Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

BACKGROUND: Inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents in animal production has led to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in foodborne pathogens. Transmission of AMR foodborne pathogens from reservoirs, particularly chickens to the human population does occur. Recently, we reported that occupational exposure was a risk factor for multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli (E. coli) among poultry-workers. Here we determined the prevalence and genetic relatedness among MDR E. coli isolated from poultry-workers, chickens, and poultry environments in Abuja, Nigeria. This study was conducted to address the gaps identified by the Nigerian AMR situation analysis. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among poultry-workers, chickens, and poultry farm/live bird market (LBM) environments. The isolates were tested phenotypically for their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, genotypically characterized using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and in silico multilocus sequence types (MLST). We conducted a phylogenetic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) analysis to determine relatedness and clonality among the isolates. RESULTS: A total of 115 (26.8%) out of 429 samples were positive for E. coli. Of these, 110 isolates were viable for phenotypic and genotypic characterization. The selection comprised 47 (42.7%) isolates from poultry-workers, 36 (32.7%) from chickens, and 27 (24.5%) from poultry-farm or LBM environments. Overall, 101 (91.8%) of the isolates were MDR conferring resistance to at least three drug classes. High frequency of resistance was observed for tetracycline (n = 102; 92.7%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (n = 93; 84.5%), streptomycin (n = 87; 79.1%) and ampicillin (n = 88; 80%). Two plasmid-mediated colistin genes-mcr-1.1 harboured on IncX4 plasmids were detected in environmental isolates. The most prevalent sequence types (ST) were ST-155 (n = 8), ST-48 (n = 8) and ST-10 (n = 6). Two isolates of human and environmental sources with a SNPs difference of 6161 originating from the same farm shared a novel ST. The isolates had similar AMR genes and plasmid replicons. CONCLUSION: MDR E.coli isolates were prevalent amongst poultry-workers, poultry, and the poultry farm/LBM environment. The emergence of MDR E. coli with novel ST in two isolates may be plasmid-mediated. Competent authorities should enforce AMR regulations to ensure prudent use of antimicrobials to limit the risk of transmission along the food chain.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19, which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome \nvirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [1] was first reported in December 2019 by Chinese Health Authorities following an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan, Hubei Province [2,3]. SARS-CoV-2 is \nlikely of zoonotic origin, similar to SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and transmitted between humans through respiratory droplets and fomites. Since its emergence, it has rapidly \nspread globally [4].

