Journal of
Public Health and Epidemiology

  • Abbreviation: J. Public Health Epidemiol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2316
  • DOI: 10.5897/JPHE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 662

Full Length Research Paper

Epidemiological features of a GIS-supported investigation of cholera outbreak in Abeokuta, Nigeria

O. B. Shittu1*, I. Akpan1, T. O. S. Popoola1, J. A. Oyedepo2 and E. O. Ogunshola3
1Department of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. 2Geographical Information System Section, Research and Development Centre, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. 3Department of Primary Health Care and Disease Control, Ogun State Ministry of Health, Nigeria.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 03 July 2010
  •  Published: 31 October 2010

Abstract

This study seeks to assess the epidemiological features of a GIS supported investigation of a cholera outbreak in Abeokuta. Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria with an area of 1256 km2 and a population of 605, 451 people had an outbreak of cholera from 20th November, 2005 to 1st of January, 2006. The outbreak affected the Abeokuta North Local Government area where the municipal waterworks is located. Municipal water consumption was found to be associated with illness [McNemar’s Chi square (X= 20.5; p < 0.001) and Odds ratio 10]. The epidemiological surveillance data showed a total of one hundred and fifteen cases and 11 deaths with case fatality rate of 9.6%. Male specific and female specific case fatality rates were 11.9 and 7.1%, respectively. The age group of 15 years and above accounted for 68.3% of the cases and 90.9% of the deaths. Post epidemic environmental investigation showed progressive contamination along distribution points. Cholera is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality among youth and ageing population in Nigeria.

 

Key words: Cholera, epidemiological studies, outbreak investigation, Vibrio cholerae, Abeokuta, Nigeria.