The
Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed another case of Coronavirus disease ((
COVID-19) in the country. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in
Nigeria to three. Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire made the disclosure
Tuesday while briefing newsmen in Abuja. He said the latest case was a Nigerian
national in her 30s, who returned from a short visit to the United Kingdom on
March 13th .
The
minister said the patient decided, to go on a 14-day self-isolation when she
returned to the country but subsequently developed symptoms of fever and cough
on March 16th , at which point she voluntarily called the Nigeria Centre for
Disease Control (NCDC) toll free call line, to report her condition. He said
officials from the Lagos State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) were
immediately 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. Dr Ehanire said intensive contact tracing
has begun, to help identify all persons who the patient has been in contact
with since her return , adding, “We expect the number to be small, because of
her sensible decision to go into self-isolation from the time of her arrival.
We commend her for following the recommended guidelines to the latter.” He said
the Federal Ministry of Health would continue to assess the situation and
adjust response accordingly. The minister also promised to provide updates on
the banning of flights into Nigeria or social activities and festivals, after
the deliberations of the Inter-ministerial meeting on the Presidential
Task force on Coronavirus which would hold later today. It is headed by the
Secretary to the Government of the Federation. While advising Nigerians to
continue taking necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families,
Dr Ehanire said that many people infected with Coronavirus would experience
only mild symptoms and recover without incident. ” Of great concern are those
with existing underlying medical conditions and senior citizens, who are known
to be more vulnerable. We strongly advise these citizens to stay more at home,”
he said.
Published
by
Prince Bawa Joe
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