Weekly Epidemiological Report

November 2017 Week 47

Editoral

BUILDING LABORATORY SYSTEMS TO ENHANCE DISEASE SURVEILLANCE

Posted: 12-12-2017 10:12:48 PM

Globally, an effective disease control system requires a strong and vibrant laboratory component. As we enter the outbreak season for some diseases such as Lassa fever, Cerebrospinal meningitis and Cholera, the role of the laboratory cannot be over-emphasised. It is therefore important that our laboratory systems are built to standards as we work towards disease control, elimination and eradication. In the last six months, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been strengthening its National Reference Laboratory (NRL) in Abuja, and its network of collaborating laboratories in all geopolitical zones in the country.

Over the next few weeks, weekly editorials will focus on the laboratory and its role in surveillance and disease control. Focus areas of discussion will include functions of the laboratory in surveillance/Epidemiology, establishing laboratory support for Public Health Surveillance and the role of the laboratory before, during and after an outbreak.

Firstly, it is imperative for the functions of the laboratory in Surveillance/Epidemiology to be highlighted. This will provide clarity on the responsibilities and expectations of the laboratory in disease surveillance. The functions include:

1. Confirmation of etiology of diseases to resolve syndromic presentation

2. Building data intelligence for

• Antimicrobial resistance monitoring

• Emergence of unusual isolates

• Detection of new pathogens

• Sero-surveillance

3. Outbreak detection within the laboratory

• Tracing spread through typing and characterization

• Detection of carriers and natural foci of infection

4. Determine the end of an outbreak

5. Determine elimination or eradication of disease

6. Outbreak detection and investigations of which, results inform response activities to be undertaken.

7. Develop case definition of priority diseases, particularly on identifying markers for specific disease conditions.

8. Determine case management modalities of some diseases where serial testing of infected individuals can provide estimation of treatment provided e.g. serial testing for Lassa fever cases to ascertain extent of viral load in patients during the course of the treatment

9. Environmental monitoring

10. Understand the natural history of disease

11. Evaluate interventions

12. Monitor progress towards control

13. Develop immunization strategies. This will include identification of different serotypes which will inform vaccine development towards a specified serotype of a causative organism

14. Prevalence Studies.

In a bid to drive home the importance of a strong laboratory system, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) organised a Laboratory Consultative Meeting with partners during the week, to review the NCDC strategy and implementation plan (2017-2021). The focus for the laboratory is to enhance laboratory capacity to support disease surveillance, prevention and control. This meeting served as a platform to brainstorm and harness ideas as well as deepen commitment towards building a strong laboratory network system in the country. The NCDC strategy and implementation plan (2017-2021) can be assessed on the NCDC website www.ncdc.gov.ng

Reference

1. http://www.who.int/ihr/lyon/surveillance/lab_surveillance/en/


In the reporting week ending on the 26th of November, 2017:

o There were 166 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 Seven suspected cases of Cholera were reported from three LGAs in three States (Anambra – 2, Bauchi – 1 and Kaduna – 4). None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded.

o 25 suspected cases of Lassa fever were reported from four LGAs in (three States: Edo – 23, Nasarawa – 1 & Ondo - 1). Four were laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded.

o There were 23 suspected cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) reported from nine LGAs in five States (Cross River – 1, Ebonyi – 1, Katsina -8, Sokoto – 3 & Zamfara - 10). 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 and case-based surveillance commenced from 4th December 2017.

o There were 282 suspected cases of Measles reported from 30 States. One 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 remains 85% in both previous and current weeks (Week 46 and 47) 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. 25 suspected cases of Lassa fever with four Laboratory confirmed were reported from four LGAs (three States: Edo – 23, Nasarawa – 1 & Ondo - 1) in week 47, 2017 compared with five suspected cases and one death (CFR, 20.0%) reported from four LGAs (three States) at the same period in 2016

1.2. Laboratory results of the 25 suspected cases; four positive for Lassa fever (Edo – 3 & Ondo - 1) and 21 were negative for Lassa fever & other VHFs (Edo – 21)

1.3. Between weeks 1 and 47 (2017), 679 suspected Lassa fever cases with 133 laboratory confirmed cases and 67 deaths (CFR, 9.87%) from 94 LGAs (28 States) were reported compared with 879 suspected cases with 89 laboratory confirmed cases and 108 deaths (CFR, 12.29%) from 141 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

1.5.9. Ongoing visits to support priority States in developing preparedness and response plans ahead of dry season


2. MEASLES

2.1. In the reporting week, 282 suspected cases of Measles with one Laboratory confirmed were reported from 30 States compared with 181 suspected cases and one death (CFR, 0.55%) reported from 25 States during the same period in 2016

2.2. So far, 20,884 suspected Measles cases with 108 laboratory confirmed cases and 112 deaths (CFR, 0. 54%) have been reported in 2017 from 36 States and FCT (Figure 4) compared with 24,368 suspected cases and 101 deaths (CFR, 0.41%) 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 immunization 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

2.7. Measles mass campaign conducted in seven North West States and ongoing in the North East States


3. POLIOMYELITIS

3.1. As at November 24th 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, 166 cases of AFP were reported from 153 LGAs in 32 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. Seven suspected cases of Cholera were reported from three LGAs (three States; Anambra – 2, Bauchi – 1 & Kaduna -4) in week 47 compared with seven suspected cases reported from three LGA (two States) during the same period in 2016.

4.2. Between weeks 1 and 47 (2017), 3695 suspected Cholera cases with 42 laboratory confirmed and 84 deaths (CFR, 2.27%) from 73 LGAs (20 States) were reported compared with 722 suspected cases and 32 deaths (CFR, 4.43%) from 55 LGAs (14 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 47, 23 suspected Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) cases were reported from nine LGAs (five States; Cross River – 1, Ebonyi – 1, Katsina -8, Ondo – 1, Sokoto – 3 & Zamfara - 10) compared with ten suspected cases from six LGAs (five States) at the same period in 2016

5.8. Between weeks 1 and 47 (2017), 9902 suspected CSM cases with 108 laboratory confirmed cases and 602 deaths (CFR, 6.08%) were recorded from 326 LGAs (34 States) compared with 803 suspected cases and 31 deaths (CFR, 3.86%) from 149 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, 82.9% of the 26 endemic States sent CSM reports in a timely manner while 99.1% were complete in week 1 – 47, 2017 as against 85.7% timeliness and 99.3% completeness recorded within the same period in 2016

5.11. The National CSM Guidelines have been finalised and available via http://ncdc.gov.ng/themes/common/docs/protocols/51_1510449270.pdf

5.12. Enhanced surveillance/ case-based 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 completed in 11 Northern States within the Meningitis belt

5.14. Letters of alert have been developed and disseminated to all States with clear recommendations

5.15. The National CSM Emergency Operations Centre has been activated and is currently in alert mode


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 - 46, 2017

7.1. From week 1-46, a total of 107 suspected cases were reported, of which 99 were Influenza-like-illness (ILI), 8 Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI).

7.2 A total of 107 samples were received and 103 samples 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 46, four (4) 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 26th of November, 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 - 46, 2017

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