Nigeria, May 4 -- Outbreaks of infectious diseases in Nigeria are worsened by delayed or incorrect diagnosis, weak surveillance systems, and misdirected public health priorities. While early laboratory diagnosis is crucial to containing the spread of disease, Oyewale Tomori, a professor of virology and disease control, says detection must begin with timely community reporting and efficient surveillance.

In this interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Tomori discusses the importance of early diagnosis in epidemic prevention.

PT: How crucial is early laboratory diagnosis in preventing a disease from escalating into an epidemic?

Mr Tomori: Before early laboratory diagnosis, there must be early reporting and detection. You can conduct laboratory ...