Contemporary Nigerian public health problem: prevention and surveillance are key to combating cholera

GMS Hygiene and Infection Control

Ayenigbara, George Omoniyi¹  Adeleke, Rowland Olasunkanmi¹  Ayenigbara, Israel Oluwasegun² 

[1] Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria;Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Ibadan, Nigeria;

关键词: cholera;    prevention;    control;    surveillance;    public health;   

DOI  :  10.3205/dgkh000331

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Cholera is a public health problem around the world, and it is endemic in Africa, parts of Asia, the Middle East as well as South and Central America. This review characterizes an cholera outbreak in Nigeria in 2017/2018.On the basis of own experiences and the analysis of historical outbreaks, thecholera strains, mode of transmission, signs and symptoms, and most important the prevention and control measures are identified. Untreated, the lethality of cholera is up to 70%. Therefore, a multifaceted approach including public policy, surveillance, water purification and hygiene, community sensitization, and the use of oral cholera vaccination (OVC) is vital to prevent, control, and reduce the cholera mortality rate. It is recommended that the government pass legislation to implement preventive and surveillance measures, e.g., invest in drinking water systems, sanitation systems and sewage treatment, and promote public education on basic hygiene. The latter includes boiling and treating water before drinking, washing hands frequently with soap and clean water, thoroughly cooking food before consumption, avoiding open defecation, disposing of wastes properly, and immediately taking anyone with signs and symptoms of cholera such as watery diarrhea to the hospital for treatment.

【 授权许可】

Unknown