Coronavirus also known as Covid-19 is a deadly respiratory disease that is responsible for over 3,000 deaths. It was first reported in Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019 and had since spread to over 30 countries. Is coronavirus in Nigeria? There is a reported case of Coronavirus in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported a case of an Italian national who, according to the Health Minister, Osagie Ehanire, “works in Nigeria and just recently returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos, Nigeria on the 25th of February 2020. This is the first case of coronavirus in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.
The patient is said to be clinically stable and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos. The case was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LSUTH), part of the laboratory network of the NCDC, the Minister said in a press statement issued a little after midnight on Friday.
How prepared is Nigeria to battle coronavirus
I do not want to imagine coronavirus in Nigeria because we may not survive it as a country. I believe in prevention is better than cure. Since there has been no reported case of coronavirus in Nigeria, I think the Government should gear up and emulate South Africa.
I visited South Africa recently and when our plane landed we were not allowed to exit the plane until men dressed in hazard mask were done scanning every occupant of the plan. I was confused, I have never experienced such treatment. It felt like I was being tested for HIV after having unprotected sex.
The World Health Organisation in preparation for an eventual importation of the disease had listed 13 Africa countries (Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Morocco, Sudan, Angola, Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and Tunisia) as having the highest ‘importation risk’. These countries have been WHO’s top priority for preparedness measures due to their direct links or high volume of travel to China.
There have been reported cases of coronavirus in Egypt, coronavirus in Lagos and coronavirus in Algeria. Nigeria is one of the highest visitors to China in the world due to its trade relationship. Since our government is either lackadaisical or clueless about the coronavirus. Coronavirus in Nigeria is imminent and we have to prepare for it.
How to prevent Coronavirus in Nigeria
Information is power like they say. You need to stay ahead and alert about the coronavirus, It is considered deadlier than HIV because it kills faster and all you need is just body contact to get infected.
Here are a few tips to help you stay protected from corona virus when you are in Nigeria as directed on WHO.
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Please visit the the official WHO website for up to date information about coronavirus.
Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where Coronavirus is spreading
Follow the guidance outlined below.
Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover.
Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible coronavirus and other viruses.
If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.
Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of corona virus in Nigeria and other viruses.
If you can follow these instructions strictly, I believe we can combat coronavirus in Nigeria effectively. Especially now that a case of coronavirus in Lagos has been reported. Let us stay strong as a country, we shall overcome in unity and love.