Coronavirus in Nigeria: Overview, Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

Coronavirus in Nigeria: Overview, Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

Coronavirus OVERVIEW

Coronavirus is a large family of viruses, some of which cause illness in people, and others that circulate among mammals and birds. It is very rare for animal coronaviruses to spread to humans, and then spread between people. Zoonotic coronaviruses have emerged in recent years to cause human outbreaks such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

COVID-19 is a present day pandemic which is described as the “NEW” Coronavirus which broke out in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.  Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

The first confirmed case of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 in Nigeria was announced on 27 February 2020, when an Italian citizen in Lagos tested positive for the virus. On 9 March 2020, a second case of the virus was reported in Ewekoro, Ogun State, a Nigerian citizen who had contact with the Italian citizen.

In Nigeria as at 22nd of April 2020, There are about 873 cases of the new corona virus in Nigeria. We have the Nigeria centre for disease control (NCDC) handling these cases and its toll free number is 080087000010. This number can be contacted if there is any suspected case of Covid-19 around you.

CAUSES OF COVID-19

Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19

There are few symptoms of Covid-19 and most people will experience mild to moderate symptoms. However,  Covid 19 could be present in some people without symptoms.  These people are called asymptomatic. Some of the few symptoms of Covid 19 are:-

Common symptoms include:

• fever.
• tiredness.
• dry cough.

Some people may experience:

• aches and pains.
• nasal congestion.
• runny nose.
• sore throat.
• diarrhea.

On an average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days. People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should self-isolate.

How to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID 19):

• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water
• Use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Maintain social distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home if you feel ill.
• If you have a fever, a cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
• If you have to go out for any reason, Use a face mask
• Follow the directions given by your local health authority.

Treatment of Covid-19

To date, there are no specific vaccines or medicines for COVID-19. Treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials.