Short Summary
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older. people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the disease and how the virus spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by staying at least 1 metre apart from others, wearing a properly fitted mask, and washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently. Get vaccinated when it’s your turn and follow local guidance.
The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. It is important to practice respiratory etiquette, for example by coughing into a flexed elbow, and to stay home and self-isolate until you recover if you feel unwell.
To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following:
Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility. People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home. On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.
The Health Minister Dr Fawziya Abikar Nur said during a news conference in Mogadishu that a Somali national who returned from one of the countries affected by the virus has tested positive.
“We want to inform the Somali people that today March 16, 2020 we can confirm the first case of coronavirus,” she said in a televised statement.
“There were citizens who came from abroad who were held inside the airport because they came from zones where the coronavirus was prevalent. It was a precautionary measure. Samples were taken and this morning we received the results: one person is carrying the virus,” Abikar said.
The government did not identify the person but last week the Ministry of Health said that four Somalis who returned from China are being held in isolation. At the time, the government reported that samples were taken and sent abroad for checkup of the virus.