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global health threat, which has elicited a high-level political declaration at the United Nations General Assembly, 2016. In response, member countries agreed to pay greater attention to the surveillance and implementation of antimicrobial stewardship. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control called for a review of AMR in Nigeria using a “One Health approach”. As anecdotal evidence suggests that food animal health and production rely heavily on antimicrobials, it becomes imperative to understand AMR trends in food animals and the environment. We reviewed previous studies to curate data and evaluate the contributions of food animals and the environment (2000⁻2016) to the AMR burden in Nigeria using a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flowchart focused on three areas: Antimicrobial resistance, residues, and antiseptics studies. Only one of the 48 antimicrobial studies did not report multidrug resistance. At least 18 bacterial spp. were found to be resistant to various locally available antimicrobials. All 16 residue studies reported high levels of drug residues either in the form of prevalence or concentration above the recommended international limit. Fourteen different “resistotypes” were found in some commonly used antiseptics. High levels of residues and AMR were found in food animals destined for the human food chain. High levels of residues and antimicrobials discharged into environments sustain the AMR pool. These had evolved into potential public health challenges that need attention. These findings constitute public health threats for Nigeria’s teeming population and require attention.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a global health threat. Antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli infections are associated with high morbidity and expenditure when compared with infections caused by susceptible strains. In Nigeria, antimicrobial drugs are readily available over-the-counter with potential for indiscriminate use by poultry farmers and eventual development of drug resistance. The objective of this study was to investigate prevalence and risk factors for multi-drug resistant E. coli among poultry workers (PW) in Abuja, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 122 randomly selected apparently healthy poultry workers (poultry-farmers/ sellers) in Municipal and Kuje Area Councils from December 2018 to April 2019. Data was collected on socio-demographics and exposure factors using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. E. coli was isolated and identified from stool samples of poultry workers. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was defined as resistance to three or more classes of antimicrobials. Data was analyzed by computing proportions, prevalence odds-ratios (POR) and logistic regression at 5% significance level. RESULTS: Among PW, there were 121 males (99.2%). Mean age of the male workers was 30.6 ± 9.7years, 54.6% (n = 66) married, 57.9% (n = 70) had secondary education and 62.0% (n = 75) were farm-workers. Prevalence of E. coli was 39.7% (n = 48), highest among farm-workers (POR = 2.7, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.3-5.7; p = 0.01) compared to poultry-sellers. Of the 48 E. coli isolates, 16.7% (n = 8) were extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producers and 79.2% (n = 38) were MDR. We detected resistance against Tetracycline: (83.3%, n = 40), Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim: (79.2%, n = 38), Ampicillin: (77.1%, n = 37), Streptomycin: (72.9%, n = 35), Nalidixic acid: (50%, n = 24), Gentamicin: (41.7%, n = 20), Chloramphenicol: (31.3%, n = 15), Cephalothin: (27.1%, n = 13), Nitrofurantoin: (10.4%, n = 5) and Imipenem: (6.3%, n = 3). Absence of lavatory (POR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1-6.7); existence of farm/market for >10years (POR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1-5.4) and PW's history of diarrhea in last three months (POR = 2.8, CI = 1.2-6.3) were associated with MDR. Controlling for age, absence of lavatory (adjusted OR [aOR] = 4.31, 95% CI = 1.6-11.9); PW's history of diarrhea in last three months (aOR = 3.3,95%CI = 1.3-8.5) and work exposure >10years (aOR = 0.3, 95%CI = 0.1-0.9) remained independent risk factors for MDR. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of resistant E. coli was highest among farm-workers and associated with older farms/markets, occupational exposure of over 10 years and poor hygienic measures. The management of Municipal and Kuje Area Councils were recommended to provide lavatories for public use in farm-settlements/markets. The importance of hand-hygiene and responsible use of antimicrobials in poultry production was emphasized.

Abstract Background Globally, chicken is known to be a reservoir for the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes to humans. In Nigeria, antimicrobial drugs are readily accessible for use in poultry production, either for preventive or therapeutic purposes. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) are transmissible to humans because of their zoonotic potentials. People working very closely with chickens either on farms or markets are at greater risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and zoonotic transmission of ESBL-EC among poultry-workers, chickens, and poultry environments in Abuja, Nigeria. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among workers, chickens and poultry environment in selected farms/chicken markets in Abuja. Stool, faecal, and environmental samples were collected from apparently healthy workers, chickens, and farm/market environments from December 2018 to April 2019. Data were collected electronically using an open data kit (ODK) installed on a Smartphone. Antimicrobial resistance was determined using broth micro-dilution methods against a panel of 14 antimicrobial agents. We carried out the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of the isolates. Data were analyzed by computing frequencies, proportions and spearman’s correlation (ρ). Results Of 429 samples, 26.8% (n = 115) were positive for Escherichia coli (E. coli). Of the 115 E. coli isolates, 32.2% (n = 37) were confirmed ESBL producers by phenotypic characterization. Prevalence of ESBL-EC was highest among both poultry-workers (37.8%; n = 14) and chickens (37.8%; n = 14) followed by the environment (24.3%; n = 9). Both human and chicken isolates showed similar patterns of multidrug resistance to tested antimicrobials with a positive correlation (ρ = 0.91). Among ESBL producers, we observed the dissemination of blaCTX-M (10.8%; n = 4) genes. The coexistence of blaCTX-M-15 and blaTEM-1 genes was observed in 8.1% (n = 3) of the isolates, out of which (66.7%; n = 2) were chicken isolates from the farm, while a single human isolate was from the chicken market. Conclusions ESBL-EC isolates were prevalent amongst apparently healthy individuals, chickens and the poultry farm/market environment in Abuja. It is important to educate healthcare workers that people in proximity with poultry are a high-risk group for faecal carriage of ESBL-EC, hence pose a higher risk to the general population for the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Nigeria, with a population of over 190 million people, is rated among the 10 countries with the highest burden of infectious and zoonotic diseases globally. In Nigeria, there exist a sub-optimal surveillance system to monitor and track priority zoonoses. We therefore conducted a prioritization of zoonotic diseases for the first time in Nigeria to guide prevention and control efforts. Towards this, a two-day in-country consultative meeting involving experts from the human, animal, and environmental health backgrounds prioritized zoonotic diseases using a modified semi-quantitative One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization tool in July 2017. Overall, 36 of 52 previously selected zoonoses were identified for prioritization. Five selection criteria were used to arrive at the relative importance of prioritized diseases based on their weighted score. Overall, this zoonotic disease prioritization process marks the first major step of bringing together experts from the human-animal-environment health spectrum in Nigeria. Importantly, the country ranked rabies, avian influenza, Ebola Virus Disease, swine influenza and anthrax as the first five priority zoonoses in Nigeria. Finally, this One Health approach to prioritizing important zoonoses is a step that will help to guide future tracking and monitoring of diseases of grave public health importance in Nigeria.

