Weekly Epidemiological Report

October 2017 Week 43

Editoral

REPORT OF STRANGE ILLNESS: AN INCREASING CALL FOR STRENGTHENING DISEASE SURVEILLANCE

Posted: 14-11-2017 07:39:42 PM

In Epi-week 44, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) through its event-based surveillance system received unconfirmed reports of suspected cases and deaths of a strange illness in Gidan Dugus village of Wangara district, Dutse Local Government Area (LGA) in Jigawa state. Preliminary reports revealed that those affected were mostly children less than 5 years and onset of illness was predated as far back as July 2017.

A rising spate of strange illnesses in the country has been observed in the last few months. Some striking features of these events include children being most affected, occurs in hard-to-reach areas, late presentation at health facilities and late reporting of event to the appropriate authorities. These are clear definite pointers to a need for appraisal of the disease surveillance system vis-à-vis healthcare systems in the country.

The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy is the identified mechanism for surveillance in Nigeria. It is all-inclusive with focus on involvement of the community, through the activities of community informants, in surveillance activities at the basic (LGA) level. Collaborations between the community informants, health facilities and the LGA Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) has always been recommended as an avenue to promoting enhanced and sustainable surveillance systems at the community level.

At the 60th National Council of Health held in Abeokuta, the Honourable Minister of Health put a charge to all Nigerians to serve as surveillance officers- i.e to report any strange illness or death to the State health authorities immediately.

In addition to this, it is very important for States to take more ownership of disease preparedness and response activities. Five critical areas include:

1. More support to State Epidemiology Teams by the State Government- resources to work, staff etc

2. Identification of an Isolation centre in each State- ideally in a tertiary health facility in the State. This will be used for management of infectious diseases

3. (Re)Establishment of State Emergency Operation Centres for coordination of outbreak preparedness and response activities

4. Procurement of response commodities- personal protective equipment, drug and other resources required for response

5. Health education and promotion- use of risk communication messages to increase awareness and health seeking behaviour.

Since the outbreak of strange illness in Jigawa state was reported, the NCDC has deployed a team to investigate the situation, with a view to identifying the cause of the outbreak and support the state to initiate appropriate response activities. It is expected that Jigawa state, and other States will work to increase and enhance surveillance activities and report any suspected outbreaks through the approved reporting channels promptly.

The NCDC enjoins the general public to remain calm and to seek information and support authentic information sharing by utilizing its various social media channels (Twitter/Facebook: @NCDCgov; Toll-free: 080097000010 Whatsapp: 07087110839). Situation reports and other information on all disease outbreaks can be found on www.ncdc.gov.ng.


In the reporting week ending on the 29th of October, 2017:

o There were 265 new cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) reported. None was confirmed as Polio. The last reported case of Polio in Nigeria was in August 2016. Active case search for AFP is being intensified as Nigeria has reinvigorated its efforts at eradicating Polio.

o 108 suspected cases of Cholera were reported from six LGAs in four States (Borno -92, Kaduna – 11, Kwara -1 & Oyo – 4). None was laboratory confirmed and three deaths were recorded.

o Eight suspected cases of Lassa fever were reported from five LGAs in (four States: Bauchi – 3, Edo – 3, Kogi – 1 & Ondo -1). One was laboratory confirmed (Bauchi) and no death was recorded.

o There were eight suspected cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) reported from six LGAs in six States (Borno -1, Ebonyi – 2, Kaduna – 1, Katsina – 2, Niger -1 & Plateau -1). Of these, none was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded. Ongoing surveillance for CSM has been intensified in all the 26 States in the Nigeria meningitis belt.

o There were 321 suspected cases of Measles reported from 34 States. None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded.

In the reporting week, all States sent in their report. This is a remarkable improvement! Timeliness of reporting an increase from 84% to 85% in previous and current weeks (Week 42 and 43) while completeness remains at 100%. It is very important for all States to ensure timely and complete reporting at all times, especially during an outbreak.


1. LASSA FEVER

Please note that the data reflects the routine reports i.e. all suspected cases including the laboratory positive and negative cases

1.1. Eight suspected cases of Lassa fever with one laboratory-confirmed were reported from five LGAs (four States; Bauchi – 3, Edo – 3, Kogi – 1 & Ondo -1) in week 43, 2017 compared with one suspected case reported from Owo LGA (Ondo State) at the same period in 2016

1.2. Laboratory results of the eight suspected cases were one positive for Lassa fever (Bauchi – 1) and 7 negative for Lassa fever & other VHFs (Bauchi – 2, Edo – 3, Kogi – 1 & Ondo -1)

1.3. Between weeks 1 and 43 (2017), 598 suspected Lassa fever cases with 122 laboratory confirmed cases and 67 deaths (CFR, 11.2%) from 90 LGAs (27 States) were reported compared with 859 suspected cases with 87 laboratory confirmed cases and 102 deaths (CFR, 11.87%) from 139 LGAs (29 States) during the same period in 2016 (Figure 1)

