Epidemiological survey of an outbreak of gastroenteritis in a rural community in Oyo State.

This report documents the investigation and control of an outbreak of gastro-enteritis in Lagun, Oyo State, Nigeria. Prior to the outbreak which occurred in 1981, there had been epidemics of gastro-enteritis, suspected to be cholera, in various parts of Nigeria. The investigations carried out included personal interviews of patients and their contacts, laboratory investigations of faecal specimens and analysis of water samples obtained from the village wells and stream. Available evidence indicates that the infection was probably introduced by one of the many visitors who had thronged the village for a festival. Neither Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella nor Shigella species were isolated from fecal specimens. However Vibrio metschnikovii organisms were present in water from the stream; and all the water samples tested revealed faecal contamination. The intervention consisted of intensive health education of various groups in the community, chlorination of water sources, treatment or referral of patients as necessary, with chemoprophylaxis and cholera immunization for contacts. A community environmental sanitation programme was also carried out, and recommendations have been made. This study highlighted what can be done at Primary Health Care level to investigate and control epidemics of gastro-enteritis which are common occurrence in the rural communities of this country.