Descriptive Characterization of Cholera Epidemic Caused by Break Down of Public Pipe Borne Water Supply-Egbeda, Oyo State Nigeria September 2013

Adedire, Elizabeth

INTRODUCTION:

Cholera is an acute illness with profuse watery diarrhea caused by vibro cholerae serotypes 01 or 0139. In Nigeria, frequent outbreaks do occur. Effective interventions to control these outbreaks require the identification of the source and risk factors for infection. In August 2013, an outbreak of cholera occurred in Egbeda LGA. We investigated the outbreak to determine its magnitude, source, possible risk factors and initiate control measure.

METHODS:

We reviewed cholera case-based line lists from health facilities, hospital records and conducted active case search for cases. We defined a suspected case as any resident of Egbeda, two years or above, with acute watery diarrhoea with or without vomiting between 26^th August and 10^th September, 2013. We used structured questionnaire to collect data on demographic characteristics, clinical informations, and risk factors. Data were analyzed with Epi-info software and Microsoft excel. Environmental assessment of water sources, water sampling, latrine use and waste disposal methods. We collected and analyzed 5 stool samples.

RESULTS:

There were a total of 28 cases and 7 deaths case fatality rate of 25%. Twenty seven (96.4% ) of cases were from Oke-alaafia community. Median age of cases 10.5yrs (range 2-65yrs); Age group mostly affected was 0-5years; 7/28 (25%). Seventeen of the cases were males (60.7%). Major sources of water were wells (38.5%), 61.4% of respondents have no toilet facilities hence indiscriminate defaecation is commonly practiced. Open dumping was the commonest (80.8%) waste disposal method. Vibrio cholerae 01 was isolated in 3/5 (60%) of stool samples analyzed.

CONCLUSIONS:

The outbreak probably occurred as result of drinking water from contaminated sources of water such as wells following break down of public pipe borne water. Chlorination of 25 wells was done and we conducted an intensive health education with emphasis of proper storage and household water.