CoronaVirus Updates
BREAKING: Italian Coronavirus index case in Nigeria healed, discharged from hospital
- Italian donates blood to treat other patients
BY OUR EDITOR
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has every reason to boast. The Italian man who took the state, indeed Nigeria, by storm when he assumed the unenviable status of the coronavirus index case in the country, has again tested negative and subsequently discharged from hospital.
“As the COVID-19 Incident Commander for Lagos, I am glad to inform you that the index case, the Italian gentleman, is now negative,” Sanwo-Olu announced with great relief.
He gave more details: “Through a combined effort of Lagos, Ogun State and federal health authorities, we were able to limit the transmission of the virus to a single contact.
The Italian lying in his hospital bed while hospital staff observe.
“This involved aggressive contact tracing and containment strategies.
“However, we now have several new imported cases and we hope we can apply the same contact tracing strategy along with social distancing to slow down the outbreak which may be brewing from these new cases.
READ: Nigeria records first Coronavirus case as Italian tests positive
“The index patient consented to donating 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 patient appreciated the exceptional care and support given to him by staff of the infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba and all members of the EOC.
“The EOC team was extremely happy to bid the patient farewell.
“Once again, we will like to convey the enthusiasm of the team to do the very best possible in handling incidents of #COVID19.”
READ: Italian who brought Coronavirus to Nigeria test negative, but…