Kano, 24 February, 2025- Following an alert of a extremely pathogenic avian Influenza (H5N1) outbreak in poultry, generally often called fowl flu, in Kano state, the World Well being Group ( WHO) has stepped up its help to the Authorities of Nigeria to stop transmission of the virus to people. Whereas the virus spreads quickly amongst birds, it additionally has the potential to contaminate mammals, together with people. It poses a big risk to each animal and public well being.
Overview of the outbreak
The virus primarily impacts poultry however can even infect people who are available in direct contact with the contaminated stay or useless birds or contaminated environments, resembling saliva, nasal discharges, and faeces, which comprise excessive toxins.
Preventive measures towards fowl flu embrace biosecurity measures in poultry farms and stay fowl markets, avoiding contact with sick birds, correct hygiene, surveillance, and early reporting of outbreaks. Different states apart, Kano has reported instances of fowl flu amongst poultry.
On the time of scripting this report, there was no human an infection from the illness.
WHO collaborative help to the outbreak
To stop transmission to people, WHO crew in Kano state leverage the State One Well being Technical Working Group (TWG) and Influenza TWG to coordinate an interagency response to the state of affairs.
The One Well being and Influenza TWGs includes inter-agency members, together with the Ministries of Well being, Veterinary/ Agriculture, and Atmosphere.
The World Well being Group (WHO), in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Illness Management (NCDC), has supported the institution of 10 Nationwide Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) websites, together with Aminu Kano Instructing Hospital (AKTH) and 9 different hospitals throughout Nigeria’s six Geopolitical zones. In 2024, 814 samples had been collected from these websites and transported to the Nationwide Reference Laboratory in Abuja for respiratory virus testing, in keeping with the World Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS).
“To assist with the response in Kano State, WHO offered over 100 PPE kits. These kits included 1,000 gloves, 500 aprons, 500 face shields, 20 rain boots, and different gadgets. These kits defend healthcare staff and different personnel on the sector from publicity to the virus, making certain their security whereas they handle and comprise the outbreak.
WHO additionally provided laboratory supplies for accumulating samples from individuals exhibiting signs of flu-like diseases or extreme respiratory infections,” defined Dr Mayana Abubakar, WHO Kano State Coordinator.
Dr Mayana talked about that in 2024, WHO helped prepare over 100 well being staff from the NISS websites on getting ready for and responding to pandemic influenza. This coaching aimed to enhance surveillance, response, and shut monitoring of human contacts for early intervention.
Dr Ibrahim Aliyu Gano, Director of Public Well being and Illness Management, Kano State Ministry of Well being, applauding WHO’s help, stated, “ We admire WHO’s steadfast help in serving to us deal with this outbreak. Their donation and well timed intervention assist defend lives and comprise the transmission of the illness.
As of 25 January 2025, Kano, Nigeria, reported six confirmed HPAI instances and 4,470 suspected instances of fowl flu. Up to now, there was no human an infection from 15 specimens examined from 20 suspected instances whereas awaiting the results of 5 samples.
The WHO Nation Consultant, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, has assured that with the prevailing nationwide capability, which has been constructed over the interval and from the earlier fowl flu emergencies expertise, “we may swiftly scale up the efforts. WHO is dedicated to working with Nigerian authorities and companions to make sure that measures are in place for efficient and fast actions to mitigate transmission to people”, he added.