International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology

ISSN 2326-7291

International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN: 2326-7291  Vol. 4 (6), pp. 152-157, June, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Rapid epidemiological mapping of cholera outbreak in parts of Abeokuta metropolis: A GIS-supported post-epidemic assessment

1*Oyedepo, J. A.,  2Shittu, O.B., 2Popoola, T.O.S. and 3Ogunshola, E.O.

1Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria.

2Department of Microbiology, College of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

3Department of Primary Health Care and Disease Control, Ogun State Ministry of Health, Nigeria.

Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

The paper presents the outcome of a GIS-supported post-epidemic survey of cholera in pipe-borne water of parts of Abeokuta, southwestern Nigeria. Utility pipelines were digitized and superimposed with analyzed water samples and geo-ecological features of the area. Water samples were then collected from various locations along with the corresponding geographical coordinates. Water samples were collected from Ogun River (abstraction point), from the water board treatment tank and from various faucets within the affected communities. The samples were analyzed for the presence of Vibrio cholera (V. cholera). Results revealed a high load (>180 MPN/1000 ml) of cholera bacteria at the abstraction point, which reduced to <10 MPN/1000 ml in the treatment tank. But as the sampling progressed from the water works into the communities, there was an associated increase in V. cholerae contamination level from 60 MPN/1000 ml up to above 180 MPN/1000 ml. The poor sanitary practices of the indigenes of the area namely; improper sewage and waste disposal systems, heaps of refuse dumps with human faeces on old, rusty and leaking water pipes explains the water contamination. This in conjunction with poor sanitation of people holds high significance for future cholera epidemics in this part of the city.

Key words:  GIS, utility board, geo-ecological characteristics, cholera, post-epidemic assessment.  

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