On March 11, 2024, health authorities in Côte d’Ivoire reported a sudden surge in febrile gastroenteritis cases in the Air France neighbourhood of Bouaké. This prompted an investigation to identify the cause and extent of the outbreak. The probe was conducted from March 11 to 13, 2024, in the Bouaké-Sud health district. A suspected case was defined as anyone residing in Air France or adjacent neighbourhoods, who consulted a healthcare provider between March 8 and 12, 2024, and presented with at least two symptoms: diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or fever.
A total of 79 suspected cases were identified, with no reported deaths. The peak number of cases, 33, occurred on March 11. Among the 57 cases with usable data, 33, or 57.9%, were children aged 0-5 years. The most common symptoms were vomiting and headache, reported by 52 patients, or 91.2%. The investigation found that 65.8% of cases were concentrated in Air France 2 and Air France 3.
The outbreak investigation revealed that a water supply interruption had occurred before the surge in cases. This finding, combined with the concentration of cases in specific areas and the high incidence of symptoms consistent with waterborne illness, suggested a possible link to contaminated water. However, no microbiological confirmation was obtained.
Gastroenteritis remains a significant cause of morbidity, particularly among young children in areas with limited access to safe water. According to the World Health Organization, diarrhoeal disease is a major public health concern in many parts of the world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In Côte d’Ivoire, the lack of access to safe water and proper sanitation facilities contributes to the high incidence of waterborne diseases.
The investigation’s findings highlight the need for improved water and sanitation infrastructure in Bouaké. Intermittent water supply and inadequate waste management can lead to contamination of drinking water, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. The study’s results also underscore the importance of rapid response to disease outbreaks to prevent further transmission and mitigate the impact on public health.
The research team, led by Kouame Arsène Deby, Soumahoro Sory Ibrahim, and Diomande Louty, published their findings in the journal Health Sciences and Diseases. The study’s authors emphasize the need for continued monitoring and evaluation of water quality and disease surveillance to prevent future outbreaks. They also stress the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, public health officials, and local communities to address the root causes of waterborne diseases.
Key factors contributing to the outbreak include the water supply interruption, inadequate sanitation facilities, and the high concentration of cases in specific areas. To prevent similar outbreaks, it is essential to invest in improving water and sanitation infrastructure, enhancing disease surveillance, and promoting public health awareness. By addressing these underlying issues, Côte d’Ivoire can reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases and improve the overall health and well-being of its population.
Key points
- The outbreak investigation identified a possible link to contaminated water due to a water supply interruption.
- The majority of cases, 57.9%, were children aged 0-5 years, highlighting the vulnerability of young children to waterborne diseases.
- The study’s findings emphasize the need for improved water and sanitation infrastructure to prevent future outbreaks.
