This study investigated the risk factors associated with cholera epidemic during the 2010 cholera
outbreak in some States in Nigeria. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to consented
patients and/or their parents/guardians in Bauchi and Gombe States in North East Nigeria. Few (33.7%)
respondents had access to safe and clean drinking water through the pipe-borne system compared to
well (47.8%) and river (19.6%). Respondents’ means of sewage disposal were: pit/latrine (77.2%); bush
(15.2%); and water closet (4.3%). Only 34.8% knew water, food and poor sanitation as transmission
routes for cholera. There was a significant gender difference in knowledge of lack of safe and clean
drinking water and poor sanitation as contributing factors to cholera infection (p<0.05). Observation
showed poor sanitation and food hygiene practices in the communities visited.The results provided
insights for planning educational programmes through information, education and
communication/behavioral change communication efforts to boost knowledge on cholera in the
communities.