Coronavirus: Osun Govt Cautions Residents As Disease Spreads To Africa

The State Government of Osun has cautioned residents of the state over the spread of Coronavirus to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr Olasiji Olamiju, lamented high speed spread of the unknown disease.

The Consultant Public Health Pharmacist said a suspicious case of the virus also known as novel Coronavirus strain (2019nCoV) has been recorded in Abidjan, a West African country.

He explained that it has become imperative for every residents of Ejigbo local government and Osu in Atakumosa West local government to observe simple precautionary measures to keep safe and stay alive.

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“It’s a known fact that Ejigbo have the largest population of Nigerians living in Côte d’Ivoire. They are known for massive migration to the francophone country, a phenomenon that started in 1902. While in Osu, Atakumosa West local government, we have some Chinese nationals in our mining sites.”

“This disease manifests itself in flu-like symptoms that can lead to severe respiratory syndromes and the uniqueness of this virus is that it is a new strain that is still being studied,” he said.

“Symptoms of Coronavirus includes coughing, sneezing, breathing difficulties. The international organization has issued a list of recommendations to protect ourselves from the virus. Among these are basic hand washing, respiratory hygiene, hydration of throats, adopting healthy eating practices and avoiding close contact with people with symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing or sneezing, if possible”.

“We therefore strongly advise our people in Ejigbo to avoid travelling to Abidjan for now and be watchful of visitors they receive from Côte d’Ivoire as a preventive measures against importing this deadly virus into country.”

“Health care workers should adhere to standard precautions at all times to ensure they protect themselves and that preparedness measures for coronavirus is a collective responsibility.”

“The State Ministry of Health, Primary Healthcare Development Board and the Department of Public Health, are assuring the populace of prompt responds and quality service delivery in any suspected case,” he stated.