What is the name of the new disease?

The name of the new disease is COVID-19. The name is derived from the words: corona, virus and disease, with 2019 representing the year it emerged.

What is the origin of the disease?

COVID-19 was first reported in China in December 2019. The outbreak was reported officially to the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 31, 2019.

How is the disease transmitted?

The disease is transmitted from person to person through large droplets that people cough or sneeze which are spread by air to other people or that drop on common surfaces.

This means that transmission occurs in two (2) ways namely:
1. Direct inhalation of droplets or aerosol generated by the coughs and sneezes of infected people.
2. Indirect by hand transfer of contaminated secretions that drop on common surfaces to the nose, eyes, mouth and face.

Is the disease infectious?

Yes, the disease is a respiratory infection and therefore very infectious and spreads easily in the community.

Who can be affected by the disease?

Every person can be affected by the disease but the severity appears more in old people and immuo – compromised individuals.

What is the incubation period of the disease?

The incubation period which is the time between infection and appearance of clinical symptoms is 2 – 14 days.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

The three main symptoms of the disease are cough, fever and difficulty breathing. The minor signs are aches and pains and fatigue

How can the disease be prevented?

The disease can be prevented by means of the following:

*Regular and thorough washing of hands with soap in running water
*Regular use of hand sanitizers
*Cover mouth during coughing
*Cover nose when sneezing
*Avoid touching the face, nose and eyes
*Avoid touching surfaces
*Staying 2 meters ( 6 feet) away from other people
*Avoid large crowd/gatherings (i.e. social distancing)
*Avoid handshake

Are there drugs for treatment?

No. Currently, there are no drugs for the treatment

Are there vaccines for protection or treatment?

No. There are no vaccines for protection or treatment. Usually, vaccines during development are tested for safety and effectiveness. Therefore, vaccines currently undergoing early trials are to determine their safety and not yet their effectiveness. It may take between 12 and 18 months to develop an effective vaccine.

Can the virus survive on surfaces?

Yes. The virus can survive on surfaces, such as railings, tables, phones etc for up to 24 hours.

Can antimicrobial cleaners such as bleach, alcohol etc kill the virus on surfaces?

Yes. Antimicrobial cleaners such as bleach, alcohol can kill the virus on surfaces. You can dilute them with water (1:10 ratio) and use them to wipe surfaces.

Can the virus survive in tropical regions with hot temperature like Africa?

Yes. The virus can survive in places with hot temperatures. Many countries in Africa are experiencing the outbreak. Similarly, many places in the world with warm temperature like Florida, Texas in the US are experiencing outbreaks.

What is social distancing?

Social distancing means putting physical space between people so that transmission from person to person is difficult. This is the reason you must stay 6 feet apart from others and avoid large gatherings. Therefore, social distancing slows the spread of the virus

Can health personnel use protective masks and gloves while treating suspected cases?

Yes, they must do so to prevent infection while treating others.

Do I need to travel locally during this outbreak?

Yes. But it must be only essential travel. Avoid non-essential travel. Avoid travelling in crowded vehicles.

Will the outbreak be contained?

Yes, it will be contained like previous outbreaks of other infectious diseases. But it may take some time to do so. This is why we must take every necessary precaution to avoid infection.

What do I need to do during this outbreak?

Observe the above precautions. Stay informed. Do not panic.

Contact any of the following numbers on what you need to do to stay healthy. 08033269959, 08131908902, 08035431704

What do I do when I have symptoms?

*Isolate yourself.
*Keep away from family members and friends and *avoid large gatherings. Call the following numbers: 080097000010, 08099555577, 07036708970
Website: covid19.NCDC.GOV.NG