For the timely detection and successful management of COVID-19 cases, countries have continued to prioritise testing. This is also a strategy for understanding the burden of the disease on populations and slowing the spread of the virus. In line with this, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has established a strategic network of COVID-19 testing laboratories nationwide and continues to support states to enhance sample collection efforts. In the same vein, we have developed guidelines on Strategies to Improve Surveillance for COVID-19. These combined efforts have enhanced access to testing for Nigerians.
However, since the gradual resumption of economic activities following the initial lockdown in the country, there has been an increase in population movement and mixing, with instances of mass gatherings reported in some settings. In view of community transmission, this heightens the risk of infection.
Given the above, the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 (PTF-COVID-19) has adopted the approach of decentralising the response, to enable contextualised and targeted interventions through the identification of hotspot Local Government Areas (LGAs). Accordingly, the NCDC is working closely with states to ensure walk-in sites are strategically established as well as increase the demand for testing. Recently, in Lagos State, NCDC supported the reactivation of sample collection centres and commendably, the Lagos State Government is also establishing additional sites across 20 LGAs in the state.
As efforts are being made by the federal and state governments, we urge Nigerians to also take responsibility for their health by utilising these centres to get tested once they experience symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. Likewise, states are advised to adequately plan for the expansion of sample collection sites, as well as ensure the provision of commodities and other required logistics for effective operationalisation of these sites.
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
Key points
• There were 80 suspected cases, five laboratory confirmed cases and one death recorded from one LGA in Ondo state.
• One healthcare worker from Ondo state was affected in this week
Actions
To date:
• National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) continues to coordinate the response activities at all levels
Planned:
• Continue resource mobilisation
Key points
There were 11 suspected cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) reported from six LGAs in six states (Borno – 1, Ebonyi – 3, Kaduna – 1, Kano – 1, Katsina – 4 & Nasarawa – 1). There was no laboratory confirmed case 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
Key points
• There were 16 suspected cases of Yellow Fever (YF) reported from 12 LGAs in eight 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
Key points
• There were 22 suspected cases of cholera reported from three LGAs in two states (Ebonyi – 19 & Lagos – 3). None was laboratory confirmed and no death was 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
Key points
• There were 92 suspected cases of measles reported from 47 LGAs in 16 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:
• Continue monthly measles surveillance data review
Key points
• There was no suspected case of Monkeypox reported this 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
Key points
• There were 106 suspected cases of AFP reported from 94 LGAs in 29 states and FCT. None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded
Actions
To date:
• National COVID-19 multi-partner Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) continues to coordinate response activities across states
• All Persons of Interest (POIs) /returnees received were screened and given the travellers kit on arrival at the designated airports in Nigeria
• Supported the training of staff of Port Health Services (PHS) division on POIs monitoring
• Sensitised the association of Proprietors of Private Schools in Nigeria on COVID-19 prevention in schools
• Provided support at the training of Red Cross volunteers on COVID-19 Risk Communication in all states in the country
• Ongoing distribution of additional response materials, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), commodities and medicines to all States Ministries of Health (SMoH) and other healthcare facilities
Planned:
• Pilot specimen tracking software
• Follow up on step down and implementation of surveillance strategy at the states and LGAs
• Supportive supervision visits to treatment and isolation centres
• Assessment and optimisation of PCR laboratories in Zamfara, Kebbi, Taraba and Bayelsa State
Key points
• The subtypes A seasonal H3, 2009A/H1N1 and A/not subtyped account for 0 (0.0%), 2 (9.5%) and 19 (90.5%) of the total influenza A positive sample, respectively. The subtypes B VICTORIA, B Not subtyped and B Yamagata account for 0 (0.0%), 8 (100%) and 0 (0.0%) of the total influenza B positive samples, respectively.
• The percentage influenza positive was highest in week 10 with 40%.
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