Coronavirus Quick Facts

By Tamanda Nazimera

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 is a zoonotic disease (which can be transferred from animals to humans) originated from Wuhan city, Hubei Province, China and was declared a pandemic on 31^st December 2019. It has since spread to all parts of the world including Malawi.

The Malawi government declared its first COVID-19 case in April 2020 and as of today (27^th May), Malawi has registered 101 cases and 4 deaths.

HOW IS COVID 19 TRANSMITTED?

Corona viruses are usually found in body fluids of an infected person i.e. mucus, saliva, blood, sweat and vomits. One can contract the virus through:

• Touching the mouth, nose and eyes with contaminated hands
• Using the clothes, beddings or skin piercing instruments that have been used by an infected person
• Direct contact with droplets through inhaling, coughing or sneezing and body fluids
• Touching objects and surfaces which have been contaminated, and later on touching the mouth, eyes or nose with unwashed hands

FACTS ABOUT COVID 19

• Anyone who gets in close contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases or their contacts carries a greater risk of contracting the disease
• Order people and those with underlying medical problems such as diabetes, heart problems and hypertension are more likely to develop serious illness
• It takes about 14 days from the day one was infected to the onset of symptoms
• The infected person can transmit the disease to another person even if they have not started showing any symptoms
• Roughly 1 out of every 6 people infected with COVID-19 becomes seriously ill
• There is currently no vaccine of COVID-19
• There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19 but medical care is provided to patients for symptom relief and to manage complications

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF COVID 19 INFECTION

• People with mild symptoms or otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home
• Seek immediate medical attention if you have any serious symptoms. Always call first before visiting your doctor or any health facility

• Most common symptoms
  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Tiredness
• Less common symptoms
  • Aches or pains
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea
  • Discoloration of fingers and toes
  • Conjunctivitis (redness of the eyes)
  • Headache
  • Loss of taste or smell
• Serious symptoms
  • Difficulties in breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Loss of speech or movement

PREVENTION MEASURES

• STAY home much as you can
• KEEP a safe distance
• WASH your hands often
• COVER your cough or sneeze (with a disposable tissue or inner elbow)
• SICK? Call ahead of visiting the clinic or doctor

If you would like to get additional information about Covid-19, please get in touch with us:

Call/WhatsApp: +265 999 707 404

E-mail: malawi@aeint.org

Web: https://malawi.africanenterprise.com/

Mrs. Tamanda Nazimera is African Enterprise Malawi’s Health Programs Officer. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Midwifery from the Kamuzu College of Nursing.