Bats are implicated as natural reservoirs for a wide range of zoonotic viruses including SARS and MERS coronaviruses, Ebola, Marburg, Nipah, Hendra, Rabies and other lyssaviruses. Accordingly, many One Health surveillance and viral discovery programs have focused on bats. In this report we present viral metagenomic data from bats collected in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. Unbiased high throughput sequencing of fecal samples from 72 bat individuals comprising four species; lesser mouse-tailed bat (Rhinopoma hardwickii), Egyptian tomb bat (Taphozous perforatus), straw-colored fruit bat (Eidolon helvum), and Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) revealed molecular evidence of a diverse set of viral families: Picornaviridae (hepatovirus, teschovirus, parechovirus), Reoviridae (rotavirus), Polyomaviridae (polyomavirus), Papillomaviridae (papillomavirus), Astroviridae (astrovirus), Caliciviridae (sapovirus), Coronaviridae (coronavirus), Adenoviridae (adenovirus), Paramyxoviridae (paramyxovirus), and unassigned mononegavirales (chuvirus). Additionally, we discovered a bastro-like virus (Middle East Hepe-Astrovirus), with a genomic organization similar to Hepeviridae. However, since it shared homology with Hepeviridae and Astroviridae at ORF1 and in ORF2, respectively, the newly discovered Hepe-Astrovirus may represent a phylogenetic bridge between Hepeviridae and Astroviridae.

Introduction: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has overwhelmed health systems globally. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are faced with numerous challenges during the COVID-19 response. In this study, we aimed to describe the experiences of HCWs during the COVID-19 outbreak in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study on the experiences of frontline HCWs at the COVID-19 isolation centers in Lagos, Nigeria using purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. An in-depth interview which lasted for 25–40 minutes for each respondent was conducted among ten medical officers and four nurses between 15th June and 13th July 2020. We analyzed data using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Results: Respondents’ age ranged between 29 and 51 years with a median age of 36.5 years. Four themes were identified from data analysis. In the first theme, "COVID-19 care: A call to responsibility”, HCWs expressed optimism regarding COVID-19 care, and described the work conditions at COVID-19 isolation centers. In the second theme, "Challenges encountered while caring for COVID-19 patients – coping strategies”, HCWs experienced difficulties working in a new environment and with limited resources. They however coped through the available support systems. Regarding the "Experiences in COVID-19 care”, the feelings of HCWs varied from pleasure on patients’ recovery to distress following patients’ demise. On the "Necessities in COVID-19 care”, HCWs identified the need for increased psychosocial support, and adequate provision of material and financial support. Conclusions: HCWs at COVID-19 isolation centers need to be assured of a safe working environment while providing them with a strengthened support system.

