Message from IBWU not-for-profit organization – Raising awareness about COVID-19

As the COVID-19 virus spreads throughout the world at such a fast pace, and the first confirmed cases in Nigeria are reported, there is a need to raise awareness about the seriousness of the pandemic.

Across the world, there has been more than 174,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 6,800 deaths.

The most vulnerable groups are older adults or people who have severe medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease. Children have also been infected.

This is a time where we need to act in solidarity and love. Young and healthy individuals will more than likely recover, but they will also spread it to others who might not make it. It is believed that the virus may take up to 14 days after exposure to cause illness, so the affected might not be aware that they are ill.

“Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the virus can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, covering mouth and nose or sneezing into your sleeves when coughing and sneezing. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.” (Information Source: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus)

Please do not panic, but we must act quickly. The more we wait, the bigger the chances for the virus to spread across the country and the whole continent.

The national disease control center warns that the outbreak could be devastating in a country of 200 million people if it fails to take serious preventive measures.

For all the COVID-19 related information and news, please visit the WHO (World Health Organization) official website https://www.who.int/ or the WHO regional office for Africa https://www.afro.who.int/.

Also listen to news from your local medical authorities. Please heed health information from trusted sources only as there has been a proliferation of misinformation concerning this outbreak.