What started out as an index case has gradually grown to become 30 cases in Nigeria.
It has affected more than 300,000 people globally and caused more than 13,000 deaths in many countries.
Many had thought the virus could not touch the African continent, but this has been dispelled instead it shows a similar rapid pattern of spread as in the Western World.
30 Cases In Nigeria
For Nigeria, the country’s lead institution in charge of infectious diseases – Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced that there are 30 cases in Nigeria as 22-March-2020.
There was one case confirmed in Oyo State on Sunday morning of a United Kingdom returnee who had been on self-isolation in Bodija area of Ibadan, the state capital.
How Did Coronavirus Get Into Nigeria?
The index case was reported to have been a foreign Nationale who travelled into the country from Italy. He was isolated and treated at the Lagos state Biosecurity facility where he has recovered from the symptoms of coronavirus.
How COVID-19 Spreads
The disease is spread when infected people cough or sneeze, releasing respiratory droplets.
These droplets can infect people if inhaled or if people touch their faces after touching a surface contaminated with droplets.
It takes 2-14 days for people to develop symptoms after getting infected (most commonly it takes 5 days).
This period is also known as the incubation period of the virus.
How to Stay Safe from COVID-19
You can use the following steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting infected with the virus:
- Avoid large gatherings, follow your city’s regulations
- Avoid close contact with anyone ill, coughing or sneezing
- Wash your hands often for about 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
- Sneeze or cough into a disposable paper towel and wash your hands immediately after
- Disinfect commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs and light switches with a household disinfectant
Keep the emergency number of your country close at hand, in case you need to call in for any symptoms you may be experiencing.
