FG Confirms Third Case Of Coronavirus In Nigeria
Says, She Clinically Stable
Intensive Contact Tracing Has Begun To Identify Her Contacts
Commends Her For Going Into Self- Isolation Upon Arriaval
TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
The stringent surveilance efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) have identified a new case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) within our borders, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria to 3, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has said.
Ehanire made this known at a press conference to update Nigerians on the third case of the dreaded coronavirus case in Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to him, ” the latest case is a Nigerian national in her 30s, who returned from a short visit to the United Kingdom on March 13th. Fortunately, she decided, upon returning home, to go into a 14 day self-isolation, but Subsequently developed symptoms of fever and cough on March 16h, at which point she voluntarily called the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) toll-free call line, to report her condition.
“Officials from the Lagos State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) were immedicely dispatched to her
home to collect samples, which upon testing came out positive for the
Coronavirus. The lady is currently at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) in
Yaba where she has remained clinically stable and is responding to treatment”, he said.
The minister further revealed that, ” Intensive contact tracing has begun, to help identify all persons who the
patient has been in contact with since her return. We expect the number to be small, because of her sensible dacision to go into self-isolation from
the time of her arriaval.
We commend her for following the recommended guldelines to the letter. The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) will continue to assess the situation and adjust response accordingly.
The inaugural meeting of the Presidential Toskforce on Coronavirus will hold later today. Please continue to maintan hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, which has beern repeatedly advised.
Ehanire added that, the Federal Government of Nigeria will make further announcements later
today.
The Federal Ministry of Health will continues to carry out the necessary
rick assessments on a daily basis. The National Emergency Operations
Centre and partners will work with Lagos State Health authorties in their response.
It is important to note that many people who are infected with coronavirus will experience only mild symptoms and recover without incident. Of great concern are those with existing underlying medical conditions and senior citizens to stay more at home.
He however urged Nigerians to continue to take precautions to protect themselves and their families.
He also advised citizens against relying on social media, as pranksters tend to abuse this medium for misinformation and disinformation that cause fear and panic.
