Epidemiological and demographic data for the health zones of Goma, Katana, and Kadutu

This dataset includes suspected cases of cholera reported in the health zones of Goma, Katana and Kadutu, as well as their respective populations. It is derived from the national epidemiological surveillance system, based on weekly reports submitted by health facilities. It also contains data on sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions from the Nyiragongo volcano, published in the article by Batumbo et al. (2020).
Its objective is to explore the relationship between sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions from the Nyiragongo volcano and the dynamics of cholera in three health zones located along Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Goma, Katana and Kadutu, from 2007 to 2012. Initial analyses identify a complex, non-linear spatial association between volcanic activity and cholera dynamics. Katana showed the strongest and most significant correlation (r² = 0.503; p < 0.001), demonstrating a marked temporal synchronisation between SO₂ emissions and cholera incidence rates. Despite its proximity to the volcano, no significant correlation was observed in Goma (r² = 0.003; p > 0.05). In contrast, a weak but significant correlation was identified in Kadutu, the most distant area (r² = 0.029; p < 0.05).
The value of this dataset lies in its level of local detail and its usefulness for prediction, surveillance, intervention planning and understanding epidemic dynamics in the three health zones. It also has good potential for reuse, particularly for spatio-temporal and environmental analyses, predictive models or comparisons between health zones.