Abstract
BackgroundYellow fever outbreaks are documented to have a considerable impact not only on the individuals but on the health system with significant economic implications. Efforts to eliminate yellow fever outbreaks globally through the EYE strategy remains important following outbreaks in Africa, Nigeria included. The outbreaks reported in Nigeria, since 2017 and the response efforts provide an opportunity to document and guide interventions for improving future outbreaks in Nigeria and other countries in Africa.MethodsWe reviewed the available yellow fever surveillance and vaccination response data between September 2017 and September 2019 across the 36 states across Nigeria. We described the epidemiology of the difference outbreaks and the periods for all interventions. We also documented the emergency vaccination responses as well as preventive mass vaccinations implemented towards improving population immunity and limiting epidemic potentials in Nigeria.ResultsA total of 7894 suspected cases with 287 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in Nigeria between September 2017 and September 2019 with a mean age of 19 years and a case fatality of 2.7% amongst all reported cases. Outbreaks were confirmed in 55 LGAs with most of the outbreaks across four major epicentres in Kwara/Kogi, Edo, Ebonyi and Bauchi states. In response to these outbreaks, eight reactive vaccination campaigns, supported through ICG applications, were implemented. The duration for responding to the outbreaks ranged from 15 to 132 days (average 68 days) and a total of 45,648,243 persons aged < 45 years vaccinated through reactive and preventive mass campaigns between September 2017 and September 2019.ConclusionsNigeria experienced intermediate outbreaks of yellow fever between September 2017 and 2019 with vaccination responses conducted to control these outbreaks. However, there are delays in the timeliness of responses and more efforts required in improving reporting, response times and preparedness to further prevent morbidity and mortality from the yellow fever disease outbreaks. These efforts, including improving routine yellow fever coverage, contribute towards improving population immunity and other activities related to achieving the goals of the EYE strategy.
Highlights
Yellow fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever transmitted by the Aedes Mosquito sp. and has been reported in African and the Americas since the twentieth century
Yellow fever outbreaks are sustained in forested areas through sylvatic and intermediate transmission [7]
We described the epidemiology of yellow fever disease in Nigeria following the outbreaks between September 2017 to September 2019 and assessment of the response to these outbreaks
Summary
Yellow fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever transmitted by the Aedes Mosquito sp. and has been reported in African and the Americas since the twentieth century. Nomhwange et al BMC Infect Dis (2021) 21:1054 on the individuals but on the health system with significant economic implications [1]. This disease is vaccine-preventable with the 17D yellow fever vaccine available and used globally since the 1930s [2,3,4]. Yellow fever outbreaks are documented to have a considerable impact on the individuals but on the health system with significant economic implications. Efforts to eliminate yellow fever outbreaks globally through the EYE strategy remains important following outbreaks in Africa, Nigeria included. The outbreaks reported in Nigeria, since 2017 and the response efforts provide an opportunity to document and guide interventions for improving future outbreaks in Nigeria and other countries in Africa
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