The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has published the epidemiological summary for week 40. Its key feature is a report on monkeypox, but the overview gives a good sense of what the Nigerian healthcare system has to deal with:
In the reporting week ending on the 8th of October, 2017:
o There were 204 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 as Nigeria has assiduously reinvigorated its efforts at eradicating Polio.
o 50 suspected cases of Cholera were reported from four LGAs (four States; Bauchi – 3, Borno – 35, Kaduna – 4 and Zamfara – 8). None was laboratory confirmed and one death was recorded.
o 11 suspected cases of Lassa fever were reported from eight LGAs in (eight State: Bauchi – 1, Benue – 2, FCT – 1, Katsina – 2, Kogi – 1, Kwara – 2, Ogun – 1 & Plateau -1). One was laboratory confirmed (Plateau) and no death was recorded.
o There were two suspected cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) reported from two LGAs in two States (Ebonyi – 1 and Plateau - 1). Of these, none was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded. Ongoing surveillance for CSM has been intensified in all the 26 States in the Nigeria meningitis belt.
o There were 244 suspected cases of Measles reported from 34 States. None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded.
In the reporting week, Kaduna State failed to send in their report. Timeliness of reporting remains 84% in both previous and current weeks (Week 39 and 40) while completeness remains at 100%. It is very important for all States to ensure timely and complete reporting at all times, especially during an outbreak.