Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Febrile Illnesses in Uganda: Case Studies of Brucellosis, Malaria and Typhoid Fever (2016-2023).

Background: Febrile illnesses can have devastating effects on the health, wellbeing and productivity of infected individuals. Fever is one of the most frequent reasons for seeking medical care globally. In Uganda, malaria is a major cause of fever and other nonmalarial causes such as typhoid and brucellosis. The aim of this study was to improve our understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution of malaria, typhoid fever and brucellosis in Uganda in order to inform the management and control of these diseases. Methods: A retrospective analysis of data was conducted on human brucellosis, typhoid fever and malaria cases reported through the national disease surveillance system from 2016 to 2023. The data were downloaded from the health management information system into Microsoft Excel. The total number of malaria cases, typhoid fever cases and brucellosis cases over this period were 110,134,705, 1,572,162 and 361,563, respectively. Descriptive analyses were conducted using Epi Info, spatial distribution using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) software. Choropleth maps were created showing cases per 100,000. Results: Nationally, from 2016 to 2023, the prevalence for malaria, typhoid fever and brucellosis varied from 43,316 to 29,271; 538 to 445 and 151 to 89 cases/100,000 population, respectively. From 2016 to 2023, there was an overall 4% decrease in the malaria prevalence/100,000, 2% decrease in the typhoid fever prevalence/100,000 and 8% decrease in the brucellosis prevalence/100,000. The burden of malaria and the nonmalarial febrile illnesses, typhoid fever and brucellosis varied across regions throughout the eight years. Overall, the northern region had the highest prevalence/100,000 for malaria and brucellosis, while the central region had the lowest prevalence for both diseases. The central region had the highest prevalence for typhoid fever. Conclusions: The study revealed the disproportionate burden of malaria and nonmalarial febrile illnesses, typhoid fever and brucellosis. The findings suggest a need to review the existing national malaria control program, to strengthen measures to mitigate the risk of typhoid fever infection and multisectoral prevention and control of brucellosis in the most affected regions and districts.