the Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised the alarm about an additional 880 coronavirus infections reported in Nigeria from July 2 to 8, albeit with no deaths.
The NCDC revealed this through its official website on Saturday afternoon, that the country’s commercial capital, Lagos state, is driving the latest surge of COVID-19 in the nation.
Lagos state, the epicenter of the virus, accounted for more than 90 percent of new infections with 750 cases.
The data showed that the new cases had raised the number of infections in Nigeria to 258,517, while the death toll stood at 3,144.
The public health agency stated that around 4,206 people were still sick with the virus, while a total of 250,388 people were successfully treated and discharged so far in the country since the outbreak in February 2020.
In addition to Lagos state, a further breakdown of the latest cases showed that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recorded 45 cases, followed by Rivers with 40 infections.
Delta reported 11 cases, followed by Akwa Ibom-11 Kano-five, Nasarawa-four and Plateau one.
The agency said that three states: Abia, Kaduna and Sokoto did not report cases within the deadline.
The NCDC said it was based on the prevailing risk of the virus and the need for religious organizations, community leaders and Nigerians in general to take necessary precautions during Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
It added that the number of weekly COVID-19 cases had increased globally for the third week in a row.
The agency said that COVID-19 could cause serious complications in the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.
“Take extra precautions to stay safe and avoid crowded places.
“Stay away from anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness, wash your hands regularly,” he advised.
The public health agency said it was committed to preserving the health of citizens.
“We serve even as we fight concurrent public health threats: COVID-19, monkeypox, cholera, etc. Our interest is not to deliver bad news, but rather to equip citizens with the information they need to stay safe.
“We are reminded that COVID-19 has not gone anywhere. I understand the tiredness and the desire to return to our normal life. We can do this while staying safe.
“While we continue to celebrate responsibly and act to prevent a fifth wave of COVID-19,” he said.
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The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) is reporting that the long-awaited summer lull in coronavirus cases does not appear to be happening as COVID-19 infections continue to rise across much of the United States.
An earlier rise in cases this year was driven by the BA.2 subvariant Omicron Now, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that two other subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 made up more than 70 percent of new infections in the country.
These subvariants may partially escape immunity produced by the vaccine and by previous infection, although vaccination is likely to still protect against serious disease.
Meanwhile, the National Agency for the Development of Primary Health Care (NPHCDA), said the good news was that vaccines and boosters continue to provide excellent protection against serious illness.
NAN recalls that Nigeria was also experiencing an increase in transmission, as the positivity rate had risen steadily from July 2 to July 8.
The NCDC did not indicate which subvariants accounted for the majority of the country’s COVID-19 infections. (YAYA)