Spatial Distribution of Cholera Epidemic in Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cholera epidemic has been a recurrent decimal in Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State Nigeria. The study assesses the spatial distribution of cholera epidemic in Balanga local government area using the base map, hotspot location and cholera epidemic information. The study employed geospatial analysis technique using GPS in order to know areas that have high cholera cases (hotspot), if overpopulation causes spread of cholera, what are the sources of water in the study area, what are the causes and symptoms duration of cholera in the study area and possible measures to be taken to reduce the impact and spread of the epidemic in the study area. The study revealed that there are hotspots and coldspots in the study area. Swa has the highest hotspots followed by Cham ward while coldspot areas include Tallase and Gelleng with little or no recorded case at all. 37% of the respondents have between 1-5 number of people per household infected, 36% of the respondents have between 6-10 number of people infected, 12% of the respondent has between 11-15 number of people, 16% of the respondents have 16-20 number of people infected. 5% of the respondents have access to tap water, 11% of the respondents use borehole water while 49% of the respondents use well water and 35% uses stream water as their sources of water supply in the study area. Contaminated food and contaminated water were the cause of cholera and symptoms last up to five days. Residential houses should be buffered at least 1000m away from source of contamination.