What Is The Coronavirus COVID19? Status in Nigeria

UPDATE for 18 March 2020: 5 new cases of the COVID19 novel coronavirus have been confirmed in Nigeria making for a total of 8 cases. 3 of these arrived from the United States and 2 of them arrived from the United Kingdom. Four of them are Nigerians. Remember to wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. Read on for how to stay safe.

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UPDATE for 17 March 2020: A third case of the COVID19 novel coronavirus has been confirmed in Nigeria. This patient is a Nigerian who returned from the UK and developed symptoms while she placed herself in self-isolation in the past 14 days. She is clinically stable & is being treated at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Lagos. Remember to wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. Read on for how to stay safe.

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UPDATE for 9 March 2020: A second case of the COVID19 novel coronavirus has been confirmed in Nigeria. This second patient was in contact with the index patient in Ogun State and was one of those under quarantine and in isolation.

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UPDATE for 28 February 2020: The first case of the COVID19 novel coronavirus has been confirmed in Lagos, Nigeria. The patient travelled to Lagos from Italy and is now being actively managed by health authorities.

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Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause not only the common cold but also more serious respiratory illnesses. A novel coronavirus (2019-Ncov) was identified as the source of the illnesses on January 7, with the infection traced to a Wuhan seafood market that also sold live animals. The death toll has exceeded 100 and the number of infected cases exceeds 4500. The world is one huge global village and China is Africa’s biggest trading partner so Nigeria is understandably concerned. The Nigerian government says health authorities at points of entry are on alert for cases of coronavirus arriving in Africa’s most populous country. The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has asked travelers coming from Wuhan to report to a medical facility and the center if they feel ill.

Transmission

· Through contact with infected animals

· Coughing and sneezing

· Contact with infected people or things they’ve touched.

Symptoms

· Fever

· Difficulty breathing

· Sore throat

· Runny nose

· Severe cough

· Pneumonia

Death

· Most victims die from complications including pneumonia and from swelling in the lungs.

· Severe Pneumonia can kill by causing the individual to drown in the fluid flooding their lungs.

· In the case of swelling of the lungs, the swelling makes it hard for the lungs to pass oxygen into the bloodstream, this leads to organ failure and death.

Prevention

The virus has no vaccine, but practice the same prevention tips for a common cold.

· Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water

· Cover your mouth and nose properly with a handkerchief, tissue paper or your elbow when sneezing and/or coughing.

· Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms

· Keep hydrated

· Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer

· Get plenty of rest.

· Avoid self-medication, report to a medical facility

If You Have Symptoms, Please Do These:

Stay home except to get medical care

You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas, and do not use public transportation or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people in your home

As much as possible, you should stay in a different room from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.

Call ahead before visiting your doctor

Before your medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them your symptoms and fears for a 2019-nCoV infection. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected.

Wear a facemask

You should wear a facemask when you are in the same room with other people and when you visit a healthcare provider. If you cannot wear a facemask, the people who live with you should wear one while they are in the same room with you. 

Cover your coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or you can cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can, and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Wash your hands

Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid sharing household items

You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding, or other items with other people in your home. After using these items, you should wash them thoroughly with soap and water.

Monitor your symptoms

Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing).