Italian who ‘imported’ coronavirus to Nigeria recovers, discharged

The Italian who ‘imported’ coronavirus to Nigeria has been discharged after  testing negative, having spent weeks in Lagos Hospital to receive medications, and before leaving he consented to donate one unit of white blood (otherwise called plasma), which is rich in anti-body proteins that target the COVID-19 virus.

Penpushing reports that the white blood plasma is frozen is in  bio-bank of the hospital and  is said  to be useful in handling new cases and will  also be beneficial for the treatment of new patients in the absence of a defined therapeutic drug for COVID-19 yet.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the patient’s discharge known in his twitter handle with pictures of the Italian, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, and other health officials.

“As the COVID-19 Incident Commander for Lagos State, I am glad to inform you that the index case the Italian gentleman is now negative, Through a combined effort of Lagos State, Ogun State and Federal Health Authorities, we were able to limit the transmission of the virus to a single contact.

“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.”

“The index patient consented to donate one unit of white blood (otherwise called plasma) before he was discharged today (Friday). The blood plasma is rich in anti-body proteins that target the COVID-19 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 COVID-19 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 and Lagos State Government. 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.”

Penpushing recalled that, the Italian on arrival in Nigeria travelled to a cement factory in Ewekoro community, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, and fell ill days after, before it was discovered that he tested positive to coronavirus and was subsequently taken to a Lagos Hospital for medications.