CI-NEWS

?More than 761 people have called 1510?

2020-03-23

No: 478

?More than 761 people have called 1510?

Dr. Linda Esso, Deputy Director for the Control of Epidemics and Pandemics.
Is the corona virus a death warrant?
Convid-19 is not a death sentence. Most people who catch the new corona virus SARS-COV-2 recover at home, and some need hospitalization to fight the virus. But in a number of patients, the disease called CONVID-19 IS deadly. The Director-General of the World Health Organisation, has said in a press conference that about 3.4 per cent of reported CONVID-19 patients around the world have died. There is widespread consensus that CONVID-19 is the most dangerous for elderly patients. That is patients above 80 years of age and those with pre-existing health burdens. Affecting the deadliness of the new corona virus is the quality of medical care. This means fewer people are likely to die if the medical system is prepared to face an influx of corona patients.

Many people seem to be living in fear with the presence of corona virus amongst us. What advice do you have for such people?

For now, we have some confirmed cases of corona virus patients in the country. The transmission has not been proven to other people. But it is important for people to respect the hygienic measures that have been put in place by the World Health Organisation. Individuals should avoid people who are sick or meeting in large groups. Stay home if you are sick. Cover your mouth with a tissue or cough into your upper sleeve or elbow. Do not cough into your hands. People should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol. People should always wash their hands with water and soap if hands are visibly dirty and should avoid touching their nose, mouth, or eyes. For those coming from the countries with disease call 1510 in case of any health-related problem. As of March 15th, some 761 people had already called the free-green. 21 for suspected cases of corona virus,558 callers wanted to request more information on the disease and 182 people called just to make a joke.

Besides major hospitals in Yaoundé and Douala, what other measures are being taken to ensure that hospitals in rural areas are safe for patients and visitors?

The Minister of Public Health has given instructions for the identification of isolation rooms in all regional hospitals. Besides, care givers are being trained in managing those patients and how to ensure prevention and control with regard to the disease.

Some people believe that the corona virus cannot kill black people; as such these groups of people do not take measures to curb the epidemic. What do you say to such people?

Everybody should respect basic hygiene measures to avoid the disease. There is no scientific evidence that a black individual cannot die from the virus. These are some of the challenges we face in tackling the epidemic. There are a lot of rumours, misinformation, and the fear that the disease bring to people. The population needs to keep in mind that the disease is not very fatal with a high cure rate. That is why one of our main interventions is communication in order to keep the public well informed.

Culled from Cameroon Tribune

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?More than 761 people have called 1510?