Nigeria, like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, has faced multiple viral outbreaks over the past five years. These events have ranged from well-known global threats to locally endemic diseases, each impacting public health, economies, and social structures. The following overview highlights the key viral pathogens that have disturbed Nigeria during this period.
1. COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)
- 2020: Nigeria reported its first COVID-19 case in February 2020. The pandemic led to nationwide lockdowns, significant disruptions in healthcare services, and economic hardships.
- Ongoing: Although Nigeria’s overall reported case numbers have been relatively low compared to global figures, under-testing and under-reporting remain concerns. The government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has implemented public health measures and vaccination campaigns to control the spread.
2. Lassa Fever
- Endemic Nature: Lassa fever is endemic in Nigeria, with seasonal outbreaks typically peaking during the dry season (December–April).
- Recent Outbreaks: Over the past five years, Nigeria has experienced several Lassa fever outbreaks. For instance, in early 2022, over 211 laboratory-confirmed cases with a high case fatality ratio were reported in multiple states.
- Public Health Response: The NCDC has strengthened surveillance, case management, and laboratory testing capacity. However, challenges such as delayed testing, gaps in IPC (infection prevention and control) practices, and limited healthcare resources continue to complicate response efforts.
3. Mpox (Monkeypox)
- 2022–2023 Global Outbreak: Although mpox was primarily endemic in parts of West and Central Africa, Nigeria also reported cases as part of the global outbreak.
- Local Transmission: Nigeria has seen sporadic mpox cases since 2017. In the global outbreak that began in 2022, mpox cases were detected in several countries, with Nigeria contributing to the pool of imported and endemic cases.
- Virus Clades: The circulating virus in Nigeria has predominantly been of clade II, which historically causes milder disease. However, concerns remain regarding evolving genetic mutations that could affect transmission dynamics.
4. Cholera (caused by Vibrio cholerae, with viral-like rapid outbreaks)
- Outbreaks in Flood-Affected Areas: In 2024, severe flooding in Borno State led to a cholera outbreak. Although cholera is bacterial, the rapid spread in post-flood settings resembles viral outbreak dynamics in its ability to overwhelm healthcare systems.
- Impact on Public Health: The outbreak, driven by disrupted sanitation and healthcare infrastructure, has affected thousands, highlighting the vulnerability of Nigeria’s healthcare system to environmental and climatic shocks.
5. Yellow Fever:
- Recurring Outbreaks: Nigeria has seen intermittent yellow fever outbreaks. Although a vaccine is available, low routine immunization coverage and challenges in mass vaccination campaigns have contributed to recurrent outbreaks.
- Multi-Pathogen Scenario: Yellow fever outbreaks have sometimes coincided with other viral threats, stressing an already burdened healthcare system.
- Potential Threats: While not all have reached outbreak status, the potential emergence of novel viral pathogens remains a constant risk due to Nigeria’s diverse ecology and population dynamics. Surveillance systems are continuously being updated to monitor for new threats.
Over the past five years, Nigeria has been impacted by several viral and viral-like outbreaks, most notably COVID-19, Lassa fever, and mpox, alongside other challenges such as cholera and yellow fever. Each of these outbreaks has tested the resilience of Nigeria’s public health system and highlighted the need for continuous investment in surveillance, healthcare infrastructure, and community education. By learning from these experiences and strengthening its response mechanisms, Nigeria is working to better safeguard public health and prepare for any future viral threats.
