The Zambia Medical Association is concerned about the outbreak of a novel respiratory virus with an epicenter in Hubei Province, China.
Association President Dr Samson Chisele says the new virus belongs to a group of viruses termed coronavirus.
Dr Chisele says this is a large group of viruses that are common among animals which in rare cases they become zoonotic and cause flu-like symptoms.
He says strains from this group of viruses are responsible for the SARS epidemic in 2002 and the MERS outbreak in the Middle East in 2012.
Dr Chisele says the current virus, code-named 2019-nCoV was first identified in Wuhan City of China in mid-December, 2019 and reported to WHO on 31 st December, 2019.
“According to media reports, the virus has so far infected more than 3000 people and claimed 81 lives. 5 cases of infection have been confirmed in the USA. The virus spreads through the air by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, and contact with infected objects and then transferring the virus to your mouth or nose”, he said.
Dr Chisele said symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, headache, fever, cough and the general feeling of being unwell.
He said there are currently no vaccines to this infection, but measures to implement to reduce risk of infection include: washing hands often with soap and water, avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, avoiding contact with infected people, avoiding crowded places, and reporting any suspected cases (preferably by phone on established toll lines), especially from people who recently travelled to China within the past 14 days.
Dr Chisele said the Association is working closely with the Ministry of Health to increase epidemic preparedness, including increased surveillance at points of entry into Zambia, among other measures.
Stop travel to and fro China for now until the virus is contained. All that Weave and fake goods from China will spread the virus in Zambia. All women with fake hair from China at at risk. Posololeni and wash your hair, so stinky!
see if your fake prophets will perform miracles when the virus breaks out
ba KZ where are u…..dont go to china tafiweme.
You id#ots are so slow.
Wuhan CORONAVIRUS is a serious Public Health Crisis.
NO CURE.
KILLS VERY FAST.
SPREADS EASILY.
Immediate action: QUARANTINE ALL TRAVELERS FROM CHINA or OTHER INFECTED COUNTRY FOR TWO WEEKS.
DO IT NOW.
Still waiting to figure out how to steal money from this crisis.
You will kill all Zambians because of your greed.
I feel for the families of those who have their children studying in China.
One aspect you have to understand is that the sanctions by the US made it very difficult for the Chinese population to buy meat other than pork.This meant pork became very expensive. The result was for the poor population to go for other meat products like squirrels, Civets and dogs. These live animals which are killed right in the market and mixed with dead animals.
The biggest threat now facing the universe is how prepared Africa is in general and particularly Zimbabwe should the virus reach our shores. One wonders if Zimbabwe is even ready to detect the coronavirus let alone quarantine the affected as has been seen in other countries.
Stress levels have reached the peak amongst Zimbabweans following recent reports that at least 22 people onboard a Zimbabwe-bound flight from Wuhan City were under surveillance on suspected virus infection – posing a threat to the ailing country’s health system. The country’s ports of entry host a huge influx of Chinese nationals and hundreds of Zimbabwean students studying in China – many of whom have come for holidays.
The death toll from the Wuhan coronavirus now stands at 80, with almost 2,800 cases confirmed…
If its the PF govt they will use this opportunity to obtain a loan to line their filthy pockets. African countries should be two steps ahead this as Chinese are commuting on regional aircrafts to and from China like its a Metro bus.
He is UNELECTABLE.
If this was a disease from Africa Chinese would stop the Africans to go to china..why can’t we do the same..