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 said 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.