THE PREVALENCE OF TYPHOID ENTERITIS IN IFE EAST AREA OF OSUN STATE HOSPITALS MANAGEMENT BOARD FREE HEALTH SERVICES DURING COVID 19 LOCKDOWN

Background: COVID-19 pandemic required strict movement restrictions and healthcare adjustments worldwide. In Nigeria, while consideration shifted heavily toward viral containment, endemic waterborne pathogens such as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi continued to pose significant burdens underneath. This study evaluated the prevalence of typhoid enteritis among patients accessing the free health services of the Osun State Hospitals Management Board (HMB) in Ife East Local Government Area during the intense lockdown period of 2020. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using centralized laboratory and clinical records from state-managed secondary health facilities in Ife East. Diagnostic verification relied on co-validated febrile presentation, positive Widal serological titers at 1:160 and stool cultures where available. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to determine associated risk distributions. Results: Out of the clinical sample pool, a definitive burden of typhoid gastroenteritis and systemic enteritis was identified which was heavily skewed toward pediatric populations (aged le 15 years) and low-income quarters. Disrupted municipal water infrastructure and altered healthcare-seeking behaviors during the lockdown significantly influenced late-stage clinical presentations. Conclusion: Endemic disease surveillance must be sustained during global respiratory pandemics. State-sponsored free healthcare frameworks serve as critical safety nets but require integrated diagnostic optimization to differentiate overlapping febrile illnesses under crisis conditions.