Weekly Epidemiological Report

October 2020 Week 42

Editoral

COVID-19 in Nigeria: Preventing a Surge in Infections

Posted: 04-11-2020 05:42:44 PM

Since the beginning of the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in early 2020, different countries have continued to implement and adapt diverse evidence-based public health measures to control the spread of the virus. Through these measures, there have been differential levels of control of the outbreak, with a reported decline in some countries while others continue to record an exponential increase in morbidity and mortality. The ongoing soaring of cases in countries across Europe, the Middle East and the United States of America is an indication that countries must continue to intensify response efforts. As of the 4th of November 2020, the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria were 63,173 with 1,151 deaths recorded.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Presidential Force on COVID-19 and other relevant stakeholders to scale up intensive risk communication activities. This is necessary to avert an exponential increase in the number of confirmed cases as observed in some other parts of the world as well as address misconceptions and misinformation regarding COVID-19 in the public domain.

In line with the above, the NCDC continues to leverage both new and traditional media platforms to communicate evidence-based messaging on COVID-19 preventive measures across the country. Specifically, public awareness is being raised through strategic social mobilisation and community engagement. These efforts are particularly timely and critical given the resumption of international flights and other socio-economic activities in the country.

Again, the public is advised to continue to comply with all recommended infection prevention and control guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These include the use of masks and maintaining physical distancing of at least 2 metres from others in public spaces. It is also important to avoid large gatherings and ensure to wash hands regularly under running water or alternatively, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser where soap or water is not available. If you notice symptoms of COVID-19, immediately call your state hotline for information on the nearest sample collection site.

We urge Nigerians to continue to take responsibility by complying with measures instituted and recommended by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Our ability to overcome the current pandemic and prevent a second wave of infections depends largely on our collective efforts.


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 94 suspected cases, 13 were laboratory confirmed and two deaths were recorded from six LGAs in three states

• One healthcare worker was infected in the reporting week

Actions

To date:

• National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) continues to coordinate the response activities at all levels

• Enhanced surveillance (contact tracing and active case finding) ongoing in affected states

Planned:

• Continue mobilisation and coordination of resources


Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM)

Key points

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

Actions

To date:

• National CSM TWG meets weekly to review reports from states and plan appropriately

• Enhanced surveillance in all states

Planned:

• Continue harmonisation of the national line list and SORMAS data

• Continue to ensure that states reporting cases send their line lists and collect CSM samples


Yellow Fever

Key points

• There were 28 suspected cases of Yellow Fever (YF) reported from 23 LGAs in 11 states. None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded

Actions

To date:

• National multiagency YF Technical Working Group (TWG) is coordinating response activities

Planned:

• Continue harmonisation of surveillance and laboratory data ongoing


Cholera

Key points

• There were 103 suspected case of cholera reported from seven LGAs in four states (Bauchi – 13, Enugu – 1, Kebbi – 86 & Sokoto – 3). None was laboratory confirmed and 11 deaths were recorded

Actions

To date

• National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) is monitoring all states and supporting affected states

Planned:

• Continue follow up and monitoring of non-reporting states

• Continue harmonisation of the national line list and SORMAS data


Measles

Key points

• There were 119 suspected cases of measles reported from 61 LGAs in 17 states. None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded

Actions

To date

• National Measles TWG is closely monitoring measles surveillance data and providing feedback to relevant agencies and development partners

• Weekly surveillance and laboratory data harmonisation ongoing

Planned:

• Intensify follow up with states to update and transmit line list

• Continue monthly measles surveillance data review


Monkeypox

Key points

• There was no suspected case of Monkeypox in the reporting week

Actions

To date

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

Planned:

• Enhance surveillance for monkeypox in high burden states

• Continue harmonisation of the national line list and SORMAS data


Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP)

Key points

• There were 74 suspected cases of AFP reported from 63 LGAs in 24 states. None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded


National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance

Key points

• The subtypes A seasonal H3, 2009A/H1N1 and A/not subtyped account for 0(0.0%), 17(31.5%) and 37(68.5%) of the total influenza A positive samples respectively. The subtypes B VICTORIA, B Not subtyped and B Yamagata account for 3(27.3%), 8(72.7%) and 0(0.0%) of the total influenza B positive samples respectively

• The percentage influenza positive was highest in week 7 with 37.5%.


Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Actions

To date:

• National COVID-19 multi-partner Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) continues to coordinate response activities across states

• Tracking of prioritised State IAP implementation performance in 35 states

• Engaging with states on transitioning to full use of Surveillance and Outbreak Response Management Analysis System (SORMAS) for COVID-19 reporting

• Conducted laboratory training of trainers (TOT) on sample collection and rapid diagnostic testing for NYSC camp opening

• Developed Information, Education and Communication materials for NYSC camps re-opening

• Trained state communication teams for NYSC camp reopening

Planned:

• Finalise laboratory quality assurance plan

• Review capacity of COVID testing laboratories to activate for Lassa season 2020/21

• Hold technical meeting with tertiary education stakeholders on adoption of safe reopening templates

• Plan training of on-air personalities


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
  • Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
  • Timeliness and Completeness of Reports
  • Timeliness and Completeness of Reports by State

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