By Tobias Lengnan Dapam
The federal government yesterday said the country has confirmed its first case from coronavirus, just as cases reached 36.
The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, who have the update while briefing journalists yesterday in Abuja said the states with the cases included; Lagos with 25 cases, 6 in FCT, 2 in Ogun, 1 in Edo, 1 in Ekiti and 1 in Oyo.
“Of the 36 cases, 26 had travel history to affected countries in the last 2 weeks, 6 are contacts of confirmed cases and 4 have no recent travel history or known contact.
“Sadly, we recorded our first death from COVID-19 in the country. This was a Nigerian who unfortunately, had underlying illnesses and died due to complications on the 22nd of March in Abuja. He had recently returned from the United Kingdom.
“In summary, as of the 23rd of March 2020, 36 cases have been confirmed, 2 cases have been discharged and 1 death recorded from COVID-19 in Nigeria. Of the 33 active cases, 32 are clinically stable with mild symptoms. 1 patient is oxygen-dependent.”
The Minister added that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is working closely with the state governments of all affected states to carry out contact tracing. “Through intensified contact tracing, we have been able to promptly detect cases. I strongly urge all health facilities to be on high alert and for state, local government, law enforcement authorities and community leaders to give full cooperation to investigators.”
He said contact tracing is on-going to identify all persons who have been in contact with confirmed cases.
“The Federal Ministry of Health is working closely with states and the Presidential Task Force on the Control of COVID-19, to review response activities and to institute measures to protect the health of Nigerians.
“The multi-sectorial Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) led by NCDC will continue to coordinate national response activities.”