It’s the most trending topic on Twitter right now; it’s the only news that is making headlines globally. Citizens across the world are tuned on radios, TVs and new sites to get the latest updates on the Covid-19 pandemic also known as the Corona virus or the Wuhan coronavirus.
They are right to do so, the World Health Organization defines corona as an infectious disease caused by the new virus. The disease causes respiratory illness (like flu) with symptoms such as cough, fever, and in some severe cases difficulty in breathing.
The disease was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, China and has since spread globally, resulting in the 2019-20 Coronavirus pandemic.
As of March 24th there are 332,148 confirmed Coronavirus cases globally. It has taken 14,436 lives so far. On the positive side, 96,958 cases are confirmed to have recovered.
Almost half of the confirmed cases globally are from China with 81,054 cases, Italy comes next with 59,138 cases. The US rose up quickly to third on the list of the most affected countries with 32,801 cases. Iran has 21,638 cases.
Africa has so far recorded relatively few Coronavirus cases compared to the rest of the world, it first hit Egypt on 14th February 2020 and so far 43 African countries are reported to have confirmed cases, there are around 1788 in total and 58 deaths caused by the covid-19 in Africa.
Governments across the continent are taking no chances as they race to stop the spread of the virus on their shores. Uganda with 9 confirmed cases at the moment has ordered closure of schools and suspended religious/cultural gathering.
International University of East Africa has not been complacent and is playing a key role in the fight against the Covid-19 in Uganda and the region. Among key measures taken were to suspend studies for the period of one month in compliance with the presidential directives to close all academic institutions in Uganda. IUEA has also for the previous few weeks prior to the closure addressed students on how to take preventive measures against the Coronavirus. The university has opened a back channel via its website (iuea.ac.ug) where students and aspiring students can get the latest updates on the covid-19.
The students and the community at large are advised to follow the Ministry of Health instructions on the way forward.
Things to know
How does corona spread?
Human to human, it happens when an infected person sneezes or coughs and droplets come in contact with others .
Who is at risk?
Everyone is at risk; however severe symptoms and death appear more frequently among older people. People with other health conditions such as heart or lung diseases, renal failure or weak immune systems are at a higher risk.
What are the symptoms?
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
If not reported and managed early, it can lead to death.
How can Coronavirus be prevented?
- Avoid close contact with people (social distancing)
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Stay at home when you experience these symptoms to avoid spreading illness to others
- The sick are encouraged to use face masks to cover their nose and mouth.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as door handles.
Is there a vaccine?
There is currently no vaccine to protect against the Coronavirus. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus or to the sick.
Is there a treatment for Coronavirus?
There is no specific treatment, however people who have been infected should immediately seek medical care to help relieve symptoms and manage complications. There are more than 96 thousands cases that have successively recovered. It can be beatable.
by: @iamshyaka
