difficulty concentrating (22.6%) and headaches (19.4%). Bad compliance was not associated with adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Since the symptoms of pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 virus were generally mild, the burden of adverse effects must be considered when deciding on mass oseltamivir chemoprophylaxis among teenagers.
Authors: Louise E Smith; Donatella D'Antoni; Vageesh Jain; Julia M Pearce; John Weinman; G James Rubin Journal: Influenza Other Respir Viruses Date: 2016-08-08 Impact factor: 4.380
Authors: Donne Kofi Ameme; Dora Dadzie; Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe; Elijah Paa Edu-Quansah; Basil Benduri Kaburi; Oxygen Wullar; Patrick Amo-Mensah; Ernest Kenu Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2020-09-18 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Leila Abdullahi; John Joseph Onyango; Carol Mukiira; Joyce Wamicwe; Rachel Githiomi; David Kariuki; Cosmas Mugambi; Peter Wanjohi; George Githuka; Charles Nzioka; Jennifer Orwa; Rose Oronje; James Kariuki; Lilian Mayieka Journal: PLoS One Date: 2020-12-08 Impact factor: 3.240