Epidemiologic Response to the First Case of COVID-19 in Nigeria

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in an unprecedented global health security challenge, economic downturns and psychosocial disruptions. First reported in Wuhan, China, the epidemic swiftly spread to over 200 countries and territories. In Nigeria, the first confirmed COVID-19 case was imported via air travel on 24 th of February 2020 and Confirmed on 27 th of February 2020. Minimal public health surveillance activities were initiated before then. In response to the confirmation of COVID-19, incident management activities, epidemiologic surveillance, contact tracing, infection, prevention and control trainings, COVID-19 testing and activation of isolation and treatment centers were immediately implemented in Ogun State. The objective of the outbreak investigation in Ogun State was to determine the magnitude of the outbreak, characterize the outbreak, and implement disease detection and response activities. This report documents and reflects on the steps taken to mitigate the initial spread of COVID-19 and the outbreak response activities in Ogun State, Nigeria. Adequate risk communication, robust surveillance, effective contact tracing and isolation of primary contacts of the first confirmed case in Nigeria as well as implementation of infection, prevention and control measures were pivotal tools that helped to curtail the initial spread of the infection. Operative collaboration between all stakeholders involved in response and surveillance to emerging dangers is necessary to detect cases early and to implement adequate preventive and control measures.