Coronavirus : A first case confirmed in Nigeria, first in West Africa and sub-Saharan Africa also

Health
Friday, 28 February 2020 12:34
Coronavirus : A first case confirmed in Nigeria, first in West Africa and sub-Saharan Africa also

(Togo First) - The infected is an Italian who returned to Lagos, where he works, three days ago. The Nigerian ministry of health has “confirmed a coronavirus case (Covid-19) in the State of Lagos” via Twitter. The case which was confirmed on February 27, 2020, is the first in Nigeria since the epidemic broke out. 

However, “for now the patient’s state is stable and shows no grave symptoms,” officials indicate. 

Nigeria is the third African country affected by the virus. The other two are Egypt and Algeria. 

Though Nigeria closed its land borders with neighboring Benin and Niger, to tackle smuggling and preserve its economy, there is still movement between these countries. The country’s health authorities, therefore, call for more caution and vigilance. 

Let’s recall that the virus, which is highly contagious and aggressive (with a reproductive rate ranging between 3 and 7) has infected more than 81,000 people worldwide so far. At the moment, major centers of infection are China, Iran, and Italy. Iran especially has a higher complication rate (far above the 3% average presently admitted, according to Chinese data).

In Togo, health authorities are on alert. The following numbers should be contacted to signal eventual cases: +228 22 22 20 73 / +228 91 67 42 42.

Also, an isolation centre has been set up at the airport of Lomé (AIGE), in addition to a 24-hour monitoring cell. 

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

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