The Nigerian government has confirmed a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) case in Lagos State, Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Health confirmed this Friday morning, in a statement, signed by Dr Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health.
The case, which was confirmed on the 27th of February 2020, is the
first case to be reported in Nigeria since the beginning of the outbreak
in China in January 2020.
The statement disclosed that the case is an Italian citizen who works
in Nigeria and returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos, Nigeria on the 25th
of February 2020.
“He was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University
Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre
for Disease Control (NCDC).
“The patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is
being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos. ”
The Nigerian government said it has been strengthening measures to
ensure an outbreak in Nigeria is controlled and contained quickly.
It noted that the multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group led
by the NCDC has immediately activated its national Emergency Operations
Centre and will work closely with Lagos State Health authorities to
respond to this case and implement firm control measures.
The minister added: “I wish to assure all Nigerians that have we have
been beefing up our preparedness capabilities since the first
confirmation of cases in China, and we will use all the resources made
available by the government to respond to this case.
“We have already started working to identify all the contacts of the patient, since he entered Nigeria.
“Please be reminded that most people who become infected may
experience only mild illness and recover easily, but it can be more
severe in others, particularly the elderly and persons with other
underlying chronic illnesses.
‘”All Nigerians should take care of their health and maintain hand
and respiratory hygiene to protect themselves and others, including
their own families, following the precautions below:
“Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
“Maintain at least 1 & half metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
“Persons with persistent cough or sneezing should stay home or keep a social distance, but not mix in-crowd.
“Make sure you and people around you, follow good respiratory
hygiene, meaning cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve
at the bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of
the used tissue immediately.
“Stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and
difficulty in breathing. Please call NCDC toll free number which is
available day and night, for guidance- 0800-970000-10. Do not engage in
self-medication
“Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19 through
official channels on TV and Radio, including the Lagos State Ministry of
Health, NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health.”
The Nigerian government said citizens must not abuse social media and
indulge in spreading misinformation that causes fear and panic.