First case of coronavirus confirmed in Nigeria

An Italian man who works in Nigeria and flew into the commercial capital Lagos this week has been diagnosed with coronavirus, marking the first confirmed case of the disease in sub-Saharan Africa.

The patient flew into the country on 25th February. Authorities say he is stable and is receiving treatment at a hospital in Lagos.

The Nigerian government has reassured citizens that it is prepared and has activated its national emergency operations centre to implement control measures.

In the meantime, authorities are identifying all those who may have come into contact with the patient since his return to Nigeria. 

The deadly virus has so far infected over 80,000 people, mostly in China. The disease has spread to 40 countries and killed more than 60 people outside of China. 

Elsewhere in Africa, Algeria and Egypt have also confirmed cases of the disease. 

Photo: AFP