Coronavirus; Its Implications for Nigeria

Coronavirus; Its Implications for Nigeria

There is a current outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) which was first reported from Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019. According to Worldometer, as of February 10, 2020, the world has recorded over 40, 655 cases and 910 deaths and the numbers are increasing everyday around the world. These numbers surpass the total number of cases and deaths caused by SARS and MARS. Let us look closely at Coronavirus and the implications it could have on us in Nigeria, if or when it makes its way here. Currently, any symptom of Coronavirus should be reported to Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC).

How Ready Are We?

Right now, the virus is known to be in more than 28 countries. It is not in Africa yet, but it is close. Just recently, two suspected cases in Ghana tested negative to Coronavirus. This does not mean that we are safe, not yet. Coronavirus could still be exported to Africa. We do not exist in isolation, we share deep travel and trade ties with China. It would be wise, to assume very strongly at this point that we are at risk of having Coronavirus enter Nigeria. When that happens, then what? Can we honestly say we are ready for an epidemic of this nature?

Our Environment Poses a Grave Threat

We can agree that our environment is not the neatest. It is filled with places where Coronavirus can thrive. There are many ways in which it could spread. From our dirty and over populated markets, to our roads littered with potholes, which are in turn filled with dirty, stagnant waters that are prime spots for the breeding of all kinds diseases. There is also the fact that our streets and public places are more often than not, littered with trash. People live next to dumpsites, because of negligence or lack of better options. Also we are all aware of public defecation, this is not news. Public defecation in itself is a very unhealthy act, if coupled with Coronavirus and
its mode of transmission, we can be certain that the repercussions will be brutal. Imagine that your dog, wanders out and steps into faeces by the road side, faeces infected with Coronavirus and then brings it back to your house. You could even step in it, at the markets or on the road when coming back from work. Our environment is not ready for a virus of this nature. This is because Coronavirus and indeed any other virus will thrive in places with poor hygiene and sanitation and unfortunately our environment is one. Coronavirus would conspire with our environment, the spread would be instant and the death toll would be massive.

Here’s What We Can Do

Right now, the government of Uganda is allocating funds and putting in measures to ensure that the virus does not make its way into Uganda. As we do the same, our government should allocate funds specifically to environmental sanitation. We need to clean up our environment. A clean environment would reduce the risk of a viral spread should Coronavirus unfortunately make its way into Nigeria. We can close our borders to the infected communities, we can enforce strict quarantines, these are both solid plans and should be carried out, but we still need to clean up. A healthy environment is a safe one. Coronavirus is deadly, but it is not the
only virus that can devastate a country when it turns a blind eye to its unclean environment.
Meanwhile ;

Things You Should Know About Coronavirus

Coronavirus is zoonotic, which means you can get it from any infected animal. Coronavirus can also be transmitted from person to person. If an infected person around you coughs, sneezes or shakes your hand, you could get infected. You can also get infected by touching anobject or surface that has Coronavirus on it, and then touching your face or mouth without first washing your hands. You can get it through fecal contamination too (coming in contact with infected faeces).

Prevention

World Health Organization has given the following preventive steps for Coronavirus:

1. Wash your hands frequently: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or hand sanitizers or use an alcohol based hand rub if your hands are not visibly dirty.Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub eliminates the virus if it is on your hands
2. Practice respiratory hygiene: When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – discard tissue immediately into a closed bin and clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. Why? Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing prevents the spread of germs and viruses. If you sneeze or cough into your hands, you may contaminate objects or people that you touch.
3. Maintain Social distancing: Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever. Why? When someone who is infected with a respiratory disease, like 2019-nCoV, coughs or sneezes they project small droplets containing the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the virus.
4. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth: Why? Hands touch many surfaces which can be contaminated with the virus. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your contaminated hands, you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself.
5. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early: Tell your health care provider if you have traveled in an area in China where 2019-nCoV has been reported, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has traveled from China and has respiratory symptoms. Any symptom of Coronavirus should be reported to Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), they will visit to collect samples for laboratory test for confirmation Why? Whenever you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing it’s important to seek medical attention promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Respiratory symptoms with fever can have a range of causes, and depending on your personal travel history and circumstances, 2019-nCoV could be one of them.
6. If you have mild respiratory symptoms and no travel history to or within China: If you have mild respiratory symptoms and no travel history to or within China, carefully practice basic respiratory and hand hygiene and stay home until you are recovered, if possible.
7. As a general precaution, practice general hygiene measures when visiting live animal markets, wet markets or animal product markets: Ensure regular hand washing with soap and potable water after touching animals and animal products; avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with hands; and avoid contact with sick animals or spoiled animal products. Strictly avoid any contact with other animals in the market (e.g. stray cats and dogs, rodents, birds, bats). Avoid contact with potentially contaminated animal waste or fluids on the soil or structures of shops and market facilities.
8. Avoid consumption of raw or under-cooked animal products: Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.