Weekly Epidemiological Report

March 2021 Week 9

Editoral

Take Responsibility: Reducing the risk of spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria

Posted: 22-07-2021 02:58:41 PM

On February 27th, 2020, Nigeria recorded her first case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Since then, the Federal Government of Nigeria has continued to lead the multi-sectoral response to the pandemic. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is leading the public health response, working closely with states and partners. The Presidential Task Force (PTF) led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is leading the multi-sectoral response and continues to provide strategic leadership.

In the last two months, there has been a decline in the number of new COVID-19 cases in Nigeria. The evidence-based public health measures instituted during the different phases of the pandemic have contributed to outbreak control. Additionally, there has been a gradual restoration of socio-economic, educational and political activities to normalcy.

With the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, different countries have begun to prioritise vaccination of their citizens in addition to existing public health measures. Nigeria received her first delivery of COVID-19 vaccines developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca on March 2nd, 2021. Since then, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has led the distribution and roll-out of these vaccines across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Despite case declines and increasing vaccine coverage, there is still a high risk of transmission of the virus in Nigeria and other countries. . As the vaccine does not become effective immediately, it is critical that we continue to observe the following recommendations:

1. Proper use of face masks especially when outdoors and in public settings

2. Frequent handwashing with soap under running water or use of alcohol-based sanitiser where water is not available

3. Physical distancing of at least two metres between yourself and others

4. Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces

5. Avoiding large gatherings especially when held indoors

Although the number of new COVID-19 cases in Nigeria is declining, there is still a high risk of transmission. It is very important that Nigerians continue to take responsibility at all times, as we work towards controlling the acute phase of this pandemic.


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


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 107 suspected cases, 25 were laboratory confirmed and one death was recorded from 12 LGAs in six states

Actions

To date:

• Conducted 2021 Lassa fever high burden states preparedness/response engagement meeting

• Dissemination of reviewed case management and safe burial practices guidelines

• Risk communication and community engagement activities have been scaled up across states using television, radio, print, social media and other strategies

Planned:

• Finalise Lassa fever five-year strategic plan


Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM)

Key points

• There were three suspected cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) reported from three LGAs in two states (Ebonyi – 2 & Katsina – 2). One case 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 24 suspected cases of Yellow Fever (YF) reported from 18 LGAs in 10 States and FCT. None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded

Actions

To date:

• National YF multi-partner Technical Working Group (TWG) continues to coordinate activities across states.

• Daily monitoring and analysis of surveillance data across the country to guide response activities

Planned:

• Continue to support affected states across all pillars of response

• Continue harmonisation of surveillance and laboratory data ongoing


Cholera

Key points

• There were 29 suspected cases of cholera reported from three LGAs in Benue State. 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


Measles

Key points

• There were 434 suspected cases of measles reported from 73 LGAs in 20 States and FCT. 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

• Ongoing weekly surveillance and laboratory data harmonisation

Planned:

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

• Continue monthly measles surveillance data review


Monkeypox

Key points

• There were three suspected cases of monkeypox reported from three LGAs in two States (Delta 2 and Oyo 1). None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded

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 dat


Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP)

Key points

• There were 46 suspected cases of AFP reported from 45 LGAs in 20 states and FCT. None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded


National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance


Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Actions

To date:

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

• Deployed IPC commodities and laboratory testing materials to NYSC camps across the country

• Organised meetings with stakeholders of higher institutions to ensure delivery of roles for synergy

• Conducted onsite training and supportive supervision in Ekiti State treatment centre

Planned:

• Deploy additional Rapid Response Teams to support states

• Finalise Local Government Area (LGA)/State transmission categorisation


Timeliness and Completeness of Reports


Timeliness and Completeness of Reports by State

Highlight of the week

  • Summary of Incidents
  • 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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