Community transmission of COVID-19 in Nigeria: the first 150 days

This study provides descriptive epidemiology of the COVID-19 outbreak across the 36 states and the FCT in Nigeria within the first 150 days. Data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) daily situation reports on COVID-19 from February 27 up till August 10 were extracted and described. As of August 10, 2020, there were 43,151 COVID-19 cases and 879 coronavirus related deaths, giving a case fatality rate (CFR) of 2.0%. Lagos and the FCT recorded the highest number of cases while Lagos, followed by Edo, recorded the highest number of deaths. Male (65%) and individuals aged 31-40 years (25%) were the most affected groups while community transmission was responsible for 98% of the cases. Highly urbanized states reported higher COVID-19 transmissions and fatality. Adherence to preventive health protocols such as wearing a facemask, social distancing, and respiratory hygiene could mitigate the contagion.