1. Cholera outbreak investigation, Gajala community, Birnin Kudu Local Government Area (LGA), Jigawa State, Nigeria, September 2015.
- Author
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Nnaji, R. N., Ajumobi, O., bala, U., Oladimeji, A., Sarki, M., usman, R., Buba, M., Sale, F., osigwe, U., and Nguku, P.
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CHOLERA , *DISEASE outbreaks , *LOCAL government , *DIARRHEA , *COMMUNITY-acquired infections - Abstract
Background: Outbreaks of cholera are common in Nigeria, at week 40 this year, it has occurred in 18 states (95 LGAs). Overall, 4542 cases has been recorded, case fatality rate (CFR) 3.87%. An outbreak of cholera was reported in Gajala community, Birnin Kudu Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria on September 16th, 2015. We carried out an investigation to confirm, characterize, assess the magnitude of the outbreak and identify possible risk factors. Methods & Materials: We carried out descriptive characterization of the outbreak, active case search and an un-matched (1:2) case control study. A case was defined as "Any person ≥2 years living in Gajala community, presenting with acute watery diarrhea, with or without vomiting from September 11th to 25th 2015", and a control defined as above but without acute watery diarrhea or vomiting. Median age of the 138 respondents was 20years (range: 2-7). Frequencies, univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis was done using Epi info version 3.5.3. Stool samples from case patients was tested with rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit(smart kit) and water samples cultured in the laboratory. Finally, we assessed the sanitary and waste disposal system. Results: We recorded 50 cases, median age 21years (range: 2- 80), more male were affected, 27(54%), attack rate (AR) 10.5%, one death occurred, CFR 2%. Mean duration of illness before seeking healthcare was 17.2hours (SD: 15.2). Stool samples tested positive to Vibrio cholerae RDT, water samples yielded negative result. The significant risk factors were not washing hand before eating, (age adjusted odds ratio (AAOR): 2.78 (1.16-6.63), not washing hand after toilet, (AAOR: 2.63 (1.18-5.85), and poor knowledge of cholera (AAOR: 2.52 (1.23-5.28). Good sewage system (pit toilet covered) and proper waste disposal system was observed. Conclusion: Cholera outbreak in Gajala 11th-25th September 2015, was caused by Vibrio cholerae of serotype 01, and characterized by severe illness, high AR and CFR. Poor knowledge of cholera and hand hygiene practice likely caused the outbreak. Public health education on cholera and hand hygiene assisted to stop the outbreak. We recommended continued health education, improvement in water supply, emergency preparedness and maintenance of surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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