1.4. Between weeks 1 and 52 2016, 921 suspected Lassa fever cases with 109 laboratory confirmed cases and 119 deaths (CFR, 12.92%) from 144 LGAs (28 States and FCT) were reported compared with 430 suspected cases with 25 laboratory confirmed cases and 40 deaths (CFR, 9.30%) from 37 LGAs (14 States and FCT) during the same period in 2015 (Figure 2)

1.5. Investigation and active case search ongoing in affected States with coordination of response activities by the NCDC with support from partners

1.5.1. National Lassa Fever Working Group meeting and weekly National Surveillance and Outbreak Response meeting on-going at NCDC to keep abreast of the current Lassa fever situation in the country

1.5.2. Response materials for VHFs provided to support States

1.5.3. New VHF guidelines have been developed by the NCDC (National Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers Preparedness guidelines, Infection Prevention and Control of VHF and Standard Operating Procedures for Lassa fever management) and are available on the NCDC website- http://ncdc.gov.ng/diseases/guidelines

1.5.4. VHF case-based forms completed by affected States are being entered into the new VHF management system. This system allows for the creation of a VHF database for the country. Data from the VHF database is currently being analysed to inform decision making in the coming year

1.5.5. Confirmed cases are being treated at identified treatment/isolation centres across the States with Ribavirin and necessary supportive management also instituted

1.5.6. Onsite support was earlier provided to Ogun, Nasarawa, Taraba, Ondo and Borno States by the NCDC and partners

1.5.7. Offsite support provided by NCDC/partners in all affected States

1.5.8. States are enjoined to intensify surveillance and promote Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in health facilities.


2. MEASLES

2.1. In the reporting week, 321 suspected cases of Measles were reported from 34 States compared with 172 suspected cases reported from 26 States during the same period in 2016

2.2. So far, 19,644 suspected Measles cases with 108 laboratory confirmed cases and 109 deaths (CFR, 0. 55%) have been reported in 2017 from 36 States and FCT (Figure 4) compared with 23,589 suspected cases and 100 deaths (CFR, 0.42%) from 36 States and FCT during the same period in 2016

2.3. In 2016 (week 1 -52), 25,251 suspected Measles cases with 102 deaths (CFR, 0.40%) were reported from 36 States and FCT compared with 24,421 suspected cases with 127 deaths (CFR, 0.52%) during the same period in 2015 (Figure 5)

2.4. Response measures include immunisation for all vaccine-preventable diseases in some selected/affected wards/LGAs during SIAs, as well as case management

2.5. Scheduled Measles campaigns in the North East were conducted from 12th – 17th January 2017 in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States (Phase I) and Phase II from 21st – 25th January, 2017 in Borno State and 4th – 8th February 2017 in Yobe State

2.6. Measles Surveillance Evaluation and Establishment of the burden of Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) in 12 selected States in the six geopolitical zones from the 17th -21st July 2017 conducted


3. POLIOMYELITIS

3.1. As at October 27th, 2017, no new case of WPV was recorded

3.2. Three new cVDPV2, environmental derived and Polio compatible cases identified

3.2.1. In the reporting week, 265 cases of AFP were reported from 186 LGAs in 33 States and FCT

3.2.2. AFP Surveillance has been enhanced and outbreak response is on-going in Borno and other high-risk States

3.2.3. The 1st round of SIPDs in 2017 was conducted from 28th – 31st January 2017 in the 18 high-risk States. This was carried out using mOPV2 (2nd mOPV2 OBR). The schedule for other SIAs is as described in Table 2

3.2.4. The 2nd and 3rd round of SIPDs completed (25th-28th February and 8th – 11th July 2017) in 14 & 18 high-risk States using bOPV respectively.

3.2.5. The 1st and 2nd rounds of NIPDs completed (from 25th – 28th March 2017 and 22nd – 25th April 2017) nationwide respectively.

3.2.6. The 4th round of SIPDs completed from 14th- 17th October 2017 in 18 high-risk States using bOPV.

3.2.7. Between weeks 1 and 52 in 2016, four WPVs were isolated from Borno State compared to no WPV isolated during the same period in 2015.

3.3. No circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Virus type 2 (cVDPV2) was isolated in week 1 - 52, in both 2016 and 2015.

3.4. Between weeks 1 and 52, 2016 two (2) cVDPV2 were isolated in two LGAs (two States) while one (1) cVDPV2 was isolated from Kwali, FCT during the same period in 2015.

3.5. Six confirmed WPVs were isolated in 2014.

3.6. The SIAs were strengthened with the following events:

3.6.1. Immunisation for all vaccine-preventable diseases in some selected wards/LGAs.

3.6.2. Use of health camp facilities.

3.6.3. Field supportive supervision and monitoring.

3.6.4. Improved Enhanced Independent Monitoring (EIM) and Lots Quality Assessments (LQAs) in all Polio high-risk States.

3.6.5. High level of accountability framework


4. CHOLERA

4.1. 108 suspected cases of Cholera were reported and three deaths (CFR, 2.78%) from six LGAs (4 States; Borno – 92, Kaduna – 11, Kwara – 1 & Oyo -4) in week 43 compared with zero suspected cases reported during the same period in 2016.

