lagos warns resident coronavirus

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health,
Dr. Jide Idris, has warned residents to take
precautionary measures against being
infected with a new virus, known as
Coronavirus.

Coronavirus is a virus which primarily
infects the upper respiratory and
gastrointestinal tract of mammals and
birds. There are up to five different
currently known strains of coronaviruses
that infect humans.

Idris, in a statement on Monday, said the
infection, which had claimed over 80 lives
globally, especially in the Middle East, has
yet to be detected in the state.
But in spite of this, he called on residents to
maintain good personal and
environmental
hygiene to reduce the risk of infection.

He said studies were still being carried out
globally to detect its exact mode of
transmission but some have confirmed
that close bodily contact with an infected
person - through sneezing, coughing or a
handshake constituted a risk.
Idris stated that the human coronavirus,

which usually causes mild to moderate
upper respiratory tract illnesses, could
progress to severe respiratory illness and
pneumonia, particularly in old and very
young persons, adding that its symptoms
include runny nose, sore throat, shortness
of breath and fever.
He said, "Coronavirus has been detected in
some parts of the world recently.

There is
no specific treatment for any illnesses
caused by the virus. Most people will
recover on their own and they may
require supportive treatment, which
includes staying at home, resting and
drinking a lot of fluids. However, serious
cases will need special medical care."
Idris pleaded with travellers on holy
pilgrimage particularly to Mecca, Saudi
Arabia to get vaccinated against
meningitis, yellow fever and flu - and to
also adhere to necessary preventive
measures.

He charged health workers in the state to
protect themselves and also report
suspected cases to any local government
or council development area nearest to
them or the ministry.

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