A Descriptive Epidemiology of Cholera Outbreak in Katsina State, Nigeria, 2021

Abstract

Purpose: Cholera is a highly infectious enteric bacterial infection cause by Vibrio cholerae. It causes large outbreaks characterized by watery diarrhea and vomiting. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of the ongoing cholera outbreak in Katsina State, Nigeria Methods & Materials: We analyzed the Katsina State cholera outbreak surveillance data collected from the State Primary Healthcare Agency. We described cholera cases in time, place, and person. We calculated age specific case fatality rates and attack rates. Results: A total of 5796 cases were recorded with 182 deaths and a case fatality rate (CFR) of 3.1%. The median age for cases was 18 years (range: 0.17-95 years). Male cases were 2798 (50.5%). The attack rate was 66.2 per 100,000. Persons greater than 60 years had the highest age specific case fatality rate (ASCFR) of 6.9%. The outbreak started in Bakori in week 12 and is still ongoing. Thirty-three Local Government Areas were affected with Funtua having the highest attack rate of 460.4 per 100,000 and case fatality rate of 10.3%. Conclusion: The cholera outbreak has caused a significant loss of lives in Katsina State. Persons above 60 years were the most affected. Katsina Primary Healthcare Agency deployed rapid response teams to investigate and control the spread of the outbreak. Risk communication messages emphasized on improvement of hygiene in the state. We recommend Katsina State government should prioritize provision of clean drinking water and sewage drainage system in the affected areas to control the outbreak