ABSTRACT
The 2010 cholera outbreak in northern Nigeria affected over 40,000 people, with a case fatality rate [CFR] of >/= 3.75%. We assessed the emergency response of health care workers [HCWs] involved in case management. This was a cross-sectional study with data collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi info software. A total of 56 HCWs were interviewed. The mean age was 31 years [SD +/- 8.16 years]. The majority of the HCWs [80%; n = 45] were aged 18-39 years. Most were community health extension workers [60%], and 3.6% [n = 2] were medical doctors. Many of the HCWs had less than 2 years of work experience [42%]. Additionally, 82% of the respondents had <1 week of cholera emergency response training, and 50% of the HCWs managed >20 suspected cases of cholera per day. Although 78% of HCWs reported the practice of universal safety precautions, 32% [n = 18] knew HCWs who developed symptoms of cholera during the epidemic, most of which was believed to be hospital acquired [78%]. We also found that 77% [n = 43] of HCWs had no access to the required emergency response supplies. Inadequate training, a lack of qualified HCWs and a limited supply of emergency response kits were reported. Therefore, the government and stakeholders should address the gaps noted to adequately control and prevent future epidemics