The Ministry of Health, through the minister of the department, Dr Osagie Ehanire confirmed that the virus has been confirmed in an Italy national who works in Nigeria.
According to the statement released, the man arrived in Nigeria on 25 February and was found to be positive on 27 February at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.
Further, the statement confirms that he is clinically stable and is being treated by the Infectious Diseases centre in Lagos. Efforts are being made to identify his contacts before his status was confirmed.
The case is the first one to be confirmed in Nigeria and sub-Saharan African since the beginning of the outbreak in China in January 2020.
The Minister of Health has enjoined Nigerians not to panic and has specified preventive measures to take.
Everyone should ensure to frequently wash their hands with soap and water; alcohol-based sanitizers should also be used.
People with persistent coughing and sneezing should stay at home, while others should maintain a safe distance from them.
Do not cough or sneeze into your palm. Instead, do so into your elbow or a tissue and dispose of the tissue immediately. Nigerians have also been advised to stay at home if they feel unwell and to immediately go to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have taken to social media with the hashtag #CoronavirusNigeria to share their thoughts on the new Coronavirus discovery in Lagos.
While many blamed the Government for not taking proper measures, others were helpful, providing information to combat the virus.
See some reactions below:
While men slept, coronavirus found its way into Nigeria. I'm praying like Egypt, this will be the only case. #coronavirusnigeria
— Temi (@FagbemiTE) February 28, 2020
#coronavirusnigeria Corona virus has finally hit Lagos, I pray the health sector contains the virus to avoid a massive breakout.
What about the other flight passengers that travelled with the infected man to Lagos? I hope the ministry of health place them under quarantine.— ESAMA OF LAGOS ?? (@Esama_of_Lagos) February 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/therealosaretin/status/1233277304937291778?s=20
Government should declare a state of emergency. They should also track down all the people that was on that flight. #coronavirusnigeria #CoronaVirusUpdate
— ??????? ?. ?????? (@FirstLove04_) February 28, 2020
It’s important we use social media rightly during this period … Don’t spread fake new or panic … it won’t help… Please I beg you all … Use social media rightly.. I trust the Nigerian Health Sector .. they’ve done it and will again #coronavirusnigeria
— Stoned Mind (@its_Tobiloba) February 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/waleshabie730/status/1233236163139428352?s=20
Now that #COVID2019 has been reported in Nigeria #CoronaVirusNigeria , it's time we educate ourselves & it's NOT a life sentence as we've had more recovery percentages than Ebola. #CoronaVirusUpdates pic.twitter.com/ScuxXWJOsv
— E (@iamOkon) February 28, 2020
