The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) has confirmed a coronavirus (COVID-19) case in Lagos State, Nigeria. This was confirmed yesterday and is reported to be the first case in Nigeria since the beginning of the outbreak in China in January 2020. According to a statement, the health minister, Dr.Osagie Enahire says the case was as a result of an Italian citizen who was returning to Lagos, Nigeria, his work location from Milan, Italy.
He was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, an affiliate of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. Knowing the current state of fear and worry by Nigerians, the minister further confirmed that: “the patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.
The government, 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.
This is my complete Press Statement on the confirmed case of #COVID19 in #Nigeria@FMoHNigeria@NCDCGov@LUTHOfficial@LSMoH pic.twitter.com/MarpxetNI2
— Dr. E. Osagie Ehanire MD, FWACS (@DrEOEhanire) February 28, 2020
“I wish to assure all Nigerians that 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 these PRECAUTIONS:
- 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.
- Staying home once you have a case of persistent cough or sneezing. keeping a social distance and do not mix in crowds.
- Make sure you and people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene, by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or into 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.
- Above all 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.”
Citizens were advised to 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.
In Africa, Nigeria has become the third country with a confirmed case after Egypt and Algeria had confirmed cases about a week ago.
Aviation sector and health officials have strengthened checks and screening at airports and entry points to ensure cases are fished out early and the persons quarantined for proper examination.
