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 20^th November, 2005 to 1^st 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 (X² = 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.