Epidemics – afrjcem.org

^*1,3Adewuyi, G. M., ^1,3Samuel, O. S., ¹Unuane, A. E., ²Iraoyah, K. O., ¹Onuha, G. O., ¹Otumu, O. T., and ¹Ogbue, J. I.

Departments of ¹Medical Microbiology/Parasitology and ²Internal Medicine, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria

³Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria *Correspondence to: gbolawuyi@yahoo.com; ORCiD: 0000-0002-8976-5565

Abstract:

There were reported cholera epidemics in some States in Nigeria. Cholera is an acute diarrhea disease with marked epidemic propensity, caused by colonization of the small intestine by Vibrio cholerae serogroup 01 or 0139. Cholera, like other infectious diseases epidemics, has propensity for sending metastatic seed to any susceptible remote community. If the metastatic seed can be promptly diagnosed and managed appropriately, the spread and development of new epicenter can be aborted. This report is a case of metastatic cholera who presented in a tertiary hospital in Edo State, Nigeria. The case was promptly detected and effectively managed using good surveillance system, inter-departmental collaboration, swift responses, good laboratory practices, patient isolation and infection prevention and control measures, coupled with appropriate fluid and antimicrobial treatments. This prevented cholera epidemic in the hospital and Edo State in general. Continue reading “‘Metastatic seed’ of cholera in Edo State, Nigeria: a case report”

*1Shenge, J. A., 2Odaibo, G. N., and 2Olaleye, D. O.

1Department of Biological Sciences, Dominican University, Ibadan, Nigeria

2Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

*Correspondence to: jadamma@yahoo.com

Abstract:

Background: Outbreaks of respiratory disease, febrile illness and rash occurred in two adjoining rural communities of Imo State, Southeastern, Nigeria, at different times between 2006 and 2020. Laboratory investigation was carried out to determine the aetiological agent of the outbreak.

Methodology: Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 6 individuals showing symptoms of disease, within 3-4 days of appearance of rash. Venous blood samples were also collected from a total of 41 symptomatic persons, their contacts and individuals with resolved infections. Swabs were inoculated into Vero, HEp-2c, B95a and MDCK cell lines. Sera were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for immunoglobulin G and M to rubella and measles viruses, while immunofluorescence assay was used to detect Lassa fever virus immunoglobulins. Descriptive data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Four of the 6 (66.7%) swab samples showed viral activity or cytopathic effect characterized by clumping of cells in Vero cells while 2 (33.3%) in Hep-2c characterized by rounding up of cells. Thirty-nine (95.1%) sera were positive for measles IgG while 13 (31.7%) were positive for IgM. Thirty-six (87.8%) sera were positive for rubella IgG but none was positive for IgM. None of the sera was positive for Lassa fever virus IgG and IgM. Continue reading “Outbreak of Measles in vaccinated population in Southeastern Nigeria”