title: Prevalence of nodding syndrome--Uganda, 2012-2013.
abstract: Nodding syndrome (NS) is a seizure disorder of unknown etiology, predominately affecting children aged 3-18 years in three sub-Saharan countries (Uganda, South Sudan, and Tanzania), with the primary feature of episodic head nodding. These episodes are thought to be one manifestation of a syndrome that includes neurologic deterioration, cognitive impairment, and additional seizure types. NS investigations have focused on clinical features, progression, and etiology; however, none have provided a population-based prevalence assessment using a standardized case definition. In March 2013, CDC and the Ugandan Ministry of Health (MOH) conducted a single-stage cluster survey to perform the first systematic assessment of prevalence of NS in Uganda using a new consensus case definition, which was modified during the course of the investigation. Based on the modified definition, the estimated number of probable NS cases in children aged 5-18 years in three northern Uganda districts was 1,687 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1,463-1,912), for a prevalence of 6.8 (CI = 5.9-7.7) probable NS cases per 1,000 children aged 5-18 years in the three districts. These findings can guide the MOH to understand and provide the health-care resources necessary to address NS in northern Uganda, and provide a basis for future studies of NS in Uganda and in other areas affected by NS.
authors.forename: Preetha J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Iyengar
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wamala
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ratto
authors.forename: Curtis
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Blanton
authors.forename: Mugagga
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Malimbo
authors.forename: Luswa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lukwago
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Becknell
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Downing
authors.forename: Sudhir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bunga
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sejvar
authors.forename: Issa
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Makumbi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D064128:Nodding Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult