News of the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Nigeria has prompted fierce debate on social media, with #CoronavirusNigeria now the top Twitter trend across the country.
Nigerian authorities have urged the public to remain calm.
But some people say they fear the country, which is already battling an outbreak of Lassa fever, may struggle to cope if coronavirus spreads.
READ ALSO: Nigeria confirms first case of coronavirus
Others say that the quick response of health authorities to the 2014 Ebola outbreak is proof the country will be able to contain the threat:
Our hygiene is bad, especially in Lagos. If this virus spreads, we are doomed. We need the same energy we used in defeating the Ebola virus. Lord help my country people to all play our parts.
— Slimfit (@iSlimfit) February 28, 2020
The federal government of Nigeria needs to be heavily slapped for this mess they are trying to put us in
Y'all know our health sector is a mess and we not fully prepared to handle these kinda outbreaks
Yet we allow people come in from affected countries— KF🔺 (@badniggafela) February 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/RinsolaAbiola/status/1233264975034097664 https://twitter.com/waleshabie730/status/1233236163139428352 https://twitter.com/MariamOyeyebi/status/1233240551211896832Remember when Ebola entered Nigeria?
— Tọ́pẹ́ Fábùsọ́lá ❁ (@TopeFabusola) February 28, 2020
People cried about how it's over for us.
We would all be dead. No one can contain it. Our government doesn't care. Our people are gullible.
But guess what, we're still here.
THIS TOO SHALL PASS!#coronavirusnigeria
When I hear that there has been a confirmed case of #coronavirusnigeria https://t.co/HIV8uIxzjL
— 👑 Ace Skinny (@Mosace1) February 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/wolexz_tricks/status/1233275283232501761Woke up to the news that Corona virus has entered Lagos and somehow I'm unshaken. Poverty, Malaria, Hunger, Ebola have all come and gone and I'm still here, No be today #coronavirusnigeria
— Sir Vage 🇦🇷 (@sammie_chika) February 28, 2020
Now in few weeks to come, watch every other country of the world ban flights from Nigeria (If we don't get on top of this situation).
— Mo-Mo (@Morris_Monye) February 28, 2020
This is something we should have done for other infected countries.... But incompetence said no. #coronavirusnigeria
Nigerians are also encouraging each other to take basic preventive measures to protect themselves, such as washing hands.
That's one of the key steps recommended by the World Health Organization. Here's their full list:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Maintain social distancing
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Practice respiratory hygiene
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
- Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider.
Nigeria is the first country in sub-Saharan to record a positive case of coronavirus, after authorities confirmed an Italian citizen, who flew into Lagos from Milan, tested positive for the disease.
Egypt and Algeria have also recorded positive cases.