Nigeria’s Coronavirus Index Discharged, Case Closed

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed the discharge of Nigeria’s index coronavirus patient.  

The Italian patient was treated at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, after testing positive to COVID-19 on February 28.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and other health officials are pictured bidding the patient good.

Prof Abayomi said in his Twitter handle that, “As the COVID-19 Incident Commander for Lagos, I am glad to inform you that the index case; the Italian gentleman is now negative.

“Through a combined effort of Lagos, Ogun State and Fed Health Authorities, we were able to limit the transmission of the virus to a single contact,” the governor said.

The state governor on his part confirmed that the patient is fully healed more so because he co-operated with authorities.

According to him, “The index patient consented to donate one unit of white blood (plasma) before he was discharged today. The blood plasma is rich in antibody proteins that target #COVID19 virus.

“The white blood plasma is frozen in our Bio-bank and will be useful in handling new cases. The blood plasma will be beneficial for the treatment of new patients in the absence of a defined therapeutic drug for #COVID19 yet.

“The index patient appreciated the exceptional care and support given to him by the staff of the mainland Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba, all members of the EOC.

“The EOC team was extremely happy to bid the patient farewell. Once again, we like to convey the enthusiasm of our team to do the very best possible in handling incidents of Coronavirus,” the governor said.