* Dismisses rumours of disease infection cases in the country

Alexander Davis

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has urged Nigerians to disregard and discourage rumours of the spread of Coronavirus in the country.

In a statement on Sunday, February 2, NCDC clarified the case of a Chinese man who returned to Nigeria from China last week.

The man had only gone for a routine checkup as requested by his employers. The checkup showed that he had no symptoms of the sickness, the agency said.

It assured that measures are in place to establish a laboratory-testing platform to test samples got from patients that show signs of infection.

“The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control is aware of ongoing rumours of the importation of the Coronavirus to Nigeria.

“The 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 on a national case definition to identify suspect cases and established a laboratory testing platform to test samples from patients that meet this case definition,” the statement noted.

The NCDC urged Nigerians to take necessary precautions and ensure that they study the public health advisory on Coronavirus epidemic in Nigeria.

“We urge members of the public to disregard rumours and discourage further spread. NCDC, Port Health Service and State Epidemiologists are aware of the process for a case to ensure that Nigerians are safe,” it assured.

It is recalled that January 31, NCDC had shared a second public health advisory, and it is closely monitoring new developments.

“We advise Nigerians to take necessary precautions….”