Coronavirus: Nigerian Who Returned From China Tested, ‘Showed No Symptoms Of Illness’ – NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has refuted reports making the rounds that a Nigerian who recently returned to the country from China had contracted the deadly coronavirus. 

The NCDC refuted the reports in a statement on Saturday. 

The agency clarified that, “This individual returned from China last week and went for a routine medical check as requested by his employers.

“He showed no symptoms of illness and has not been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.

“NCDC has agreed a national case definition to identify suspect cases and established a laboratory testing platform to test samples from patients that meet this case definition.

“We urge members of the public to disregard rumours and discourage further spread. NCDC, Port Health Services and State Epidemiologlsts are aware of the process for case identification and confirmation.

“We will investigate every suspect case to ensure that Nigerians are safe.

“On the 31st of January, NCDC shared a second public health advisory and is closely monitoring new developments.

“We advise Nigerians to take necessary precautions as detailed in the advisory below.

“Travelers from China to Nigeria in the last 14 days are advised to report immediately to NCDC through our communication centre, if they feel ill”.

Meanwhile, the NCDC had on Friday issued a public health advisory to Nigerians on the virus that has killed over 250 as of Saturday and infected over 11,791 across the globe. 

The agency said as of Thursday, the virus had spread to 18 countries, including Japan, Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Republic of Singapore, Thailand, United States of America, Australia, Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, French Republic, Malaysia, Canada, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Philippines, India and Finland.

The NCDC assured that it has put in place “quick and diverse strategies” to prevent the importation of the virus into the country. 

The World Health Organisation  (WHO) had on January 30, 2020, declared the coronavirus outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern.