Epidemiology of Viral Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Secondary Boarding Schools in Niger State

Viral gastroenteritis outbreaks in institutional settings, particularly boarding schools, are a recurring public health problem in Nigeria, frequently caused by norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus. This study describes the epidemiology of gastroenteritis outbreaks reported in secondary boarding schools in Niger State, North Central Nigeria, between 2020 and 2024. A retrospective outbreak investigation study will utilise line list data from the Niger State Ministry of Health Epidemiology Unit and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response reports. Data on outbreak date, total cases, attack rate, symptoms, stool specimen results, source of contamination, and outbreak control measures will be extracted and analysed. Where archived stool samples are available from laboratory-confirmed outbreaks, RT-PCR will be used for viral aetiological confirmation. Mapping of outbreak locations will explore geographic clustering and associations with water supply type and food handling practices. Literature indicates that Nigerian school gastroenteritis outbreaks are predominantly waterborne, with norovirus implicated in 30 to 60 percent of cases where laboratory testing was available. Findings will inform the Niger State Secondary Schools Management Board and Ministry of Health in implementing targeted water sanitation and hygiene interventions and outbreak response protocols in boarding school settings. Keywords: viral gastroenteritis, outbreak, boarding schools, Niger State, epidemiology