The Lagos state Ministry of Health has confirmed the first case of
Coronavirus aka COVID-19 in Nigeria, since the outbreak of the disease
in China in January 2020.
A statement released by the state Commissioner for Health, Professor
Akin Abayomi, says the case, which was confirmed on the 27th of February
2020, is of an Italian citizen who entered Nigeria on the 25th of
Feburary from Milan, Italy for a brief business visit. He fell ill on
the 26th February and was transfered to Lagos State Biosecurity
Facilities for isolation and testing.
COVID-19 infection was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the
Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of
the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
He said the Italian patient is clinically stable, with no serious
symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in
Yaba, Lagos.
”The Government of Lagos State under the Governor as the COVID-19
Incident Commander, through the the Lagos State Ministry of Health, has
been strengthening measures to ensure that any outbreak in Lagos is
controlled and contained quickly in collaboration with the
multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group, led by the Nigeria Centre
for Disease Control (NCDC). We have immediately activated the State
Emergency Operations Centre to respond to this case and implement firm
control measures” the statement read
The Commissioner assured all Lagosians and Nigerians that the state
has been strengthening its preparedness since the first confirmation of
cases in China and vowed that the state will use all its resources made
available to respond to this case. He added that efforts are been made
to identify all the contacts of the patient, since he arrived in
Nigeria.
According to the statement, most people who become infected with the
virus, may experience only a mild illness and recover easily, but it can
be more severe in others, particularly the elderly and persons with
other underlying chronic illnesses. The Commssioner advised all
residents of the state to take care of their health and maintain hand
and respiratory hygiene to protect themselves and others, including
their own families.
He listed the following precautions to take to avoid getting infected:
1. Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
2. Maintain at least 1 & half metres (5 feet) distance between you and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
3. People coughing persistently or sneezing should stay indoors or keep a social distance, but not mix with a crowd.
4. Ensure that you and people around you follow good respiratory hygiene
by covering mouths and noses with a handkerchief or tissue while
sneezing or coughing. You can also sneeze or cough into your sleeve at
the bent elbow.Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.5. Stay indoors if you feel unwell with symptoms, such as fever, cough
and difficulty in breathing. Please call Lagos State Emergency hotlines
08023169485 or 08033565529 or 08052817243 which are available day and
night.6. Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19 through
official channels on TV and Radio, the Social Media, including the Lagos
State Ministry of Health, NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health.”
The Commissioner added that the state Ministry of Health, in
collaboration with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, will continue to
provide updates and will initiate all measures required to prevent the
spread of any outbreak in Lagos.