The Honourable Minister of State, Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora, has informed that there is no case of Covid-19 in Nigeria” as at now”.
The Minister made this known in Abuja, while giving critical updates to health journalists on the latest outbreak of Lassa fever and level of preparedness and response measures against COVID-19 by the Federal Ministry Of Health and its Agencies in the last three weeks.
Speaking, on survellance/screening of foreign passengers entering Nigeria, the Minister hinted that 5 cases that met with case definition were identified and tested but all results came out negative, however, the country remains on high alert.
He stated that case management workshops and Clinical trainings supported by African Centre for Disease Control is on – going in preparedness for any emergency.
Mamora also pointed out that Laboratory capacity for testing has been enhanced in Lagos, Abuja and Irrua specialized hospital in Edo State while the Federal Government is planning to expand more Laboratories across the Country.
The Minister urged the public to report any suspected case to the appropriate quarters for appropriate action. He stated that NCDC has already been issuing medical advises to health workers on the necessary things to do. He further advised the public to avoid peddling fake news because of the danger it might pose to the society.
Dr. Momora said that from January 1st- February to 15th 2020, Lassa fever has been in circulation, affecting not less than 26 states and most recently, Lagos state. He added that, there are about 586 confirmed cases of Lassa fever according to records, while 103 deaths have been reported.
He mentioned that five Laboratories for testing Lassa fever across the country have been designated, while reiterating federal government’s commitment to ensure that Research Institutes in the country would find Lassa fever vaccines to curb the incidence of yearly outbreak.
The Minister further disclosed that preliminary investigation on the strange illness in Benue State suggests that the disease might be caused by lead poisoning and or harmful practice of pouring garmalin into a body of water by fishermen to kill fishes which were later consumed by humans. He therefore advised residents of the affected communities to desist from making use of the river.
Enefaa Bob-Manuel
Head (Media & Public Relations)
