Weekly Epidemiological Report

December 2017 Week 51

Editoral

PREVENTING CHOLERA OUTBREAKS IN THE DRY SEASON

Posted: 10-01-2018 05:32:05 AM

Historic Epidemiological reports show that the cholera outbreak season in Nigeria has two peak periods. The first peak period is seen during the rainy season when the sewage and drainage systems are overwhelmed due to heavy rains with an attendant contamination of sources of drinking water. The second peak period is seen during the dry season particularly in areas where wells and bodies of waters have dried up and people in the communities are made to travel far in search of water, albeit non-potable water.

In Epi-week 51, rumours of a cholera outbreak in Nasarawa state was captured and reported by the event based surveillance system at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and confirmed to be true. The NCDC deployed a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to Nasarawa state to assess the outbreak situation and provide technical support to the state RRT. Highlights of the activities carried out by the RRT included: mapping out of affected communities, identification of the source(s) of infection (with laboratory sampling and testing), active case search and development of line list of affected cases, assessment of Cholera treatment centres vis-à-vis patient management and support for collaborative efforts between the State and the WASH sector.

In the light of this, it is important that the public is sensitised on this disease and its biannual occurrence with a view to protecting families and communities from becoming infected during this second peak period of the disease. Key preventive messages should be disseminated via all print, mass and social media platforms on what needs to be done to minimize the occurrence of this outbreak. These key messages should focus on:

1. Handwashing practices

2. Water treatment and available options

3. Food handling

4. Food Hygiene practices

Furthermore, advocacy to key stakeholders and relevant authorities should be carried out, highlighting the need to provide alternative sources of water supply for communities that experience shortage of water in the dry season. This, in itself, can provide lasting solutions to acute water shortage and resultant outbreak occurrence.

The NCDC has commenced plans to disseminate advisories and messages to States and the public on Cholera. States are encouraged to commence community mobilization activities, which should be used as an avenue to educate the populace and mitigate the effect of any existing outbreak.

The National Technical Guidelines for Preparedness and Response to Acute Watery Diarrhoea Outbreaks is available via: http://ncdc.gov.ng/themes/common/docs/protocols/45_1507196550.pdf


Week Summary

In the reporting week ending on December 24, 2017:

o There were 70 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 172 suspected cases of Cholera were reported from 16 LGAs in two States (Kaduna – 2 and Kano – 170). Of these, four were laboratory confirmed and five deaths were recorded.

o Eight suspected cases of Lassa fever were reported from seven LGAs in six States (Bauchi – 3, FCT – 1, Gombe – 1, Kogi – 1, Lagos - 1 & Ondo - 1). One was laboratory confirmed and one death was recorded.

o There were 17 suspected cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) reported from 13 LGAs in five States (Cross River – 1, Kano – 4, Katsina - 10, Oyo – 1 & Sokoto – 1). Of these, one was laboratory confirmed and one 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 183- suspected cases of Measles reported from 23 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 remains 86% in both previous and current weeks (Week 50 and 51) 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 and one death (CFR, 12.50%) were reported from seven LGAs (six States: Bauchi - 3, FCT - 1, Gombe - 1, Kogi - 1, Lagos - 1 & Ondo - 1) in week 51, 2017 compared with nine suspected cases and two deaths (CFR, 22.2%) reported from seven LGAs (four States) at the same period in 2016

1.2. Laboratory results of the eight suspected cases; one positive for Lassa fever (Ondo - 1), five were negative for Lassa fever & other VHFs (Bauchi - 3, FCT - 1 & Kogi - 1)

1.3. Between weeks 1 and 51 (2017), 728 suspected Lassa fever cases with 142 laboratory confirmed cases and 71 deaths (CFR, 9.75%) from 96 LGAs (29 States) were reported compared with 911 suspected cases with 100 laboratory confirmed cases and 116 deaths (CFR, 12.73%) from 143 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 VHF provided to support States

1.5.3. National VHF guidelines (National Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers Preparedness guidelines, Infection Prevention and Control of VHF and Standard Operating Procedures for Lassa fever management) 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. NCDC Lassa fever working group visited priority States, to provide support in developing preparedness and response plans ahead of dry season


2. MEASLES

2.1. In the reporting week, 183 suspected cases of Measles were reported from 23 States compared with 119 suspected cases with one Laboratory confirmed cases reported from 20 States during the same period in 2016

2.2. So far, 21,882 suspected Measles cases with 109 laboratory confirmed cases and 117 deaths (CFR, 0. 53%) have been reported in 2017 from 36 States and FCT (Figure 4) compared with 25,154 suspected cases and 102 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 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.

