Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 in sub-Saharan Africa: A Literature Review Open Access
Owusu-Boakye, Kwasi (2012)
Published
Abstract
Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 in sub-Saharan Africa: A Literature Review
by Kwasi Owusu-Boakye, RN, MPH
Background: In April 2009, a pandemic due to a new influenza virus, Influenza A (H1N1) affected many countries within six months of its discovery. Whereas most countries in Europe and the America's have well-planned surveillance systems to monitor outbreaks of influenza, most African countries, especially those south of the Sahara.
Objective: This literature review examined the trends and effects of influenza, especially the recent pandemic 2009 A (H1N1) influenza strain, on sub-Saharan Africa. It focused on, the preparedness of the people and control systems in place and made recommendations on how to approach future outbreaks on the African continent.
Methods: Both private and public library sources like PubMed and Ebsco were searched for current information on the topic.
Results: The study showed that influenza activity in Africa occurs throughout the year and peaks during the rainy seasons. However, it is hard to know the exact level of disease burden from influenza in general on this continent, as most sub Saharan countries lack the necessary surveillance systems to monitor the activity of the disease. The same was true for the pandemic associated with the 2009 A (H1N1) influenza virus strain. Whereas some countries, like South Africa and Kenya, have a well-established surveillance system to monitor influenza activities and produce abundant data, other countries, like Angola and DR Congo, do not. Attitudes towards, and knowledge about pandemic influenza (H1N1) strains differ within and among African countries, as does acceptance of vaccination against influenza viruses.
Discussion: It is very difficult to determine the exact burden of influenza in sub Saharan Africa because of the lack of surveillance systems in most countries. To know the disease burden in Africa, a well-planned surveillance system must be put in place in all sub-Saharan countries. Surveillance for influenza and other diseases should be merged and make use of personnel trained in broad areas to help monitor the activities of influenza and other diseases. This will help make efficient use of the limited resources available in these countries.
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction...1
Methods...3
Results...5
Literature Review 1: Influenza and Influenza Disease...5
Influenza Disease...5
Influenza A H1N1 Viruses...8
Background of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009...9
Prevention and Treatment of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1)
2009...10
Literature Review 2: Influenza in Africa...12
Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 and its impact in sub-Saharan Africa...12
Discusion...19
Limited Surveillance Ability of Health Systems
in Africa...20
Communal transmission of pandemic H1N1 in Africa...22
Oseltamivir is not very efficacious in treating Pandemic H1N1
Influenza Infection...22
Conclusion...23
References...24
Appendix 1...31
Appendix 2...32
Appendix 3...35
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES
Table 1: Differnces between influenza and Common cold...7
Table 2: Laboratory -confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 as of
23 August 2009...14
Table 3: Countries and overseas territories that have newly
reported pandemic (H1N1) 2009...15
Table 4: Number of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 cases and death in South
Africa...17
Table 5: Clinical characteristics of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 deaths in
South Africa...18
Figure 1: Map of South Africa...16
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