Nigeria Records 16 COVID-19 Deaths In 24-Hours, As UK-funded Drug "Dexamethasone" Cures Virus

Today, Nigeria recorded 16 COVID-19 deaths, while 490 new coronavirus confirmed cases were recorded in 16 states according to data from Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC). This takes the total confirmed COVID-19 cases to 17,148  since the virus was first detected in the country in late February this year.

According to NCDC, Lagos recorded the highest number of confirmed cases today, accounting for 142, while FCT recorded 60, Bayelsa 54, Rivers 39, Delta 37, Oyo 30, Kaduna 26, Imo 23, Enugu 19, Kwara 17, Gombe 11, Ondo 10, Bauchi 8, Ogun 7, Borno 6, Benue 1.

NCDC stated on its official Twitter account that 16 deaths, related to COVID-19 complications, were recorded on June 16, 2020, increasing the COVID-19-related deaths to 455 in about four months. Meanwhile, 5623 cases have been discharged so far in Nigeria.

UK-funded Drug "Dexamethasone" Cures Virus

Meanwhile, a drug funded by the UK government, "Dexamethasone", has recorded success in its clinical trials after the use of the drug led to a decline in death risks by one-third for COVID-19 patients on ventilators and by one-fifth for patients on oxygen.

According to Imperial College London, "Based on these results, 1 death would be prevented by treatment of around 8 ventilated patients or around 25 patients requiring oxygen alone." However, the drug had no benefit for patients not on respiratory support.

The treatment of COVID-19 with Dexamethasone last for ten days and it's worth $4.50 per day. Prior to COVID-19, Dexamethasone was used to treat wide range of conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.

NCDC Reacts To Dexamethasone Usage

While reacting to the report of Dexamethasone showing positive signs, the NCDC stated that the Nigerian government haven't given go-ahead to use the drug in Nigeria. NCDC stated that the public will be notified about the usage of Dexamethasone as it still plans to work with sister agencies to evaluate the drug.

"The NCDC is aware of recent outcomes from a UK-Government funded clinical trial for COVID-19. The results support the use of Dexamethsaone as a possible treatment to reduce the risk of death among COVID-19 patients, who require oxygen or mechanical ventilation.

"Please note that the Government of Nigeria has not validated or approved any treatment for COVID-19. In addition, the use of Dexamethasone for COVID-19 treatment has not been validated by @WHO.

"We are aware of ongoing clinical trials conducted by scientists in the UK and will work with our sister agencies to evaluate this emerging data on the use of Dexamethasone. We will inform the general public on outcomes following scientific review and validation." NCDC stated.