It’s no longer news that Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health has recorded its first case of Coronavirus nicknamed – COVID-19 by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The virus which originated from Wuhan city of China has killed thousands and spread across countries across the world which recently included Nigeria.
Although, Nigeria has denied recording such case until yesterday when the agency through its official twitter handle announced the first case of Coronavirus…
The Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed a coronavirus(Covid-19) case in Lagos State Nigeria. The case which was confirmed on 27/02/2020 is the first case to be reported in Nigeria since the beginning of the outbreak in China in January 2020 @WHO @BBCWorld #CoronaVirusUpdates pic.twitter.com/uF79NYzvAz
— Federal Ministry of Health, NIGERIA (@Fmohnigeria) February 27, 2020
“The Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed a coronavirus(Covid-19) case in Lagos State Nigeria. The case which was confirmed on 27/02/2020 is the first case to be reported in Nigeria since the beginning of the outbreak in China in January 2020”, says the statement posted on @Fmohnigeria official twitter handle.
Since the announcement, Nigerians has wondered how such a deadly disease would have entered the country barely few days the agency debunked ever recording its first case.
Covid-19: Today #HMSH @DrMamora led the press briefing on @COVID19 & reiterated that there is no confirmed case in Nigeria but government remains on high alert.
Increased screening POEs, @NCDCgov ability to test for COVID19 & Public awareness are measures to prevent importation. pic.twitter.com/V90NIAc2fC— Federal Ministry of Health, NIGERIA (@Fmohnigeria) February 21, 2020
Giving more insight, a twitter handle named “COVID-19 Response Mode” @EpidAlert has revealed how the disease entered the country.
#COVID19 index case in Nigeria is an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos, Nigeria on the 25th of February 2020.” – @NCDCgov
https://twitter.com/EpidAlert/status/1233184359030706180
Also corroborating the story, Honourable Minister of Health Dr. E. Osagie Ehanire MD, FWACS, said..
The patient, a foreign national with no serious symptoms, has been placed in treatment with the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba. @NCDCGov is working closely with @LSMoH to identify all contacts of the patient.@FMoHNigeria will continue to provide updates.
Meanwhile, ADVICE FOR THE PUBLIC: Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus – Source: WHO
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
