29 January 2024 - An increase in suspected cases of mumps detected at the Jaleme Health Centre in northern Aleppo governorate, Syria, run by Dünya Doktorları (DDD)/Médecins du Monde (MdM) Türkiye in partnership with the Turkish Ministry of Health, is raising concern. In the last five weeks, from 25 December 2023 to 28 January 2024, DDD/MdM Türkiye has detected an increase in suspected cases and is warning to take precautions against possible outbreaks.
According to DDD/MdM Türkiye, 42 suspected cases of mumps were detected at Jaleme Health Centre, one of the clinics run by the Istanbul-based humanitarian organisation in the Syrian town of Afrin. Doctors working at the health centre said that all the detected cases had symptoms of fever and parotitis on one or both sides.
In the declaration, which noted that the vaccination status of 13 people was unknown, DDD/MdM Türkiye said: "In response to this worrying situation, the EWARN focal points were immediately alerted and nine samples were collected. Eight of them tested positive for mumps Immunoglobulin M (IgM), confirming the presence of the virus in the affected area."
Emphasising that this situation has become alarming following the earthquakes of February 2023, which caused massive damage and displacement in Türkiye and Syria, DDD/MdM Türkiye stated in a statement: "Around 265,000 people have lost their homes due to severe or total destruction of buildings and infrastructure. The resulting disruption in access to health services, including immunisation services, has led to additional challenges in disease prevention. Since the earthquake, an estimated 800-1000 households have fled to Sheih Aldier village near Jaleme village, the majority of whom are earthquake-affected individuals from Idlib, Afrin and Jinderes countryside."
While underlining the urgent need for coordinated efforts to contain the spread of the disease and increase surveillance in affected areas, DDD/MdM Türkiye called for prioritising the affected population, given the challenges posed by recent displacement and damage to health infrastructure.
DDD/ MdM Türkiye Response
In addressing suspected cases, DDD/MdM Türkiye has adopted a comprehensive approach, focusing on symptomatic treatment and closely monitoring patient recovery. Among the 42 reported cases, an impressive 33 have successfully recovered under the organization's care. DDD/MdM Türkiye underscores the significance of post-parotitis onset isolation and promotes respiratory etiquette, playing a crucial role in curbing further transmission.
Furthermore, the organization has intensified surveillance efforts at Jelmeh PHC, both at the facility and community levels. Immediate investigation of suspected cases, inclusion in daily and weekly reports, and the dissemination of awareness messages by community health workers to the catchment population are key aspects of their strategy. Collaborating with EWARN and SIG focal points, DDD/MdM Türkiye ensures meticulous recording of contact details, accurate addresses, and vaccination statuses of suspected cases. Blood samples are collected and stored in the organization's facility lab.
As part of a broader response, DDD/MdM Türkiye is committed to bolstering passive surveillance across other health facilities in Northwest Syria. This commitment aims to contribute significantly to overall containment efforts, with reporting streamlined through DHIS-2 and EWARN focal points.