ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SEASONAL VARIATIONS ON CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN BIDA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Cholera remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, with Bida metropolis experiencing recurrent outbreaks. This study evaluates the trend of cholera cases in Bida Metropolis, Niger State, from 2000 to 2020, using retrospective data from two hospitals. The study is limited to retrospective cholera cases reported at Umaru Sanda Ndayako General Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre Bida. Data on cases, deaths and vaccination coverage were collected through primary and secondary sources. Data collected were analysed using trend analysis, standardised coefficient of Skewness (Z1) and Kurtosis (Z2) statistic. The results showed that a significant increase in trend in cholera cases was observed from 2000-2020 with an average annual incidence which revealed that year 2007 ranked the highest with 231 cases of cholera, followed by the 2014 with 198 cases and the least was observed in the 2013 with 26 cases. The study concludes that a significant increase in cholera cases was observed, with peaks
in 2007 and 2014. Statistical trend analysis was applied to assess seasonality and distribution patterns. The study highlights the critical need for improved environmental sanitation and public health interventions, particularly during the dry season. It recommends strict enforcement of waste disposal regulations to mitigate future outbreaks.