Statement on the Outbreak of Novel Coronavirus in China
Bobo-Dioulasso, 24 January 2020 – In view of the recent outbreak of Coronavirus infection in China, the West African Health Organization (WAHO), wishes to inform the general public of West Africa of what measures health professionals are taking to protect the public in this region and what precautions people should take to protect themselves.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The first case was reported in Wuhan Province of China in December 2019 and confirmed to be Coronavirus on 7 January 2020. However as at today, 581 cases have been confirmed across the world, with 571 cases and 17 deaths in China alone.
The World Health Organization (WHO) assesses the risk of this outbreak to be VERY HIGH in China, and MODERATE globally including in West Africa. It is therefore critical that all countries collaborate with each other to take precautionary measures since cases may appear in any country due to international travel. WAHO fully supports WHO’s recommendations to countries regarding active surveillance, early detection, isolation and case management, and contact tracing to prevent further spread of this outbreak.
What is WAHO doing?
WAHO is coordinating with Member States to share real-time information on the outbreak, enhance communication between countries and strengthen countries’ surveillance capacity. WAHO has implemented a regional laboratory network for access to rapid biological diagnostic facilities by Member States, and has a standby Regional Rapid Response Team to support countries if required.
How should individuals protect themselves?
WAHO strongly advises individuals to take the following measures to protect themselves and their loved ones:
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water or clean them using alcohol-based sanitisers;
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with tissue or hand, and throw away the tissue immediately and wash your hands thoroughly;
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;
- If you have fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical care immediately and inform your health care provider of all your recent travel history;
- In any areas with high suspicion of Coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals when visiting markets;
- At all times, avoid eating raw or undercooked meat. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods.
WAHO will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates on a regular basis to Member States and to the Public.