Introduction Beef cattle, one of the food-producing animals, are linked to humans through a shared environment and the food chain as a major source of animal protein. Antimicrobial drugs are readily accessible for use in food animal production in Nigeria. Beef cattle and abattoir environments harbor pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) which have developed resistance to antimicrobial agents used for prophylaxis or treatment. This study investigated the zoonotic transmission of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli (ESBL-EC) among humans, beef cattle, and abattoir environments in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. Materials and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among abattoir workers, beef cattle, and abattoir environments in Abuja and Lagos. Stool, cecal, and environmental samples were collected from apparently healthy workers, slaughtered cattle, and abattoir environments from May to December 2020. Data were collected electronically using open data kit app installed on a mobile phone. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method against a panel of 16 antimicrobial agents. Phenotypic and genotypic characterizations of the isolates were conducted. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results From 21.7% (n = 97) of 448 samples, ESBL-EC were isolated and further characterized. Prevalence of ESBL-EC was highest in cattle (45.4%; n = 44), abattoir workers (41.2%; n = 40), and abattoir environment (13.4%; n = 13). Whole-genome sequencing of ESBL-EC showed dissemination of blaCTX-M-15 (90.7%; n = 88); blaCTX-M-14 (5.2%; n = 5); and blaCTX-M-55 (2.1%; n = 2) genes. The blaCTX-M-15 coexisted with blaCTX-M-14 and blaTEM-1 genes in 2.1% (n = 2) and 39.2% (n = 38) of the isolates, respectively. The presence of blaCTX-M-14 and blaCTX-M-15 genes was significantly associated with isolates originating from abattoir workers when compared with beef cattle isolates (p = 0.05; p < 0.01). The most prevalent sequence types (ST) were ST10 (n = 11), ST215 (n = 7), ST4684 (n = 7), and ST2178 (n = 6). ESBL-EC strain (ST205/B1) harbored mcr-1.1 and blaCTX-M15 and was isolated from a worker at Lagos abattoir. In 91 ESBL-EC isolates, 219 mobile genetic elements (MGEs) harbored resistance genes out of which β-lactam genes were carried on 64 different MGEs. Isolates showed equal distribution of insertion sequences and miniature inverted repeats although only a few composite transposons were detected (humans n = 12; cattle n = 9; environment n = 4). Two isolates of human and cattle origin (ST46/A) harboring ESBL genes and carried by MGEs were clonally related. Conclusions This is the first report of blaCTX-M-55 gene in humans and cattle in Nigeria. This study demonstrates the horizontal transfer of ESBL genes possibly by MGEs and buttresses the importance of genomic surveillance. Healthcare workers should be sensitized that people working closely with cattle or in abattoir environments are a high-risk group for fecal carriage of ESBL-EC when compared with the general population.

The Monkeypox Disease (MPXD) gained attention due to its widened geographical distribution outside of Africa, Hence, a it was declared a global health emergency. The index case in Europe was from a Nigerian traveller. This study assessed public awareness and knowledge of the MPXD by conducting an online, cross-sectional survey of educated Nigerians. A total of 822 respondents were recruited using the snowball sampling method between the 16th to 29th of August 2022. More responses were retrieved from the Northeastern geopolitical region (30.1%, n=220) than other regions. Descriptive statistics revealed that 89% (n=731/822) of the study participants were aware of the MPXD but only 58.7% (n=429/731) of them had good knowledge of the disease with a mean knowledge score of 5.31±2.09. The main knowledge gaps were in the incubation period of the disease, the signs and symptoms, its mode of transmission, and preventive practices needed to curb the spread of the monkeypox virus (MPXV). Specifically, only 24.5% (n=179) of them knew that MPXV can be transmitted via sexual contact. Most of the study participants (79.2%, n=651) opined that we can prevent the occurrence of public health emergencies in the future. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that of the socio-demographic variables, the male gender (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.22,2.33); Ph.D. level education (1.44; 95% CI: 1.048,4.23); and being homosexual (OR:1.65; 95% CI: 1.07,3.78) were significantly associated with good knowledge of MPXD. Despite the varying prevalence across the country, the region of residence within Nigeria did not influence the knowledge of MPXD among the respondents. The knowledge gaps necessitate intensified public health risk communication with a focus on modes of transmission and the preventive measures needed to curb the spread of the MPXV.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a great toll on global health. Frontline healthcare workers (FHCW) directly involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients have faced some physical and psychological challenges. This study explored the stigma and traumatic experiences of the FHCW during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. METHODS: We recruited twenty FHCW directly involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted for all participants, and qualitative analysis of data was done using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. RESULTS: Five themes identified were: Early stage of the pandemic (fear, anxiety, public fright, other countries repatriating their citizens, the socio-economic impact of the pandemic and a call to duty for the FHCW); working with COVID-19 patients (excitement on patients recovery and duty stress); psychological, mental and emotional trauma; stigmatization (stigmatized by colleagues, family, friends or their residential communities, reasons for stigmatization which were fear of infection, limited knowledge of the virus and working at the isolation centre and the effect of stigma); and recommendations (education and awareness creation, government showing more care towards the FHCW and provision of health insurance for FHCW to take care of those that get infected in the line of duty). CONCLUSION: Stigmatization has proven to be a major challenge for FHCW in conducting their duties. The psychological impact experienced by FHCW may affect the quality of the services rendered by these workers. The study reveals the need of education and awareness creation in the ongoing pandemic. There is a need for the government and society to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of FHCW.

