Factors associated with probable cluster of leptospirosis among kennel workers in Abuja, Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
Between February and October 2009 an increase in morbidity and mortality in dogs in a national kennel in Abuja, Nigeria, was observed with signs indicative of leptospirosis. Concurrent illness was observed in some kennel workers which had high titres of leptospira antibodies.


METHODS
An unmatched case-control study was conducted to identify associated factors. Fifteen cases and fifteen controls were recruited. A probable case was defined as any person working at the kennel with history of fever, chills, headache, myalgia with either conjunctivitis or sore throat between February and December 2009. Controls were healthy kennel workers within the same period. Inclusion criteria were any person meeting the definition (for both cases and controls). Kennel workers who were sick but did not fit into the case definition were excluded.


RESULTS
Bivariate analysis showed that wounds or cuts on either hands or legs of kennel workers during the period of the outbreak and contact with sewage at the kennel together (p = 0.001) was associated with leptospirosis among kennel workers.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings revealed the importance of environmental hygiene in the prevention and control of leptospirosis. Sanitation and hygiene improvements were recommended.
Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Abadina, University of Ibadan, Agbowo, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Emmanuel J
EJ
Awosanya
Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, 50 Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria.
Patrick
P
Nguku
Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, 50 Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria.
Akin
A
Oyemakinde
Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Abadina, University of Ibadan, Agbowo, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Olutayo
O
Omobowale
D000328:Adult; D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007922:Leptospirosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014937:Work; D000078329:Workforce; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000453:epidemiology
Dog; Nigeria; infection; kennel; leptospirosis; risk; sewage; workers; wounds; zoonosis