Epidemiology of novel COVID-19 in Nigeria

Abstract

The first case of COVID-19 from China was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on the 31st of December 2019. The infection was observed to spread relatively quickly to several other countries and by the 30th January 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The study was conducted to determine the epidemiology of novel COVID-19 in Nigeria. Data obtained were used to determine the distribution of the disease based on gender and age distribution. The case fatality rate (CFR), prevalence rate, recovery rate and mortality of the disease were also determined and compared with Africa and world. The data obtained showed that as of 12th July 2020, out of 32,558 cases recorded, 21,385 (66%) were males while 11,173 (34%) were females. Subjects within 31 – 40 years age category are more susceptible to contracting the disease in Nigeria which accounted for 24%. However, more deaths have been recorded among people of 60 years and above. The CFR, prevalence rate and mortality of the disease were extremely low and stood as 2.26%, 0.015% and 0.00034% respectively. The present recovery rate of the disease in Nigeria was 40.8%. It is concluded that the disease would be contained if relevant measures are put in place accordingly.