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

This report documents the investigation and the control of an outbreak of gastro-enteritis in Lagun; Oyo State; Nigeria. In 1981 cholera was suspected 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. A community environmental sanitation programme was also carried out; and recommendations have been made