The first #Coronavirus case in Nigeria has been confirmed by the Virology laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). it was confirmed on 27th February 2020.
The patient was described as an Italian national who resides and works in Lagos. The Italian National returned to Nigeria from Italy on the 25th of February and was diagnosed on the 27th of February. The patient is said to be clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos same clinic that was used to manage the Ebola outbreak of 2014.
In a press release by the NCDC, the center described it effort to find all those who have had contacts with the patient in a bid to reduce the spread of disease. ” 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”
Nigerians are advised to take the following precautions:
1. Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
2. Maintain at least 1 & half metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
3. Persons with persistent cough or sneezing should stay home or keep a social distance, but not mix in-crowd.
4. Make sure you and people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene, meaning cover 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.
5. 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
6. 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.
