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Febrile illness a major cause of profound childhood deafness in Nigeria

A O Ibekwe1

  • 1E.N.T. Department North West Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

West African Journal of Medicine
|June 27, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Febrile illness, particularly viral infections and malaria, is a leading cause of profound childhood deafness in Nigeria. Early identification and preventive measures are crucial for addressing this public health issue.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Otolaryngology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Profound childhood deafness presents a significant health challenge globally.
  • Understanding the etiological factors is crucial for developing effective interventions.
  • Previous studies have highlighted various causes, but regional data is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the causes of profound deafness in children in Enugu, Nigeria.
  • To identify the prevalence of febrile illness as a contributing factor.
  • To compare findings with international data and suggest preventive strategies.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study was conducted on 63 children with profound deafness.
  • Data was collected at the E.N.T. Clinic, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.
  • Patient demographics and potential causes of deafness were recorded between 1984 and 1987.

Main Results:

  • Febrile illness was the most common cause (41.3%), followed by unknown causes (20.6%).
  • The majority of children (57.1%) were aged 0-3 years.
  • Viral infections and malaria were highlighted as probable causes of febrile illness.

Conclusions:

  • Febrile illnesses, potentially linked to viral infections and malaria, are significant contributors to profound childhood deafness in this Nigerian cohort.
  • The high prevalence in young children underscores the need for targeted preventive measures.
  • Further research into specific pathogens and enhanced public health interventions are recommended.

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