The current outbreak originated in Wuhan city, which is a major domestic and international transport hub. Given the large population movements and the observed human to human transmission, it is not unexpected that new confirmed cases will continue to appear in other areas and countries. There is no vaccine against this novel coronavirus.
The death toll from this novel coronavirus has now reached more than 100 people, with most of the more than 4,500 cases reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epi-centre of the disease. At least 12 other countries have also reported cases, and five people in the United States have been diagnosed; all had recently returned from China.
Travellers are therefore warned to avoid all nonessential trips to China, the centre of the outbreak. Travellers to all countries should practice good respiratory hygiene and take the following precautions to reduce their chance of infection: Maintain strict hand hygiene; one of the most important ways of preventing the spread of infection is careful and frequent hand washing followed by proper drying. If soap, clean water and towels are not available, alcohol hand rub can be used. Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and their personal items. Avoid touching ones’ own eyes/nose/mouth unless hands have been adequately cleaned.
If suffering from symptoms of a respiratory infection, follow good hygiene practices: cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, use tissues only once, disposing of them promptly and carefully, wash hands frequently. Avoid contact with wet or live animal markets, live animals and poultry (chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, quail) or any wild birds, surfaces that may be contaminated with animal/bird droppings, for example commercial poultry farms, backyard poultry farms and live poultry markets, sick or dead birds or animals. Avoid eating uncooked or under cooked meat including poultry or poultry products.
On return to Nigeria: travellers should: Pay attention to their health particularly over the first 14 days. If respiratory symptoms develop, they should: Seek immediate medical attention.
Before visiting a health-care setting (for example health centre or hospital), describe your symptoms and tell the provider about your recent travel history.
Do not travel whilst unwell and limit contact with others as much as possible to prevent the spread of any infectious illness until assessed by a doctor.
Do not forget other travel precautions that are essential to your destinations and your health.
Ade Alakija, medical director Q-Life Family Clinic & Bukola Adeniyi, Consultant Family physician and travel medicine physician Q-Life Family Clinic.