BACKGROUND: The mpox (monkeypox) disease is a re-emerging viral zoonosis of international concern that is endemic in parts of Africa. The mpox virus (MPXV), which was hitherto largely limited to some Central and West African countries, was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO on July 23, 2022 following the rapid spread of the virus to non-endemic countries. Globally, as of March 16, 2023, the WHO had reported 86,496 laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox and 111 deaths in 110 countries. Of the 1,420 cases of mpox reported in Africa as of March 16, 2023, Nigeria alone recorded 57.1% (812) of the confirmed cases and eight fatalities recorded in the continent. To help improve on the understanding of the current situation in Nigeria, the present study assessed the perception and knowledge of mpox among Nigerian healthcare workers, academics and tertiary students. The study also sought to highlight the global public health significance of the MPXV, and recommend a One Health approach to limit exporting of the virus beyond the borders of Nigeria. METHODS: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between 24 July 2022 and 12 August 2022 to evaluate the perception and knowledge of mpox among 1544 Nigerians, consisted of healthcare workers (n = 832), academics (n = 306) and tertiary students (n = 462). Data on the respondents' socio demographics and their information sources on mpox were also collected. Each correct response was allotted one point while an incorrect response was scored zero. The scores for perception and knowledge were dichotomized into positive (>5.5) and negative (≤5.5) and adequate (>5.8) and inadequate (≤5.8), respectively; using the average scores for perception and knowledge. The average score for perception and knowledge were summarised and presented as the mean and standard deviation (SD). Chi-square tests of association and binary logistic regression were carried out to determine factors associated with the outcome variables. RESULTS: Of the 1452 respondents that had heard of mpox, 878 (60.5%) and 419 (28.9%) had adequate knowledge and positive perception concerning MPXV infection respectively. Average perception score was 5.5. Mean perception and knowledge scores were 4.5(SD: 2.0) and 5.8 (SD: 1.9), respectively. Factors that were significantly associated with knowledge level were age (p = 0.020) educational qualification attained (p = 0.004), occupation (p<0.001), and geopolitical zone of residency (p = 0.001). There was a positive correlation between perception and knowledge scores (r = 0.4, p<0.001). Positive perceptions were likely among respondents who had tertiary education, and residing in North-west Nigeria. Likewise, adequate knowledge scores were likely among respondents under 30 years of age, with tertiary education or reside in North-west Nigeria. Sources of information were significantly associated with perception (p = 0.004) and knowledge (p<0.001) of the respondents. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study show that there is disparity in the knowledge and perception of mpox in the study population, and as a result, there is a need to intensify awareness about MPXV infection to enhance positive perception among the respondents. This has potential to safeguard public health and contain the disease thus preventing it from spreading to the global community. A One Health approach involving animal and human health workers is imperative for improved knowledge and a good perception towards the disease among respondents, and enhanced active surveillance and early detection of MPXV in reservoir hosts (rodents and non-human primates); to prevent reverse zoonotic transmission of the virus at the human-animal interface.

