Findings of a survey in Nigeria suggest that rates of infection from Covid-19 in the country are much higher than previously reported.
In the country’s largest city, Lagos, as many as four million people could have contracted the disease, although the official total is currently 54,000.
The findings were based on blood samples collected from at least 10,000 individuals across Lagos and three other Nigerian states in September and October.
The samples were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies applying locally validated laboratory tests, the agencies said.
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According to the authorities, the survey results indicate that one in five of those tested in Lagos, Enugu and Nasarawa states have been infected.
The survey was conducted in September and October by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Institute for Medical Research.
The head of the NCDC said the results of the survey made Nigeria’s vaccination efforts “even more important”.
More than 1,800 people have died in the country from Covid-19.
Officials recently approved the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for use in Nigeria, but it’s not clear when it will receive its first doses.
