Descriptive analysis of a cholera outbreak in 14 LGAs of Sokoto State – Nigeria, 2018

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Background: Cholera is an acute intestinal disease caused by infection of the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. Globally, the annual estimated cases of cholera and the number of deaths ascribed to cholera are approximately 3–5 million and 100,000–120,000 respectively. African countries account for almost 25,000 cases and more than 350 deaths. Cholera remains a persistent health problem in sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide but can be controlled through water hygiene and environmental sanitation, or by oral cholera vaccination, which provides transient three years’ protection. The case fatality ratios remain high at 2–5% against the global declining trend. The disease was largely eliminated from industrialized countries by water and sewage treatment over a century ago but it remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Methods and materials: Methods: A Suspected case was described as any person ≥2 years presenting with acute watery diarrhoea and severe dehydration or dying from acute watery diarrhoea with or without vomiting, in Sokoto State from 11th–16th August, 2018 and areas where a cholera outbreak was declared. In August 2018, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was notified of Cholera outbreak in 14 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Sokoto State. We investigated the outbreak to verify the diagnosis, characterize and institute appropriate measures to control the outbreak. Results: Total of 1602 suspected cases of cholera were reported, 891 (55.6%) were females. Most affected age groups were >45 years 22(26.2%) with mean age (SD) of 25.6. Sabon birni and Isa has 25% and 16.7% cases respectively. Case fatality rate of 5.2% with 84 deaths recorded, male 46 (6.5%) recorded highest. Samples were collected and tested using Rapid Diagnostic Test Kit. Conclusion: Outbreak of cholera in 14 LGAs of Sokoto State confirmed. We recommended health promotion campaigns and provision of adequate safe drinking water in villages to prevent future outbreaks.