Lagos State government Monday alerted residents to the existence of a new deadly virus in the world known as Coronavirus, which is said to have claimed many lives in areas it has so far been reported.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, therefore urged people to take adequate precaution and observe high standard of personal and environmental hygiene in order to reduce the risk of infection, as there is no specific treatment for illnesses caused by Coronavirus.
In a statement, the commissioner noted that the ways Coronavirus are spread “have not been extensively studied but confirmed that it could be transmitted easily from one person to another through coughing and sneezing, close contact such as touching or shaking the hands of an infected person, and touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes after touching contaminated objects or surfaces.”
Idris explained that human Coronavirus usually causes mild moderate upper respiratory tract illnesses and can progress to severe respiratory illness and pneumonia, particularly in the aged, young and already ill people. He said its symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath and fever.
He said people should suspect Coronavirus in people that develop acute respiratory illnesses with a history of recent travel to areas where the virus has been reported and not responding to appropriate treatment.
Idris enjoined travelers on holy pilgrimage, particularly to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, to get vaccination against meningitis, yellow fever and flu while adhering to the other necessary precautions earlier mentioned.