FG confirms first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Lagos

ECHONEWS

Nigeria has recorded first case of the deadly coronavirus disease involving an Indian citizen who works in Nigeria and returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos on February 25, 2020.

In a statement, the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, has confirmed a case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Lagos State.

The statement read: “The Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) case in Lagos State, Nigeria. 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 case is an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos on February 25, 2020. He was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the laboratory Network of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. The patient is clinically stable and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.

“The Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health, has been strengthening measures to ensure an outbreak in Nigeria is controlled and contained quickly. The multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (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.

“I wish to assure all Nigerians that we have been beefing upour 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 mind illness and recover easily, but it can be more severe in others, particularly the elderly and the persons with other underlying chronicle 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:

1. Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
2. Maintain at least 1.5 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.

“Citizens must not abuse social media and indulge in spreading misinformation that causes fear and panic. The Federal Ministry of Health, through Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, will continue to provide updates and will initiate all measures required to prevent the spread of any outbreak in Nigeria.”