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Diseases transmitted by insects or animalsMalaria is highly endemic in the country in areas below 1,500 meters, except in Addis Ababa. Strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3). In Ethiopia, an estimated 48 million people (68% of the population) live in areas at risk of malaria. In 2002-2003, the disease was the primary cause of reported morbidity and mortality. Malaria transmission in Ethiopia is characterized by frequent and often large-scale epidemics. There has been no recent outbreak of yellow fever but the risk remains. There are cases of animal rabies in the country. |
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Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environmentDiarrheal diseases are very common. An outbreak of acute watery diarrhea disease is currently many parts of the country including the capital city, Addis Ababa. 18,000 cases, of which 4,000 are from Addis Ababa, were diagnosed countrywide. In Addis Ababa, cases of acute watery diarrhea have been reported in all 10-sub cities. In order to minimize risks, it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly before meals, and to use uncontaminated water. Between 2004 and 2006, Ethiopia has reported a total of 37 polio cases (4 out of 11 regions infected). The high-risk area remains the cross-border region of Somali. |
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Diseases transmitted by contact with infected peopleAccording to UNAIDS the prevalence of HIV among adults (age 15-49) is around 2.1%. HIV/AIDS is one of the main mortality causes in Ethiopia. One million people are living with HIV in the country. HIV is regularly associated with an increase in the number of tuberculosis cases. The risk of meningitis can not be ruled out, particularly during the dry season in the center and north of the country. A measles outbreak is currently ongoing in Ethiopia. During the first semester of 2011, more than 17,500 cases have been reported countrywide (114 deaths). Measles is an infectious disease transmitted through contact with the nose and throat discharges of an infected person, for instance when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The disease mainly affects young children and remains a leading cause of infant mortality. Symptoms of measles are high temperature, skin eruptions, pimples, sore eyes and cough. An efficient vaccine exists against the disease. |
