Introduction
The Malawi Government through Ministry of Health and Population would like to bring to the attention of the general public that there is a global outbreak of Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID - 19). The disease has its origin in Wuhan City, Hubei Province in the People's Republic of China.
What is Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID 19)?
COVID-19 is a zoonotic disease this means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is caused by a type of newly identified coronavirus called SARS – COV-2. There are several known coronaviruses circulating in animals that are not yet known to infect humans. Coronaviruses can cause common cold and more severe illness in humans include SARS-CoV (causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - SARS) and MERS-CoV (causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome - MERS).
SUSPECT CASE
A. Patients with acute respiratory illness (FEVER and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease (e.g. cough, difficulties in breathing)), AND with no other etiology that fully explains the clinical presentation AND at least one of the following:
- a history of travel to or residence in a country, area or territory reporting local transmission of COVID-19 during the 14 days prior to symptom onset, OR
- is a health care worker or any person who has been working in an environment where COVID-19 cases are being managed.
B. A patient with any acute respiratory illness AND having been in contact with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case in the last 14 days prior to onset of symptoms;
OR
C. A patient with severe acute respiratory infection (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease (e.g., cough, shortness breath) AND requiring hospitalization AND with no other etiology that fully explains the clinical presentation.
PROBABLE CASE
A suspect case for whom testing for COVID-19 is inconclusive. Inconclusive being the result of the test reported by the laboratory
CONFIRMED CASE
A person with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 infection, irrespective of clinical signs and symptoms
How is it transmitted?
- It is transmitted from people who have the virus through
- Direct contact with droplets through exhaling, coughing or sneezing from a person infected with SARS – COV 2.
- People can also get infected with COVID-19 from objects and surfaces which have been infected, when people touch these objects and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.
Incubation period
The incubation period (period from infection to onset of symptoms) is about 14 days. The infected person can transmit the disease to another person even if they have not started to show symptoms. But the risk of getting infection from someone who is not infected is low.
Signs and symptoms of Coronavirus?
- The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. However, some patients have muscle aches, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, and or diarrhoea. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment and others become infected but don't develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell.
- People with cough, difficulty breathing, and or fever should seek medical attention urgently.
- Roughly 1 out of every 6 people infected with SARS - C0V 2 becomes seriously ill.
- Severe disease is among older people, and those with such underlying medical problems as chronic respiratory conditions, heart problems or diabetes and other causes of low immunity.
Key messages - Prevention
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with the inside of your elbow, or cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of transmission.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- If you do not wash your hands with soap, you could be leaving deadly germs on them, potentially harming yourself and spreading them to other people.
- If you have been coughing or sneezing, make sure to wash your hands immediately afterwards to keep you from, your family and friends safe from Coronavirus Disease.
Key messages – Parents/guardians tips
- To help reduce the risk of infection and prevent Coronavirus Disease, it is important that you and your children keep safe by:
- Washing hands with soap frequently for 20 seconds.
- Staying away from anyone coughing or sneezing.
- Going to the doctor if you or your children get a fever or flu-like symptoms.
Key messages – travelers
- For those who recently travelled to affected countries, or has been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus:
- The Malawi Government has issued advice that returned travelers who have been in the above mentioned counties must be isolated in their home for 14 days.
- Returned travelers that have left, or transited through the affected countries for the past 14 days must isolate themselves until 14 days.
- Any suspect who has been in contact with any confirmed Coronavirus Disease cases must also be isolated in their home for 14 days following exposure.
- People should monitor themselves for the 14 days from the time they travelled to affected counties for symptoms of coronavirus. These symptoms may include cough, trouble breathing, fatigue, sore throat, fever and body pains.
- If you have travelled to the affected countries or have been in contact with any confirmed Coronavirus Disease cases in the past 14 days AND are experiencing the symptoms above:
- Make an appointment to see your doctor. Call the doctor first to let them know your travel history so they can prepare for your visit.
- If you are very sick, go to a hospital. Call the hospital first to let them know your travel history so they can prepare for your visit.
Is there a vaccine?
Yes there are different brands of vaccines to protect against Coronavirus disease. For Malawi, AstraZeneca, Johnson and Johnson and Pfizer vaccines are in use. The AstraZeneca vaccine requires two doses of 12 weeks interval while Johnson and Johnson vaccine requires a single dose. Pfizer is a two dose vaccine administered 4 weeks apart.
Is there a treatment?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for Coronavirus disease. People with Coronavirus disease can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms and manage complications.