Features of the 1996 cholera epidemic among Nigerian children in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Although cholera is endemic in Nigeria, few studies have highlighted the morbidity and mortality patterns among Nigerian children suffering from cholera. We analysed surveillance data from the Cholera Unit in Ibadan, Oyo State during the period 1 January to 31 December 1996 with a view to identifying epidemiological features of the 1996 cholera epidemic that occurred in Nigeria. Three hundred and two children were affected, and this constituted 21.8 per cent of the total cases seen during this period. Most cases were seen in the period February to May, but no significant seasonal variation was noted. The overwhelming majority (95 per cent) of the cases were among residents of the unplanned, densely populated areas of Ibadan. The case fatality rate was 5.3 per cent. This study establishes that cholera causes significant morbidity and mortality and mortality in Nigerian children. This unpleasant situation can be favourably reversed if urgent attention is paid to the provision of potable water to the unplanned, densely populated areas of Ibadan city.