The first positive case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Lagos by the state Ministry of Health; just as it has also reported same to the Federal Ministry of Health.
The case, which was confirmed on Thursday, February, 27, is the first case to be reported in Nigeria since the outbreak in China in January 2020.
The case is an Italian citizen, who came into the country on Tuesday, February 25, from Milan, Italy for a brief business visit. He fell ill on Wednesday, February 26 and was transferred to the 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.
Meanwhile, the patient is said to be clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.
The Lagos State government, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the COVID-19 Incident Commander, has been through the state Ministry of Health, strengthening measures to ensure that any outbreak in Lagos is controlled and contained with immediate effect in collaboration with the multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group, led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control , NCDC.
A statement signed on behalf of the state government by the Commissioner of Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said, “We have immediately activated the State Emergency Operations Centre to respond to this case and implement firm control measures.
“I wish to assure all Lagosians and Nigerians that we have been strengthening our preparedness since the first confirmation of cases in China. We will use all the resources made available by the state and the Federal Government to respond to this case.
“We are working to identify all the contacts of the patient, since he arrived in Nigeria. Please, be reminded that most people who become infected 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. All Lagosians 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 sanitizer; maintain at least one anda half metres (five feet) distance between you and anyone who is coughing or sneezing; people coughing persistently or sneezing should stay indoors or keep a social distance, but not mix with a crowd; 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; stay indoors if you feel unwell with symptoms, such as fever, cough and difficulty in breathing and 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 statement further advised Lagosians to call Lagos State Emergency hotlines 08023169485 or 08033565529 or 08052817243, which are available day and night, adding, “Citizens must not abuse social media and indulge in spreading misinformation that causes fear and panic. The Lagos 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.”
