Excess deaths associated with the chikungunya epidemic of 2014 in Jamaica were higher among children under 5 and over 40 years of age, an analysis based on official data.

Freitas, A. R. R.; Donalisio, M. R.

doi:10.1101/227579

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Excess deaths associated with the chikungunya epidemic of 2014 in Jamaica were higher among children under 5 and over 40 years of age, an analysis based on official data.

Freitas, A. R. R.·Donalisio, M. R.

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Abstract

We assessed the excess of all causes of mortality by age groups during the chikungunya epidemics in Jamaica, 2014. Excess mortality was estimated by subtracting deaths observed in 2014 from that expected based on the average mortality rate of 2012-2013, with confidence interval of 99%.\n\nOverall mortality 91.9 / 100,000 population, 2,499 additional deaths than expected coincided with the peak of the epidemic, there was a strong correlation between the monthly incidence and the excess of deaths (Spearman Rho = 0.939; p <0.005). No other significant epidemiological phenomenon occurred on that island that could explain this increase in mortality. Thus, we suggest that mortality associated with chikungunya is underestimated in Jamaica, as in other countries.\n\nThe excess of deaths could be a strategic tool for the epidemiological surveillance of chikungunya as it has already been used in influenza and respiratory syncytial.

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Freitas, A. R. R., Donalisio, M. R.. 2017-12-08. Excess deaths associated with the chikungunya epidemic of 2014 in Jamaica were higher among children under 5 and over 40 years of age, an analysis based on official data.. https://doi.org/10.1101/227579

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