Detection of Adenovirus and Rotavirus in Drinking Water Sources In Gulak, Madagali LGA, Adamawa State. Nigeria

Enteric viruses are important etiological agents of waterborne gastroenteritis, particularly in rural communities where access to treated drinking water is limited. This study assessed the occurrence of adenovirus and rotavirus in drinking water sources in Gulak, Madagali Local Government Area (LGA), Adamawa State, Nigeria. A total of 200 drinking water samples were collected from commonly used sources, including wells (n = 80), boreholes (n = 70), and surface water sources (n = 50). The 200 samples analyzed, 64 (32.0%) tested positive for at least one of the target viruses. Adenovirus was detected in 26 (13.0%) samples, while rotavirus was detected in 22 (11.0%) samples. Co-detection of both viruses occurred in 16 (8.0%) samples. Wells showed the highest prevalence of viral contamination (42.5%), followed by surface water sources (32.0%), whereas boreholes recorded the lowest detection rate (20.0%). Viral contamination was observed across all water source types, indicating widespread environmental dissemination. The detection of adenovirus and rotavirus in drinking water sources in Gulak suggests a substantial public health risk, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children under five years of age. These findings highlight the need for routine viral surveillance of rural drinking water, improved water source protection, and implementation of effective water treatment and sanitation interventions to reduce the burden of waterborne viral infections.