Weekly Epidemiological Report

December 2019 Week 51

Editoral

2019 In Review: 10 Highlights for The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control

Posted: 06-01-2020 03:51:21 PM

In 2019, Nigeria experienced outbreaks of epidemic prone diseases including Lassa fever, yellow fever, cholera, measles and monkeypox. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) deployed 25 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to 14 states throughout the year.

In addition to supporting outbreak response activities, we carried out significant activities to strengthen the capacity for outbreak prevention, preparedness, detection and response in Nigeria. This week’s editorial provides a summary of ten major highlights in the year 2019.

These are:

1. Expanded the establishment of State Public Health Emergency Operations Centres to 22 states in Nigeria

2. Expanded the roll out of Surveillance Outbreak Response Management Analysis System (SORMAS) for case-based digital surveillance to 17 states

3. Introduced genetic sequencing capacity at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory with ongoing research activities

4. Carried out a mid-term Joint External Evaluation of International Health Regulations (IHR)

5. Increased government ownership of the Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory programme

6. Reviewed and updated the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response national guidelines

7. Trained Rapid Response Teams in all States in Nigeria

8. Established a new national infection prevention and control programme

9. Developed ‘Strengthening States for Health Security’ strategy, to support health security strengthening across states in Nigeria

10. Strengthened partnerships with local, regional and global institutions

Health security brings essential expertise to public health and overall, health system strengthening efforts. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control remains committed to its mandate to protect the health of Nigerians and contribute to a stronger Nigeria.

The NCDC urges Nigerians to take more actions to protect their health by ensuring they are vaccinated against infectious diseases, maintain clean environment, avoid self-medication and stay informed on how to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.


Summary of Incidents

Notes

1. Information for this disease was retrieved from the Technical Working Group and Situation Reports

2. Case Fatality Rate (CFR) for this disease is reported for confirmed cases only

3. Information for this disease was retrieved from IDSR 002 data

4. CFR for this disease is reported for total cases i.e. suspected + confirmed

5. Information for sentinel influenza was retrieved from the laboratory


Lassa Fever

Key points

• There were 75 suspected cases of Lassa Fever (LF) reported from 12 LGAs in four states (Edo – 33, Ondo – 25, Ebonyi – 12 & Delta – 5). There were seven confirmed cases and three deaths were recorded in Ondo state.

Actions

To date:

• National Lassa Fever multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) continues to coordinate response activities and support states

• Engaged contact tracers in hot spot and high burden states

• Reviewed LF case management and surveillance tools, and SOPs

Planned:

• Finalise advocacy packages for National and subnational policy/decision makers

• Finalise the Lassa fever five -year strategic plan


Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM)

Key points

There were eight suspected cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) reported from four LGAs in three states (Katsina – 4, Ondo – 1 & Sokoto – 3). None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded

Actions

To date:

• National CSM Technical Working Group (TWG) meets weekly to review reports from states and plan appropriately

• Enhanced surveillance in all states (with focus on high risk states)

• Developed 2019/2020 CSM preparedness and response plan

Planned:

• Continue harmonisation of the national line list and SORMAS data


Yellow Fever

Key points

• There were 42 suspected cases of Yellow Fever (YF) reported from 28 LGAs in 11 states. None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded

Actions

To date:

• National Yellow Fever (YF) Technical Working Group continues to coordinate response activities

• National Rapid Response Team (RRT) deployed to Bauchi, Benue and Katsina states

Planned:

• Follow up on outcome of ICG request


Cholera

Key points

• There were no suspected cases of cholera reported this week

Actions

To date

• National cholera multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) is monitoring all states and supporting already affected states

Planned:

• Ensure that reporting states conduct rapid diagnostic test/culture test and send line-list of all reported cases to the national level


Measles

Key points

• There were 222 suspected cases of measles reported from 92 LGAs in 25 states. None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded

Actions

To date

• National measles Technical Working Group (TWG) is closely monitoring surveillance data and response activities across the country

Planned:

• Continue the review of measles surveillance data across the country

• Finalise measles surveillance guideline

• Review implementation of sentinel sites for Congenital Rubella Syndrome in Nigeria


Monkeypox

Key points

• There were no suspected cases of monkeypox reported this week

Actions

• National Monkeypox Technical Working Group (TWG) is monitoring activities in all states

• Off-site support to affected states

Planned:

• Enhance surveillance for Monkeypox in high burden states, working with the animal health colleagues.


Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP)

Key points

• There were 97 suspected cases of AFP reported from 79 LGAs in 28 states and FCT. None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded


National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance

Key points

There were 82 processed samples positive for influenza, with 68 for influenza A, 13 for influenza B and 1 for influenza A & B


Timeliness and Completeness of Reports


Timeliness and Completeness of Reports by State

Highlight of the week

  • Summary of Incidents
  • Lassa Fever
  • Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM)
  • Yellow Fever
  • Cholera
  • Measles
  • Monkeypox
  • Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP)
  • National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance
  • Timeliness and Completeness of Reports
  • Timeliness and Completeness of Reports by State

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