4.2. Between weeks 1 and 43 (2017), 3642 suspected Cholera cases with 42 laboratory confirmed and 84 deaths (CFR, 2.31%) from 70 LGAs (19 States) were reported compared with 712 suspected cases and 32 deaths (CFR, 4.49%) from 51 LGAs (12 States) during the same period in 2016 (Figure 7).

4.3. Between weeks 1 and 52 (2016), 768 suspected Cholera cases with 14 laboratory confirmed cases and 32 deaths (CFR, 4.17%) from 57 LGAs (14 States) were reported compared with 5,301 cases with 29 laboratory confirmed cases and 186 deaths (CFR, 3.51%) from 101 LGAs (18 States and FCT) during the same period in 2015 (Figure 8).

4.4. Cholera preparedness workshop held from 31st May – 1st June, 2017 in Abuja to

develop Cholera preparedness plan as the season set in.

4.5. NCDC/partners provided onsite support in Kwara, Zamfara and Kebbi States.

4.6 NCDC/partners are providing onsite support in Borno State.

4.7. Preparedness and Response to Acute Watery Diarrhoea/ Cholera Guidelines have been finalised: http://ncdc.gov.ng/themes/common/docs/protocols/45_1507196550.pdf

4.8. States are enjoined to intensify surveillance, implement WASH activities and ensure early reporting.


5. CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS (CSM)

5.7. In the reporting week 43, eight suspected Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) cases were reported from six LGAs (6 States; Borno – 1, Ebonyi – 2, Kaduna – 1, Katsina – 2, Niger – 1 & Plateau -1) compared with 11 suspected cases from three LGAs (three States) at the same period in 2016

5.8. Between weeks 1 and 43 (2017), 9828 suspected CSM cases with 108 laboratory confirmed cases and 602 deaths (CFR, 6.13%) were recorded from 320 LGAs (33 States) compared with 759 suspected cases and 31 deaths (CFR, 4.09%) from 144 LGAs (31 States) during the same period in 2016 (Figure 9)

5.9. Between weeks 1 and 52, 2016, 831 suspected CSM cases with 43 laboratory confirmed cases and 33 deaths (CFR, 3.97%) were recorded from 154 LGAs (30 States and FCT) compared with 2,711 suspected cases and 131 deaths (CFR, 4.83%) from 170 LGAs (28 States and FCT) during the same period in 2015 (Figure 10)

5.10. Timeliness/completeness of CSM case-reporting from States to the National Level (2017 versus 2016): on average, 82.5% of the 26 endemic States sent CSM reports in a timely manner while 97.9% were complete in week 1 – 43, 2017 as against 85.7% timeliness and 99.0% completeness recorded within the same period in 2016

5.11. Ongoing finalisation of the National CSM Guidelines

5.12. Enhanced surveillance to begin 1st of December 2017, ahead of the 2017/2018 dry season

5.13. Development of State-specific CSM Epidemic Preparedness & Response plan ongoing in 11 Northern States within the Meningitis belt


6. GUINEA WORM DISEASE

6.7. In the reporting week, no rumour report of Guinea Worm disease was received from any State.

6.8. Nigeria has celebrated eight consecutive years of zero reporting of Guinea worm disease in the country. The Country has been officially certified free of Dracunculiasis transmission by the International Commission for the Certification of Dracunculiasis Eradication (ICCDE).

(For further information, contact Nigeria Guinea Worm Eradication Program / Neglected Tropical Diseases Division, Public Health Department/Federal Ministry of Health)


7. Update on national Influenza sentinel surveillance, Nigeria week 1 - 43, 2017

7.1. From week 1-43, a total of 103 suspected cases were reported, of which 95 were Influenza like-illness (ILI), 8 Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI).

7.2 A total of 103 samples were received and all were processed. Of the processed samples, 95(92.2%) were ILI cases, 8(7.8%) were Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI).

7.4. Of the 95 processed ILI samples, 1(1.05%) was positive for Influenza A; 2(2.1%) positive for Influenza B and 92(98.95%) were negative.

7.5. Of the 8 processed SARI samples, none was positive for Influenza A and Influenza B.

7.6. 3(3.16%) of the processed 95 samples were positive for Influenza, with 1(33.3%) of these positive for Influenza A and 2(66.7%) positive for Influenza B.

7.7. The subtypes A seasonal H3, 2009A/H1N1 and A/not subtyped account for (100%), 0(0.0%) and 0(0.0%) of the total influenza A positive samples respectively.

7.8. The percentage influenza positive was highest (50.0%) in week 14, 2017

7.9. In the reporting week 43, no samples were left unprocessed

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Surveillance Unit:

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control,

801 Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria.

[email protected]

www.ncdc.gov.ng/reports

0800-970000-10

Highlight of the week

  • In the reporting week ending on the 29th of October, 2017:
  • 1. LASSA FEVER
  • 2. MEASLES
  • 3. POLIOMYELITIS
  • 4. CHOLERA
  • 5. CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS (CSM)
  • 6. GUINEA WORM DISEASE
  • 7. Update on national Influenza sentinel surveillance, Nigeria week 1 - 43, 2017

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