BACKGROUND: Commensal Escherichia coli residing in the guts of humans and animals are reservoirs of multidrug resistance (MDR) genes, including quinolone resistance genes, in humans and poultry. This study aimed to characterize quinolones resistance in E. coli recovered from poultry workers, chickens, and poultry farm/market environments in Abuja, Nigeria. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between December 2018 and April 2019 comprising poultry workers, chickens and their poultry farm/market environments. This study characterized E. coli isolates from stool, faecal and environmental samples using antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing methods. Core-genome multilocus sequences-based phylogeny was used to determine the relatedness between quinolone-resistant E. coli isolates. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Of 110 E. coli isolates, quinolone-resistant phenotypes were observed in 68.2% (n = 75) isolates. Whole-genome sequencing detected plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in 63.6% (n = 70) isolates. The most prevalent PMQR gene detected in 56 of these 70 E. coli isolates was qnrS1, followed by qnrB19 in 14 isolates and aac(6')-lb-cr in two isolates. Fifteen ciprofloxacin and 19 nalidixic acid-resistant isolates respectively showed double mutations in the quinolone-resistance determining regions (QRDRs) of gyrA, with single or double mutations in parC, and a single mutation in parE. The most prevalent amino-acid substitutions observed were S83L + D87N in gyrA (46.5%, n = 20), S80I in parC (51.2%, n = 22) and S458A in parE (14%, n = 6). About 2.9% (2/70) of PMQR isolates were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers while 2.9% (2/70) had plasmid-mediated colistin resistance (PMCR) genes. CONCLUSIONS: PMQR genes were prevalent in E. coli isolates recovered from healthy humans, chickens and poultry farm/market environments. PMCR genes (mcr-1.1) occurred in PMQR-positive isolates recovered from manure and drinking water originating from poultry farm/market environments. It was found that the gene encoding ESBL coexisted with qnrS-positive isolates of human and avian origin. Horizontal transfer of PMQR genes among E. coli isolates in the human-poultry-environment interface has public health implications for the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Relevant government agencies should enforce regulations to restrict the use of critically important antimicrobials in poultry production.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in global health and economic crisis. We investigated the experiences of frontline health care workers recovering from COVID-19 in Lagos State Nigeria. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study among frontline health workers recovering from COVID-19 in Lagos State, Nigeria. We interviewed 12 respondents before achieving data saturation. We used a checklist to guide the interview according to the phenomenon under study. Data obtained were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. RESULTS: The study was summarized under five themes: knowledge of COVID-19, exposure, reactions, challenges and recommendations. The respondents were quite knowledgeable on COVID-19, their reactions when informed of their status were denial, anxiety, distress, disorientation, crying for fear of stigmatization, while some were psychologically prepared. Reactions from colleagues, family and friends were encouraging and provided solace for them with a few colleagues and families that had negative reactions. Challenges include anosmia, movement restriction, loneliness, worries about the state of their families, nondisclosure of status to family members, non-conducive isolation centre with limited space, insomnia, stigmatization by health workers at the isolation centre, extended duration of stay, delay in the release of test results and use of ambulance for evacuation to the isolation centres. Coping strategies were watching movies, phone calls, use of social media, listening to music, attending webinars, working on projects and reading spiritual books. Recommendations were early laboratory testing of samples and conveying of results, increase testing capacity, the need of health care workers to be more compassionate, better method of evacuation of people that tested positive to COVID-19, aside the use of ambulance that increases the likelihood of stigmatization and standard guideline for the case management of people recovering from COVID-19 in Lagos state. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents felt stigmatized and psychologically and morally traumatized. Isolation is a difficult experience and some negative emotions as expressed by previous studies were experienced by the respondents. There is need for increased testing capacity, timely results dissemination, early evacuation and creation of more isolation centres in Lagos State due to the rising number of cases and shortage of bed space.

