The Federal Ministry of Health wishes to provide an update on the incidence of the A(H1N1) Influenza and we state as follows:
1.   As at January 18th 2010, Nigeria has recorded:-
 (i)  Eleven (11) laboratory confirmed cases of Influenza A/H1N1.
 (ii) One (1) probable case of Influenza A/H1N1 who died before samples could be   
         collected (December, 2009)
 (iii) Two (2) deaths from the Pandemic Influenza A/H1N1

2.    The most recent case of Influenza A/H1N1 was that of a 38 year old female in Lagos who tested positive to Influenza A/H1N1. She was from Bayelsa state but lived in Lagos . She had a history of travel to the United States of America about3 months previously. She became sick six weeks ago and died on Tuesday January 5th 2010 at Reddington Hospital Victoria Island, Lagos State .

3.    The Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Health had collected samples from the index case and her contacts for further investigation. Eight (8) out of the 40 samples of close contacts collected were found to be positive for Influenza A/ H1N1. 

4.   A meeting for the 36 States’ Epidemiologists and FCT along with the WHO States’ Surveillance Officers has taken place during which Vaccine deployment plan was discussed among other very important incidental issues.

5.    Enhanced disease surveillance including active case search in some designated health facilities is on in all the States of the Federation and FCT.

6.     All documentations for the donation of Pandemic Influenza A/H1N1 vaccine to the country including vaccine deployment plan have been completed and forwarded to WHO HQ in Geneva. The Country is also putting together all the required processes for the deployment of the vaccines. 

Niyi Ojuolape
Special Assistant (Communications) to the Minister
Federal Ministry of Health
Abuja