The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a new strain of the virus that has not been previously identified in humans. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
This is an updated advisory on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This advisory will be updated frequently to reflect new information and research emerging on the disease and its impact on populations.
As at the 16th of March 2020, Nigeria has recorded three confirmed cases of COVID-19. The first case was an Italian traveller to Lagos and Ogun. The second case was a contact of the first case in Ogun. The third case is a Nigerian who returned to Lagos from UK & developed symptoms during her 14-day self-isolation. On the 13th of March 2020, the second case was discharged having cleared the virus and tested negative twice. Identified contacts of the index case in Ogun and Lagos have completed their 14-day follow up period.
The Federal Ministry of Health, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has activated a national Emergency Operations Centre at the highest level and is leading the national response. A National Rapid Response Team has been deployed to support Lagos and Ogun State Governments with response activities.
Currently, there are five laboratories in NCDC’s molecular laboratory network with the capacity to test for COVID-19 in Nigeria. These laboratories are sufficiently equipped with reagents and supplies for testing.
The Federal Ministry of Health has also intensified surveillance at points of entry (Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and FCT) particularly for returning travellers with travel history to high risk countries with widespread community transmission*. Presently, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend any travel or trade restriction based on the current information available.
An intensive communications campaign has begun to provide regular updates and accurate information to Nigerians on protecting themselves. This can be found on www.covid19.ncdc.gov.ng
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
To reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, members of the public are advised to adhere to the following measures:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap under running water or use alcohol-based sanitizer if water is not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose properly with a tissue paper when sneezing and/or coughing. Dispose of the tissue properly immediately after use. You may also cough into your elbow if a tissue is not available.
• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
• Healthcare workers are always advised to observe standard infection prevention and control measures when attending to patients and take a travel history.
TRAVEL ADVICE
Exit and entry screening has been intensified across several countries, particularly countries with ongoing local transmission. This includes temperature checks and provision of accurate information on preventive measures at airports. In Nigeria, the Port Health Services of the Federal Ministry of Health has heightened screening measures at points of entry. In addition to automated temperature screening at points of entry, travelers are given a contact form to fill and asked questions upon arrival about symptoms of illness and travel history.
Travelers to Nigeria
• Travelers without symptoms on departure but become unwell in transit are advised to self-report to the Port Health Services on arrival
• Travelers from countries with ongoing local transmission*, but who show no symptoms on arrival should self-isolate at home for 14 days after arrival
• If travelers from countries with ongoing local transmission* feel ill with fever, cough or difficulty breathing within 14 days of arrival in Nigeria, please:
• Observe self-isolation immediately by staying indoors and avoiding contact with people
• Call the NCDC 24/7 toll-free line IMMEDIATELY on 080097000010
• Avoid self-medication
Travelers to China and other affected countries
• We strongly advise that all non-essential travel to countries with ongoing local transmission* should be postponed, until the outbreak is contained
• Travelers from Nigeria to China and other affected countries are advised to avoid contact with sick people.
ADVICE FOR HEALTH WORKERS
All health workers are advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for COVID-19. Health officials are advised to call 07032864444 for sample transportation and related advice if you have a case that fits the national case definition.
ADVICE FOR SCHOOLS AND BUSINESSES
The current situation in the country does not warrant a shutdown of daily activities. If there is sustained community transmission in Nigeria, various additional measures may be instituted. For now;
• Schools are advised to circulate NCDC’s public health advisory and related materials on COVID-19 to all staff, students and parents
• Businesses are advised to circulate NCDC’s public health advisory and related materials on COVID-19 to all employees, clients and visitors
• Encourage sick employees and students to stay at home if they are unwell.
• Ensure routine cleaning of high contact areas such as toilets, door handles, telephones etc.
• Provide facilities and emphasise the importance of hand washing
*Countries with widespread community transmission as at 13th March, 2020: China, Republic of Korea, Italy, Iran, Japan, Spain, France and Germany.
ABOUT CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)
COVID-19 appears to cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty breathing. From current evidence about 98 persons out of 100 persons with the disease will recover. In about 10- 15% of cases, it will cause a severe illness. It appears that death is not a common outcome and occurs mostly in elderly patients with underlying health issues.
Currently, four laboratories in Nigeria can diagnose COVID-19. In addition to the NCDC National Reference Laboratory, this includes the Virology Laboratory of Lagos University Teaching Hospital; Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital and African Centre for Genomics of Infectious Diseases in Ede, Osun State.
There is no specific treatment yet for COVID-19. However, many of the symptoms can be treated. Therefore, treatment is based on the patient’s clinical condition. Supportive care for infected persons can be highly effective
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