In September 2018, the first case of an outbreak of monkeypox was reported in Nigeria, which likely resulted from a complex intersection of events and required a robust outbreak response collaboration among human, animal, and environmental health institutions.

This paper examined climate change adaptation strategies in fish farming and the effect of such methods on the profit of fish farmers in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. Using cross‐sectional data obtained from 420 fish farmers from the region and applying multivariate probit and instrumental variable regressions, the study found that fish farmers have adopted a broad range of strategies to address climate risk and that these have significantly increased farmers’ profit. Our findings indicated important relationships between certain farm, socio‐economic and institutional characteristics and the adaptation actions. The study provides useful insight into factors that potentially encourage the adoption of livelihood‐enhancing climate risk adaptation strategies by fish farmers in the Niger Delta region and similar contexts.

Lassa fever cases have increased in Nigeria since 2016 with the highest number, 633 cases, reported in 2018. From 1 January to 28 April 2019, 554 laboratory-confirmed cases including 124 deaths were reported in 21 states in Nigeria. A public health emergency was declared on 22 January by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. We describe the various outbreak responses that have been implemented, including establishment of emergency thresholds and guidelines for case management.

Abstract Three processing factors, namely, raw materials type (RMT) (i.e. chips and flour) and raw material drying mode (RDM) (i.e. sun‐ and oven‐drying at 55 °C) were related to the yield and some physicochemical properties of starch in a 23 factorial experiment. The quality characteristics investigated were: moisture content, pH, crude fiber content, peak viscosity and pasting temperature. Starch yields from oven‐dried chips and flour were significantly higher (at 5%) than from sun‐dried materials. The optimal yield of 55.9 g (per 70 g of dried product or 79.9%) was obtained from oven‐dried starch extracted from oven‐dried flour. The peak viscosities (PV) of starches extracted from flour and chips were similar while the observed pasting temperatures of flour‐extracted starches were not significantly different from those derived from chips.

The article analyzed the impact of an improved cook‐stove (Save80) on several household level outcomes, in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Given the high local population dependence upon fuelwood and the potential scope for household welfare improvements from the introduction of Save80, the study has solid motivations. Moreover, the literature on the impact of improved cook‐stove (ICS) adoption on different components of household welfare is still mixed and more rigorous impact evaluation coming from different contexts is needed. Therefore, the study analyzed the impacts of Save80 cook‐stove in Kaduna State of Nigeria where majority of households depend on fuelwood for cooking. The study examined a cross‐section of household‐level data gathered from 280 households (210 nonadopter and 70 adopter households). Primary data was obtained using questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using probit regression, double difference, and inverse propensity score weighting techniques. We found that Save80 significantly led to reductions in; fuelwood consumption, fuelwood collection time, cooking time, carbon monoxide exposure, and incidence of sore eyes. Thus, the Save80 is an example of a green growth intervention with significant welfare gains. The study, therefore, recommends that Save80 cook‐stove should be disseminated throughout the Savanna area of Nigeria where fuelwood consumption is highest in Nigeria. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1327–1338, 2018

Since 2006, multiple outbreaks of avian influenza (AI) have been reported in Nigeria involving different subtypes. Surveillance and molecular epidemiology have revealed the vital role of live bird markets (LBMs) in the dissemination of AI virus to commercial poultry farms. To better understand the ecology and epidemiology of AI in Nigeria, we performed whole-genome sequencing of nineteen H9N2 viruses recovered, from apparently healthy poultry species, during active surveillance conducted in nine LBMs across Nigeria in 2019. Analyses of the HA gene segment of these viruses showed that the H9N2 strains belong to the G1 lineage, which has zoonotic potential, and are clustered with contemporary H9N2 identified in Africa between 2016 and 2020. We observed two distinct clusters of H9N2 viruses in Nigeria, suggesting different introductions into the country. In view of the zoonotic potential of H9N2 and the co-circulation of multiple subtypes of AI virus in Nigeria, continuous monitoring of the LBMs across the country and molecular characterization of AIVs identified is advocated to mitigate economic losses and public health threats.