The dreaded coronavirus is not in Nigeria, The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has declared.
The NCDC, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said: “The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control is aware of ongoing rumours of the importation of the novel coronavirus to Nigeria.
“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”.
The NCDC assured Nigerians that it remains committed to protecting, detecting and controlling the spread of infectious diseases in Nigeria.
