12:12 28th February 2020 | Infectious Disease

Be protected Coronavirus COVID-19 Reduce the spread Stay safe

Lagos, Nigeria (CNN)- An Italian citizen who travelled to Lagos, Nigeria's economic nerve centre, is the first confirmed case of coronavirus in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the country's Health Ministry.

Following the press release by the Nigerian Government about the Coronavirus outbreak in Nigeria, we have provided here educational information on the virus and preventative measures to ensure that you remain informed and prepared to tackle the scourge and be protected.

 

Fast facts about this disease

Symptoms to look out for:

• Fever 
• Tiredness, and
• Dry cough
• Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea.
• These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.
• Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell.
• Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment.
• Around 1 out of every 6 people who get COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing.
• Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.
• About 2% of people with the disease have died.

NOTE: People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

Precautionary measures to take:

Be mindful of the following myths:

Other locations within and outside Africa affected by the virus (as at 28th Feb 2020)

As Nigerians and indeed Africans, despite the odds, we have remained resilient and strong through adversities that many may not endure. We are able to achieve this admirable feat by sticking together with one resolve, one single-minded goal- Survival.

As medical and paramedical professionals, every day, we are constantly put to the test, exposed to conditions beyond our control and we have CONSISTENTLY emerged as true heroes, self-sacrificing, extraordinary and incredibly brave.

Let us all do what we possibly can to keep ourselves and families safe because prevention is better than cure.

Let us remain formidable against this scourge and arise triumphant at the end of it all.

Other vital sources for more information include

• https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen
• https://extranet.who.int/publicemergency
• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
• https://iris.wpro.who.int/handle/10665.1/14482

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