Browsing by Author "Massa, Khalid"

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Characterization of population connectivity for enhanced cross-border surveillance of yellow fever at Mutukula and Namanga borders in Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2024-12) Kakulu, Remidius; Msuya, Mwanahamis; Makora, Said; Lucas, Athanas; Kapinga, Josephine; Mwangoka, Nisalile; Mehta, Kanan; McIntyre, Elvira; Boos, Alexandra; Lamb, Gabriella; Mponela, Marcelina; Gatei, Wangeci; Merrill, Rebecca; Ward, Sarah; Seleman, Amour; Massa, Khalid; Kimaro, Esther; Mpolya, Emmanuel
Objectives Yellow fever (YF) remains a public health threat in Sub-Saharan Africa and South America, with an estimated 200,000 cases and 30,000 deaths annually. Although the World Health Organization considers Tanzania to be at low risk for YF because no YF cases have been reported, the country remains at alert to importation of the virus due to ecological factors and high connectivity to high-risk YF areas in other countries. This study aimed to identify points of interest with connectivity to high-risk YF areas to guide preparedness efforts in Tanzania. Methods Using the Population Connectivity Across Borders (PopCAB) toolkit, the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences), in collaboration with the Tanzania Ministry of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, implemented 12 focus group discussions with participatory mapping in two high-risk borders of Mutukula and Namanga. Results Participants identified 147 and 90 points of interest with connectivity to YF risk areas in Kenya and Uganda, respectively. The identified locations are important for trade, fishing, pastoralism, tourism, health-seeking, agriculture, mining, religious activities, education, and cross-border marriages. Conclusions The Tanzania Ministry of Health used the results to update cross-border surveillance and risk communication strategies and vaccination guidelines to prevent the importation of YF into Tanzania.
Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of selected arboviruses at Namanga and Mutukula cross-border areas in Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2025) Kakulu, Remidius; Ndunguru, Ferdinand; Rugarabamu, Sima; Mwafulango, Ambele; Massa, Khalid; Kimaro, Esther; Mpolya, Emmanuel
Dengue (DENV), Chikungunya (CHIKV), and West Nile (WNV) viruses are among the major mosquito-borne arboviral threats in East Africa. This study assessed seroprevalence and risk factors for DENV, CHIKV, and WNV among residents of Mutukula and Namanga cross borders in Tanzania.
Seroprevalence and molecular analysis of yellow fever virus in mosquitoes at Namanga and Mutukula borders in Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2025-01-01) Kakulu, Remidius; Kapinga, Josephine; Rugarabamu, Sima; Kemibala, Elison; Beyanga, Medard; Mbelele, Peter; Massa, Khalid; Kimaro, Esther; Mpolya, Emmanuel
Objectives Yellow fever (YF) is a major public health concern, particularly in Africa and South America. This study aimed to detect YF in human and mosquito samples to understand transmission dynamics in the Tanzania–Uganda and Tanzania–Kenya cross-border areas. Methods Blood samples were collected from individuals aged ≥9 months for serological testing. Mosquitoes were captured and tested for YF virus RNA. Logistic regression models were used to predict seroprevalence and associated risk factors. Results The overall YF seroprevalence was 12.5%, with higher rates among older individuals (7.0%) and female participants (immunoglobulin [Ig] G 4.4%, IgM 6.0%). Notably, YF virus RNA was detected in three out of 46 pools of 192 mosquitoes. The odds of testing positive for YF IgG were lower among those with primary education compared with college education (AOR = 0.27, CI: 0.08-0.88) and increased with those experiencing muscle pain (AOR = 4.5, CI: 1.08-18.78) while the odds of testing positive to YF IgM increased with being female (AOR = 4.7, CI: 1.5-14.7), traveling to YF endemic areas (AOR = 5.2, CI: 1.35-44.75), exposure to Aedes mosquitoes (AOR = 3.7, CI: 1.27-10.84) and exhibiting bruising (AOR = 13.5, CI: 1.23-145.72) Conclusions Although Tanzania has not experienced YF outbreaks, evidence of YF exposure at the studied borders highlights the need for strengthening cross-border surveillance, vector control, and vaccination efforts. Further research is needed to evaluate the country's overall YF risks