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Responding To Recent Outbreaks Of Yellow Fever In Nigeria

Nigeria has recorded suspected cases of yellow fever in all states since the re-emergence of cases in September, 2017 after 21 years. As at the 30th of December, 237 cases have been laboratory confirmed. A multi-agency yellow fever Emergency Operations Centre has been established at the Nigeria centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to coordinate the response.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and partners have developed a yellow fever action plan, with guidance from the global Elimination of Yellow fever Epidemic (EYE) strategy.

This plan has helped to improve Nigeria’s level of preparedness, surveillance, detection and response to yellow fever. In Edo state where an outbreak of yellow fever was confirmed recently, a strong synergy among the state government, NCDC, NPHCDA and partners helped to ensure the initiation of a reactive vaccination campaign within two weeks of laboratory confirmation.

In addition, the recently established state public health emergency operations centre helped to ensure strong coordination of response activities. The state’s leadership was evident as the state Director of Public Health served as the Incident Manager. It is important to ensure ownership and accountability for resilience in public health systems.

The NCDC reassures all Nigerians that we will continue to work with States and partners nationwide to ensure that the outbreak is curtailed thereby preventing further spread.

SUMMARY OF REPORTS

In the reporting week ending December 30, 2018:

o There were 60 new cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) reported. None was confirmed as polio. The last reported case of polio in Nigeria was in August 2016. Active case search for AFP is being intensified with the goal to eliminate polio in Nigeria.

o There were eight suspected cases of Cholera reported from Gubio LGA in Borno State. Of these, none was laboratory confirmed and one death was recorded.

o There were 34 suspected cases of Lassa fever reported from 13 LGAs in six States (Bauchi –5, Edo –12, Nasarawa –1, Ondo – 8, Plateau - 3 & Taraba - 3). 22 were laboratory confirmed and 5 deaths were recorded.

o There were 12 suspected cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) reported from 7 LGAs in 6 States (Cross River - 4, Benue – 3, Ebonyi – 1, Katsina – 2, Kwara - 1 & Zamfara – 1). Of these, none was laboratory confirmed and one death was recorded.

o There were 250 suspected cases of measles reported from 26 States. None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded.

In the reporting week, all States sent in their reports except Imo State. Timeliness of reporting remains 87% in both previous and current weeks (51 & 52) while completeness also remains 99% at the same period. It is very important for all States to ensure timely and complete reporting at all times, especially during an outbreak.