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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