Background In September 2017, Nigeria experienced a large outbreak of human monkeypox (HMPX). In this study, we report the outbreak experience and response in the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Bayelsa state, where the index case and majority of suspected cases were reported. Methods In a cross-sectional study between September 25 th and 31 st December 2017, we reviewed the clinical and laboratory characteristics of all suspected and confirmed cases of HMPX seen at the NDUTH and appraised the plans, activities and challenges of the hospital in response to the outbreak based on documented observations of the hospital’s infection control committee (IPC). Monkeypox cases were defined using the interim national guidelines as provided by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Results Of 38 suspected cases of HMPX, 18(47.4%) were laboratory confirmed, 3(7.9%) were probable, while 17 (18.4%) did not fit the case definition for HMPX. Majority of the confirmed/probable cases were adults (80.9%) and males (80.9%). There was concomitant chicken pox, syphilis and HIV-1 infections in two confirmed cases and a case of nosocomial infection in one healthcare worker (HCW). The hospital established a make-shift isolation ward for case management, constituted a HMPX response team and provided IPC resources. At the outset, some HCWs were reluctant to participate in the outbreak and others avoided suspected patients. Some patients and their family members experienced stigma and discrimination and there were cases of refusal of isolation. Repeated trainings and collaborative efforts by all stakeholders addressed some of these challenges and eventually led to successful containment of the outbreak. Conclusion While the 2017 outbreak of human monkeypox in Nigeria was contained, our report reveals gaps in outbreak response that could serve as lessons to other hospitals to strengthen epidemic preparedness and response activities in the hospital setting.

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Introduction Despite the availability of vaccines, pertussis outbreaks still occur in developing countries. In December 2015 we investigated a pertussis outbreak in Kaltungo, Nigeria to identify determinants of infection and institute control measures. Methods We enrolled 155 cases and 310 unmatched controls. We defined cases as residents of Kaltungo with paroxysmal or whooping cough lasting 2 weeks with or without vomiting and randomly selected neighborhood controls. Using structured questionnaire, we collected data on socio-demographics, clinical and risk factors. We collected twelve nasopharyngeal swabs for laboratory analysis using Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results Median age was 24 months (range 1-132 months) for cases and 27 months (range 1-189 months) for controls. Female cases and controls were 86 (55.5%) and 150 (48.4%) respectively. A total of 83 (56.6%) cases were in age group 12-59 months. Age-specific-attack-rate was 83/1,786 (4.7%); Age-specific-case-fatality-rate was 21/83 (25.3%); Age-specific-proportional-mortality-ratio was 21/24 (87.5%). A total of 61 (39.4%) zero doses and 30.1% Pentavalent dropouts were documented. Multivariate analysis revealed parental refusal (adjusted OR = 27.8; CI = 8.8-87.7), contact with a case (AOR = 7.9, CI = 4.3-14.7, P = 0.000), belonging to the Muslim faith (AOR = 2.0; CI = 1.1-3.5) and having mothers with informal education only (AOR = 4.7, CI-2.6-8.4) as independent predictors of pertussis infection. Conclusion Sub-optimal vaccination due to parental refusal and informal education of mothers were major determinants of pertussis infection. We conducted awareness campaigns of key immunization messages targeted at the informal education sector. We ensured appropriate case management, contact vaccination and health education in public gatherings, worship places and schools.

Lassa fever (LF) is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness with various non-specific clinical manifestations. Neurological symptoms are rare at the early stage of the disease, but may be seen in late stages, in severely ill patients.The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological evolution, socio-demographic profiles, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients seen during two Lassa fever outbreaks in Ebonyi State, between December 2017 and December 2018. Routinely collected clinical data from all patients admitted to the Virology Centre of the hospital during the period were analysed retrospectively.Out of a total of 83 cases, 70(84.3%) were RT-PCR confirmed while 13(15.7%) were probable cases. Sixtynine(83.1%) patients were seen in outbreak 1 of whom 53.6% were urban residents, while 19%, 15%, and 10% were farmers, students and health workers respectively. There were 14(16.8%)patients, seen in second outbreak with 92.9% rural residents. There were differences in clinical symptoms, signs and laboratory findings between the two outbreaks. The case fatality rates were 29.9% in outbreak 1 and 85.7% for outbreak 2. Neurological features and abnormal laboratory test results were associated with higher mortality rate, seen in outbreak 2. This study revealed significant differences between the two outbreaks. Of particular concern was the higher case fatality during the outbreak 2 which may be from a more virulent strain of the Lassa virus. This has important public health implications and further molecular studies are needed to better define its characteristics.

Introduction: despite the availability of vaccines, pertussis outbreaks still occur in developing countries. In December 2015 we investigated a pertussis outbreak in Kaltungo, Nigeria to identify determinants of infection and institute control measures.Methods: we enrolled 155 cases and 310 unmatched controls. We defined cases as residents of Kaltungo with paroxysmal or whooping cough lasting 2 weeks with or without vomiting and randomly selected neighborhood controls. Using structured questionnaire, we collected data on socio-demographics, clinical and risk factors. We collected twelve nasopharyngeal swabs for laboratory analysis using Polymerase Chain Reaction.Results: median age was 24 months (range 1-132 months) for cases and 27 months (range 1-189 months) for controls. Female cases and controls were 86 (55.5%) and 150 (48.4%) respectively. A total of 83 (56.6%) cases were in age group 12-59 months. Age-specific-attackrate was 83/1,786 (4.7%); Age-specific-case-fatality-rate was 21/83 This article is published as part of the supplement "Sharing experiences from the field: updates from the Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program" sponsored by Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program