Epidemiology of an outbreak of cholera in a south-west state of Nigeria

Abstract

On 19 August 2011, 11 suspected cholera cases were reported by three private hospitals to the Disease Surveillance Unit of Ede District in Osun State, Nigeria. Diagnoses were confrmed using the cholera rapid diagnostic test kit. A feld investigation to provide descriptive epidemiology of the outbreak was conducted. There were 148 cases and eight deaths, giving a case fatality rate of 5%. Twelve of the 30 districts in the state were affected. Female cases constituted more than half (51%, n = 76). The distribution of cases by age category showed a higher incidence in the age group ≥ 15 years (61%, n = 90). The need to monitor the occurrence of cases closely and to provide continuous public enlightenment on household hygienic practices was emphasised.