FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN KUSADA, LGA, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Cholera remains a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa despite availability of an effective intervention for
prevention and control. We investigated a suspected cholera outbreak in Yashe, Mawashi and Bauranya wards, Kusada
LGA, Katsina state, Nigeria. The study aimed to characterize the outbreak, identify the risk factors and institute control
measures. We conducted an unmatched case-control study. A case was defined as any resident of Yashe and Bauranya
wards in Kusada LGA two years and above with acute watery diarrhea with or without vomiting from 15th May to 2nd
July 2018. While a control was any resident of the affected wards of Kusada LGA two years and above without acute
watery diarrhea and vomiting. Data was collected on socio-demographic characteristics, potential risk factors using
structured interviewer administered questionnaire. We calculated frequencies and proportions to characterize the
outbreak in time, place and person. Bivariate and Multivariate analysis were done to identify factors associated with
the outbreak by using the adjusted odd ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 86 cases were line
listed of which 55(64%) were males. Median age was 12 (2-70) years for cases and 21 (2-70) years for controls; the
overall attack rate was 63.6/100,000 and CFR was 9.3%. History of close contact with case (OR=14.0; 95% CI: 2.4-
79.7), history of eating vegetable Tafasa (Senna occidentallis) (OR=27.76; CI: 5.1-149.3) and drinking water from
unprotected well (OR=5.8; CI: 1.1-29.4) were risks for cholera. Vibrio cholerae 01 was isolated in 8/10 (80%) from
culture samples. Unhygienic preparations of vegetables, unprotected wells and close contact with a case were the risk
factors for developing cholera. Public health education on proper handling of vegetables and Provision of sanitary
wells were recommended.