The patient is an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria who returned from Milan to Lagos on the 25th at February 2020.

He was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory ot the Lagos University Teaching Hospital,which is part of the Laboratory Network at the Nigeria Center for Disease Control.

By this confirmation, Nigeria becomes the third country in Africa to have a confirmed case of coronavirus aside Egypt and Algeria and first in West Africa.

Please, be reminded that most people who become infected may experience only a mild illness and recover easily, but it can be more severe in others, particularly the elderly and persons with other underlying chronic illnesses.

Everyone should take care of their health and maintain hand and respiratory hygiene to protect themselves and others, including their own families, following the precautions below:

1. Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

2. Maintain at least 1 & half metres (5 feet) distance between you and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

3. People coughing persistently or sneezing should stay indoors or keep a social distance, but not mix with a crowd.

4. Ensure that you and people around you follow good respiratory hygiene by covering mouths and noses with a handkerchief or tissue while sneezing or coughing.

5. Stay indoors if you feel unwell with symptoms, such as fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing. Please call Lagos State Emergency hotlines 08023169485 or 08033565529 or 08052817243 which are available day and night.

6. Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19 through official channels on TV and Radio, the Social Media, including the Lagos State Ministry of Health, NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health.

7. Do not self medicate if you find yourself unwell.

And most importantly, citizens must not abuse social media and indulge in spreading misinformation that causes fear and panic.

Source:
https://ncdc.gov.ng/…/first-case-of-corona-virus-disease-co…