Nigeria Confirms First Case Of Coronavirus In Lagos State

The Federal Ministry of Health issued a press release on the 27th of February 2019. It stated that the first case of the Coronavirus has been confirmed in Lagos, Nigeria.

According to the press statement, the case involves an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria.

First Coronavirus case in Nigeria is an Italian national

He returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos on the 25th of  February 2020. The Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) confirmed the case. It is part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

The press statement also stated that the patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms. And is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital In Yaba, Lagos.

“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 resources made available by the government to respond to this case.” said Dr. E. Osagie, the Honourable Minister of Health.

Furthermore, “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.”

Nigerian government lists safety measures against Coronavirus infection

The following precautions were also listed in the press statement:

• Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers
• Maintain at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Persons with persistent cough or sneezing should stay home ro keep social distance, but not mix in a crowd.
• Make sure you and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when you sneeze. Dispose of the tissue immediately. Or sneeze or cough into your sleeve at the bent elbow.
• Stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
• Please call the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) toll-free number anytime for guidance: 0800 970 0000-0010. 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 minister also warned Nigerians not to spread or believe false unconfirmed reports on social media.

Territories with confirmed cases of COVID-19
Image source:Aljazeera

Nigeria isn’t the only country to announce a first case. New Zealand and Lithuania also confirmed first infections on the same day.

So far, the Coronavirus has killed more than 2,800 people and infected about 83,000 worldwide.

Read also: This Is How Coronavirus Affects The Human Body After Infection

Sources: Aljazeera,  Federal Ministry Of Health