CORONA VIRUS DISEASE 2019

COVID -19

The world is currently responding to a pandemic of an evolving respiratory disease spreading from person-to-person caused by a novel coronavirus. The disease has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”). This situation poses a serious public health risk. The Federal Ministry of Health, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has activated a national Emergency Operations Centre at the highest level and is leading the national response to this situation. Currently, there are five laboratories in NCDC’s molecular laboratory network with the capacity to test for COVID-19 in Nigeria. These laboratories are sufficiently equipped with reagents and supplies for testing. COVID-19 can cause mild to severe illness; most severe illness occurs in older adults.

WATCH FOR SYMOTOMS

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency

warning signs include*:

 

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that aresevere or concerning.

Please contact NCDC connect Center

• Toll Free Number: 0800 9700 0010
• Whatsapp: +234 708 711 0839
• SMS Number: +234 809 955 5577
• Call: +234 703 670 8970

PEOPLE WHO ARE AT HIGHER RISK

• Based ON available information to date, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:
• People aged 65 years and older
• People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• Other high-risk conditions could include:
• People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
• People who have heart disease with complications
• People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment
• People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [(BM]I)≥40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk
• People who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk

Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

To reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, members of the public are advised to adhere to the following measures:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds or use alcohol-based sanitiser if water is not available.
2. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness. Maintain at least 2 metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing repeatedly
3. Cover your mouth and nose properly with a tissue paper when sneezing and/or coughing. Dispose of the tissue properly immediately after use. You may also cough into your elbow if a tissue is not available.
4. Do not mingle with people or congregate if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough, sneezing or difficulty breathing.

ADVICE FOR HEALTH WORKERS

Healthcare workers are always advised to observe standard infection prevention and control measures when attending to patients and take a travel history. All health workers are strongly advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for COVID-19. Health officials are advised to call 07032864444 for sample transportation and related advice if you have a case that fits the national case definition.