Molecular Characterization of Circulating Yellow Fever Viruses from Outbreak in Ghana, 2021–2022

Details

• Alternative Title:
  Emerg Infect Dis
• Personal Author:
  Bonney, Joseph Humphrey Kofi ; Sanders, Terrel ; Pratt, Deborah ; Agbodzi, Bright ; Laryea, Dennis ; Agyeman, Nana Kwame Fredua ; Kumordjie, Selassie ; Attiku, Keren ; Adams, Patience Lartekai ; Boateng, Gideon Aning ; Ohene, Sally-Ann ; Tamal, Christopher ; Mawuli, Gifty ; Yeboah, Clara ; Dadzie, Samuel ; Kubio, Chrysantus ; Asiedu-Bekoe, Franklin ; Odoom, John Kofi
• Description:
  Yellow fever virus, transmitted by infected Aedes spp. mosquitoes, causes an acute viral hemorrhagic disease. During October 2021-February 2022, a yellow fever outbreak in some communities in Ghana resulted in 70 confirmed cases with 35 deaths (case-fatality rate 50%). The outbreak started in a predominantly unvaccinated nomadic community in the Savannah region, from which 65% of the cases came. The molecular amplification methods we used for diagnosis produced full-length DNA sequences from 3 confirmed cases. Phylogenetic analysis characterized the 3 sequences within West Africa genotype II; strains shared a close homology with sequences from Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal. We deployed more sensitive advanced molecular diagnostic techniques, which enabled earlier detection, helped control spread, and improved case management. We urge increased efforts from health authorities to vaccinate vulnerable groups in difficult-to-access areas and to educate the population about potential risks for yellow fever infections.
• Subjects:
  Disease Outbreaks Humans Phylogeny RNA, Viral Sequence Analysis, RNA Yellow Fever
• Keywords:
  Molecular Characterization Vector-borne Infections Viral Hemorrhagic Diseases Viruses Whole-genome Sequencing Yellow Fever Yellow Fever Virus
• Source:
  Emerg Infect Dis. 2023; 29(9):1818-1826
• Pubmed ID:
  37610174
• Pubmed Central ID:
  PMC10461649
• Document Type:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Ghana
• Volume:
  29
• Issue:
  9
• Collection(s):
  Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha256:43137b91c052aef10057872383f35d25c10d279dd6b9718568fe31ad8c4a70df
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/133561/cdc_133561_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 1.76 MB ]