FG calls for calm as Nigeria confirms fresh coronavirus case
A Nigerian who had contact with the Italian who tested positive for coronavirus in Lagos has contracted the disease.
Osagie Ehanire, minister of health, disclosed this at a press conference in Edo state on Monday, assuring Nigerians that the situation is under control.
He said the patient, who has been in isolation in the last two weeks, is now under quarantine. Ehanire added that the fresh coronavirus case tested positive on March 8.
“The newly confirmed case is an Ogun state contact of the index case but he has no significant clinical symptoms. This brings the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria to two,” he said.
“Since the outbreak of the disease in China and the subsequent spread to other countries, one of the important strategies at the containment stage has been to identify all contacts, ensure that strict isolation tactics are followed duly to check for symptoms of the disease.
“Following recent experiences from other countries and evidence from newly published studies of known symptomatic infections, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) advised that samples be taken from all contacts of the index case for testing. It is in this process that this new case was detected.
“I repeat that the newly confirmed case in Nigeria is not a new importation but a contact of the index case, who has since been in isolation. The patient still does not have any medical symptoms and is being sent to the infectious disease facility in Lagos.
“All other contacts of the index case in Ogun and Lagos will remain in isolation and tests will be carried out on those who have not been tested. The federal ministry of health in Lagos and the Ogun state ministry of health will do all that is needed to control the spread of this outbreak.
“I want to emphasise that scientific studies are still ongoing. We urge all Nigerians to take care of their health and protect both others and themselves by regularly and thoroughly washing hands with soap and water and also use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. I urge all Nigerians to stay informed on the latest developments on COVID-19 through official channels.”
Nigeria’s index case of coronavirus flew into the country from Milan, which has the highest record of the disease in Europe, on February 24.
He had lodged at a hotel close to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, before moving to Ewekoro in Ogun state, the next day.
He fell sick on the third day of his stay in the country and tested positive for the disease two days after.
Subsequently, 39 people who had contact with him were quarantined while the federal government commenced the search for those who were on board the Turkish Airline flight that brought him to the country.
He is currently receiving treatment at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.
Great work so far. The flight manifest should have the list of the passengers who were on board the plane with the index. An announcement should also be made to asked all persons in that flight with him to quickly go for a check for their lives and others sake