The Nigerian government has engaged the World Health Organization in the quest to identify 103 out of the 158 passengers who arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, alongside the Italian man who tested positive for coronavirus in Nigeria.
This move comes after the Lagos State Government highlighted the challenges in tracing the passengers aboard the Turkish airliner that brought the index case on February 25.
Providing an update on the search, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora revealed that the WHO has been enlisted to aid in tracing uncooperative passengers.
He stated;
“The contact tracing is progressing well. It began with the manifest of the airline that arrived with the Italian, and approximately 157 or thereabout were on that flight.
“We obtained the manifest and 54 on the list have been traced. Then, proceeding to the hotel where the man (Italian) stayed, we have identified approximately six as his contacts, and then to the company he visited in Ogun State.
“We have identified about 30 to 35 contacts being followed up; also, there are other personnel such as the ambulance and taxi driver; in total, about 100 contacts have been established.
“It is important to note that some of these contacts, those on the aircraft that arrived in the country with the index case, have left the country, but there was still documentation.
“I am aware that WHO has been contacted so that those contacts that left can be traced to their respective destinations. They have been informed and will be in contact with these contacts, regardless of the country they have traveled to.’’