Cholera: increased precipitation patterns influence outbreaks in Lusaka, Zambia

Scientists from Niigata University, Japan, have found that increased precipitation patterns are contributing to cholera outbreaks in Lusaka, Zambia. The same link was found between insufficient coverage of drainage networks and increased risk of cholera outbreaks.

They collected data on 6,542 registered cholera patients in the 2003-2004 outbreak season and on 6,045 cholera patients in the 2005-2006 season. Correlations between monthly cholera incidences and amount of precipitation were examined. The distribution pattern of the disease was analysed by a kriging spatial analysis method. The scientists analyzed cholera case distribution and spatiotemporal cluster by using 2,590 cholera cases traced with a global positioning system in the 2005-2006 season.

The association between drainage networks and cholera cases was analyzed with regression analysis. Integrated development is required to upgrade high-risk areas with sufficient infrastructure for a long-term cholera prevention strategy.

[1] Sasaki, S. … [et al.] (2009). Impact of drainage networks on cholera outbreaks in Lusaka, Zambia. American journal of public health ; vol. 99, no. 11 ; p. 1982-1987. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2008.151076

Related news:

• West Africa: stopping cholera emergencies, Source Weekly, 17 Nov 2009
• Cholera: vaccination or improved sanitation?, Source Weekly, 29 May 2009

Contact: Satoshi Sasaki, Division of Public Health, Department of Infectious Disease Control and International Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Japan, e-mail: ssasaki@med.niigata-u.ac.jp

Keywords

• Africa
• Sanitation - Storm drainage
• Water-related diseases