INCIDENT OF TYPHOID FEVER AMONGST CHILDREN UNDER 4 YEARS IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS.

Typhoid fever remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, particularly among children under four, who are highly susceptible due to immature immune systems and frequent exposure to contaminated environments. This study investigated the incident of typhoid fever among children under four in Port Harcourt Metropolise, Rivers State, and examined the socio-demographic and environmental factors influencing infection, caregivers’ knowledge and practices, and challenges in disease control. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with data collected from 333 caregivers using a structured questionnaire. Multi-stage sampling ensured representative selection of respondents, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The findings revealed a high prevalence of typhoid fever, with cases peaking during the rainy season. Poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and overcrowded living conditions were significant predictors of infection. Caregivers demonstrated moderate to good knowledge of preventive measures, including proper hand washing and provision of treated or boiled water, but gaps in consistent practice were observed. Systemic challenges such as inadequate sanitation infrastructure, limited public health education, and the presence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Typhi strains were identified as barriers to effective disease control. The study concludes that typhoid fever in Keffi is influenced by a combination of socio-demographic, environmental, and systemic factors. It recommends improving sanitation and water supply, enhancing caregiver education, promoting vaccination programs, monitoring antibiotic resistance, and strengthening community engagement and policy enforcement. These interventions, implemented at both household and community levels, are essential for reducing the burden of typhoid fever among children under four in Port Harcourt Metropolise