2.7. Measles mass campaign conducted in seven North West and North East States from 9th - 14th November, 2017 and 30th November - 5th December, 2017 respectively.


3. POLIOMYELITIS

3.1. As at December 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, 70 cases of AFP were reported from 61 LGAs in 25 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. The 5th round of SIPDs completed from 9th- 12th December, 2017 in 6 high risk States using bOPV.

3.2.8. 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. 172 suspected cases of Cholera with four Laboratory confirmed and five deaths (CFR, 2.91%) were reported from 16 LGAs (two States; Kaduna - 2 & Kano – 170) in week 51 compared with zero case reported during the same period in 2016.

4.2. Between weeks 1 and 51 (2017), 4083 suspected Cholera cases with 55 laboratory confirmed and 98 deaths (CFR, 2.40%) from 83 LGAs (20 States) were reported compared with 768 suspected cases and 32 deaths (CFR, 4.17%) from 57 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 earlier in Borno, Kwara, Zamfara and Kebbi States. Rapid Response Teams currently in Nassarawa and Kano States.

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

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


5. CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS (CSM)

5.1 In the reporting week 51, 17 suspected Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) cases with one Laboratory confirmed and one death (CFR, 5.88%) were reported from 13 LGAs (five States; Cross River – 1, Kano – 4, Katsina - 10, Oyo – 1 & Sokoto - 1) compared with three suspected cases from three LGAs (three States) at the same period in 2016

5.2 Between weeks 1 and 51 (2017), 10009 suspected CSM cases with 112 laboratory confirmed cases and 612 deaths (CFR, 6.11%) were recorded from 328 LGAs (34 States) compared with 829 suspected cases and 33 deaths (CFR, 3.99%) from 154 LGAs (31 States) during the same period in 2016 (Figure 9)

5.3 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)

5.4 Timeliness/completeness of CSM case-reporting from States to the National Level (2017 versus 2016): on average, 83.3% of the 26 endemic States sent CSM reports in a timely manner while 98.9% were complete in week 1 – 52, 2017 as against 82.0% timeliness and 99.0% completeness recorded within the same period in 2016

5.5 The National CSM Emergency Operations Centre has been activated and is currently on response mode

5.6 Enhanced surveillance/ case based surveillance began 1st of December 2017

5.7 Rapid Response Teams currently deployed to support response in Zamfara and Katsina States

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

5.9 Development of State specific CSM Epidemic Preparedness & Response plan completed in 11 Northern States within the Meningitis belt

5.10 Letters of alert developed and disseminated to all States with clear recommendations and action points.


6. GUINEA WORM DISEASE

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

6.2 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 - 50, 2017

7.1 From week 1-50, 107-suspected cases were reported, of which 99 were Influenza like-illness (ILI), eight Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI).

7.2 107 samples were received and all samples were processed. Of the processed samples, 99(92.5%) were ILI cases, eight (7.5%) were Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI).

7.3 Of the 99 processed ILI samples, 1(1.01%) was positive for Influenza A; two (2.02%) positive for Influenza B and 96(96.97%) were negative.

7.4. Of the eight processed SARI samples, none was positive for Influenza A and Influenza B.

7.5. Three (2.80%) of the processed 107 samples were positive for Influenza, with one (33.3%) of these positive for Influenza A and two (66.7%) positive for Influenza B.

7.6. 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.

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

7.8. In the reporting week 50, none samples were left unprocessed

Highlight of the week

  • Week Summary
  • 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 - 50, 2017

Connect Centre