A retrospective study of enteric infections in Kano State between 1985 and 1996.
Abstract
Cases of enteric infections in Kano State between 1985 and 1996 were reviewed. This was based on hospital and/or laboratory confirmed reports from all the Public Health Centres (PHCs) and the General Hospitals of the then 34 Local Government Areas in the State. The data gathered was attested and analyzed in the Statistics
Department of the Directorate of Infectious Diseases, Control and Prevention, Kano State Ministry of Health, following standard epidemiological methods. It was observed that epidemics of diarrhoea with or without blood, typhoid and
paratyphoid fever, food poisoning and cholera occurred explosively in 1988, 1990, 1994 and 1996. Morbidity and mortality were highest within January – July 1996. Disease intensity differed among the Local Governments. The study indicates that perhaps Enterobacteria are one of the most important etiological agents. Drinking water and probably the environmental state of hygiene are among the factors contributing to this menace. The research revealed that the people of the areas need safe drinking water and health education, which the Ministry of Health should
encourage. A critical look at the situation shows that the communities should be encouraged on oral dehydration therapy, personal and environmental hygiene. Measures directed against the calamity by the Federal and State Government in conjunction with the international organizations like World Bank, WHO, UNICEF, Red Cross, UNDP and others have yielded success to some degree in terms of prevention and control. More research, especially on drug resistance among the etiologic agents should also be undertaken as soon as possible to pave the way for clearer understanding and effective control of the menace.
Department of the Directorate of Infectious Diseases, Control and Prevention, Kano State Ministry of Health, following standard epidemiological methods. It was observed that epidemics of diarrhoea with or without blood, typhoid and
paratyphoid fever, food poisoning and cholera occurred explosively in 1988, 1990, 1994 and 1996. Morbidity and mortality were highest within January – July 1996. Disease intensity differed among the Local Governments. The study indicates that perhaps Enterobacteria are one of the most important etiological agents. Drinking water and probably the environmental state of hygiene are among the factors contributing to this menace. The research revealed that the people of the areas need safe drinking water and health education, which the Ministry of Health should
encourage. A critical look at the situation shows that the communities should be encouraged on oral dehydration therapy, personal and environmental hygiene. Measures directed against the calamity by the Federal and State Government in conjunction with the international organizations like World Bank, WHO, UNICEF, Red Cross, UNDP and others have yielded success to some degree in terms of prevention and control. More research, especially on drug resistance among the etiologic agents should also be undertaken as soon as possible to pave the way for clearer understanding and effective control of the menace.
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