For the past two weeks or so, the main talk in the area of health has been about the corona virus which first appeared in China but seems to be spreading slowly. This virus was first registered in China in the city of Wuhan where many people were reported to have exhibited symptoms of the virus.
After getting the report, the World Health Organisation (WHO) began working day and night with authorities in China to ensure that not only is the virus contained in China itself but monitored around the world as well.
Until now, several deaths have been reported from this very serious virus in China. A corona virus is a kind of common virus that causes an infection in one’s nose, sinuses, or upper throat. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that most corona viruses are not dangerous.
However, it has also been said that some types of corona viruses are serious. Following a December 2019 outbreak in China, the World Health Organization identified a new type, 2019 novel coronavirus.
Many countries which have direct flights to or from China are beginning to make arrangements to ensure that the virus does not spread to their countries.
There have been some reports of some cases in Ivory Coast and Kenya but it doesn’t seem to be spreading further in any other part of Africa. Many African countries have put up measures to screen passengers who are coming from China or Asia.
Back home here in The Gambia, a few days ago, the Minister of Health assured the public that the government is monitoring the situation to ensure that the virus does not reach or spread in the Gambia. The members of the public are advised to familiarize themselves with the symptoms so that anyone who sees it can report to the nearest health centre.
