First person in Africa tested for the virus in Cote d'Ivoire
Authorities in Cote d'Ivoire have tested the first person on the African continent for the Wuhan coronavirus, Cote d'Ivoire’s Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene said in a statement Sunday.
An Ivorian student who traveled from Beijing to Abidjan experienced symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and difficulty breathing, the ministry said.
The student was moved to a safe location on arrival at the airport and is currently under medical observation, the ministry said.
Authorities believe it is a case of pneumonia and not coronavirus, but the final diagnosis will be made after the analysis of the tests results, the ministry said.
The ministry urged residents not to panic, to maintain proper hygiene and to visit the closest health center in case of fever, cough or breathing difficulties.
Here’s how the coronavirus could affect Africa
Experts say Cameroon, Nigeria, south Africa and other African countries 'can't expect to be immune' from the spread of China's coronavirus.Cases of the coronavirus have been reported in Japan, Thailand, South Korea and the US. So far, only the case of Cote d'Ivoire a has been reported in Africa.
Health authorities in South Africa, Cameroon and other African countries are taking measures to keep it this way.
They’ve increased surveillance of travelers arriving from countries reporting cases of “Wuhan flu” by using thermal scanners at airports.
In China, at least 80 people have died from the coronavirus with almost 3 000 more confirmed ill. As the virus continues to spread, many countries have implemented travel bans and quarantines.
What About Africans in Wuhan, China
Africans outside of the country have shared their first-hand experience of dealing with the coronavirus.Many have revealed that they weren't able to leave as planned due to the travel band
“The government sends us updates to tell us not to go outside, keep wearing our masks and maintain hygienic practices. We don’t know when the roads will be open again. I’ve seen people walking outside wearing those hazmat suits; I guess they are authorities checking to see if people are adhering to the rules.” Says and African in China
Drop in Chinese visitors to Africa
With the coronavirus outbreak, and the increasing global worries about the potential spread, one could see a dramatic drop in Chinese visitors to Africa, as well as a decline in trade between the two countries, which will not bode well for our struggling economy.Common human coronaviruses
Common human coronaviruses, including types 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1, usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Most people get infected with these viruses at some point in their lives. These illnesses usually only last for a short amount of time. Symptoms may include- runny nose
- headache
- cough
- sore throat
- fever
- a general feeling of being unwell
Transmission of coronavirus
Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through
the air by coughing and sneezing
close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
rarely, fecal contamination
In the United States, people usually get infected with common human coronaviruses in the fall and winter. However, you can get infected at any time of the year. Most people will get infected with one or more of the common human coronaviruses in their lifetime. Young children are most likely to get infected. However, people can have multiple infections in their lifetime.
Prevention
How to protect yourself
There are currently no vaccines available to protect you against human coronavirus infection. You may be able to reduce your risk of infection by doing the following
wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
avoid close contact with people who are sick
For information about hand washing, see CDC’s Clean Hands Save Lives!
How to protect others
If you have cold-like symptoms, you can help protect others by doing the following
- stay home while you are sick
- avoid close contact with others
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands
- clean and disinfect objects and surfaces
- Treatment
There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronaviruses. Most people with common human coronavirus illness will recover on their own. However, you can do some things to relieve your symptoms
take pain and fever medications (Caution: do not give Aspirin to children)
use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough
If you are mildly sick, you should
- drink plenty of liquids
- stay home and rest
If you are concerned about your symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider.
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