Health

Nigeria confirms first coronavirus case in Lagos

Per Second NewsFebruary 28, 2020800

The federal ministry of health on Thursday night confirmed an infection in Lagos that would represent the first person in Nigeria to contract the virus.

The case is an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos on the 25th of February 2020. He was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos Teaching Hospital. According to the ministry the patient is stable and being managed at the infectious Disease hospital in Yaba, Lagos.

The ministry assures Nigerians that preparedness capabilities have been beefed up and will use all resources available to government to respond to this case.

coronavirus prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, health officials always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Recommendations for using a facemask.
- Experts does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.