Weekly Epidemiological Report

November 2020 Week 48

Editoral

COVID-19 in Nigeria: Nipping Current Surge in Infections

Posted: 18-12-2020 08:42:27 AM

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has continued to intensify efforts in ensuring timely epidemic intelligence gathering for evidence-based public health actions particularly in the control of the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. In line with this, the 42nd edition of our Weekly Epidemiological Report (WER) highlighted the need for the public to continue to comply with all recommended infection prevention and control measures. This advice became more important given the soaring of cases (second wave) of COVID-19 across countries in Europe, the Middle East and the United States of America etc. However, it is increasingly worrisome that in recent times the second wave has now extended to other continents including Africa.

Over the past few weeks, there has been a sudden increase in the number of confirmed cases in different parts of Nigeria. As at December 16, 2020, there were 75,062 confirmed cases with most cases occurring from week 44 till date 16th December. 2020 (13,136 cases). This has left many with questions begging for answers. Are we now testing more? Is the general public not complying with the recommended infection prevention and control (IPC) measures? Any possible importation of cases? etc. While many of these public concerns are continuously being addressed by our diverse proactive public health measures, one likely explanation to the current situation is that there has not been sustained strict compliance in some settings with the recommended IPC measures.

As the yuletide approaches, it may be inevitable to witness situations such as frequent movement of people and population mixing. Given this, the public is therefore advised to limit travels as much as possible to essential ones. Strict compliance with all recommended infection prevention and control guidelines is strongly recommended 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 the afore listed measures as recommended by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Our ability to overcome the current pandemic and nip the second wave of infections in the bud 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 133 suspected cases, six were laboratory confirmed and two deaths were recorded from 4 LGAs in 3 States

Actions

To date:

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

• Cross border collaboration with Benin Republic on newly reported Lassa fever cases

• Implementation of targeted risk communication activities in most affected States

Planned:

• Continue mobilisation of resources

• Finalisation of Lassa fever five-year Strategic plan

• Pilot indigent patient treatment scheme through the basic healthcare provision funds


Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM)

Key points

• There were four suspected cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) reported from three LGAs in three States (Enugu – 1, Katsina – 2 & Plateau – 1). 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 283 suspected cases of Yellow Fever (YF) reported from 54 LGAs in 20 states. One was laboratory confirmed and eight deaths were recorded

Actions

To date:

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

Planned:

• Finalise ICG request for reactive mass vaccination in Enugu and Bauchi States

• Print IEC materials and distribute to States to sensitise communities and increase awareness for YF

• Continue to support affected states across all pillars of response

• Continue harmonisation of surveillance and laboratory data ongoing


Cholera

Key points

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

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 157 suspected cases of Measles reported from 62 LGAs in 19 States. None was laboratory confirmed and two deaths were 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 104 suspected cases of AFP reported from 83 LGAs in 24 states and FCT. None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded


National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance

Key points

• The subtypes A seasonal H3, A seasonal H1, 2009A/H1N1 and A/not subtyped account for 1(1.9%), 2(3.7%), 17(31.5%) and 34(63.0%) 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

• Ongoing monitoring and tracking of the implementation of State Incident Action Plan (IAP) activities for COVID-19

• Trained health care workers on COVID-19 surveillance in all health facilities in ten States

• Engagement with national sport festival committee to develop risk communication plan for the upcoming event

• Deployed commodities and materials to sample collection centres across the country

Planned:

• Finalise plans with PTF on testing 450 persons per Local Government Area (LGA) in a survey

• Conduct e-fresher courses training for IPC trainers

• Develop plan routine testing for COVID-19

• Follow up and assessment of hand hygiene facilities under the Orange Network programme

• Finalise laboratory quality assurance plan


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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