Risk factors associated with contracting dysentery during shigella dysenteriae type 1 outbreak in Harare, 1993

Towards the end of 1992, there were numerous reports of dysentery cases from Harare and most provinces of Zimbabwe. According to reports from the districts and the media, the disease was characterized by bouts of bloody diarrhea, vomiting and general body weakness. Of 4 915 patients with dysentery who presented themselves to the two municipal hospitals, 149 died, giving a case fatality rate of 3%.' Laboratory investigations confirmed that Shigella Dysenteriae type-1 as the predominant cause of the dysentery outbreak in Harare. A matched case control study, was carried out in the City of Harare from 26 November to 1 December, 1993 in order to document risk factors associated with contracting dysentery in this environment.

A study to ascertain the cause, nature and management of an epidemic outbreak of diarrhea in Zimbabwe's urban areas in 1993.