Cameroon Gov’t Prescribes Security Measures as Coronavirus Sneaks in

By Ndimuh B. Shancho

Cameroon has joined the list of 203 countries in the world and nine countries in Africa with confirmed cases of coronaviruses (COVID-19), following two confirmed cases reported, March 6, 2020, by the Minister of Public Health, Manaouda Malachie.

The first case, which plunged Cameroonians in a complete state of topsy-turvy was that of 56-year-old French man, who travelled to the country on February 24, 2020, reported in the early hours of March 6, 2020. In a press release that sanctioned this unfortunate news, the Minister of Public Health urged Cameroonians to be vigilant and respect the prescribed hygiene rules notably, washing of hands with clean water and soap. He noted that the case was “less contagious than others. So, we are optimistic that we can confine him, and go on with treatment”. The French man was placed in “a solitary confinement in the Care Centre of the Yaounde Central Hospital for appropriate treatment”.

While still digesting the shock of the presence of the deadly and highly contagious virus, and thinking of mitigating and adaptive mechanism, Cameroonians were greeted by yet another communique from the Minister of Public Health announcing another coronavirus case. This time around, it was a Cameroonian, who had been in close contact with the 56-year-old French man.   The Minister noted that both patients detected, have been isolated at the Yaounde General Hospital where they are reportedly receiving proper care.

Meanhile, the case recorded in Cameroon, also serves as the second Cameroonian who has contracted the disease. The first was Kem Senou Pavel Darly, a student who contracted the virus  in China.

In a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus, Dr Manaouda  exhorted those who have been in contact with the two infected persons to call 1510 for checks. He equally implored all who have been to countries hit by the virus or in contact with travelers from infected countries to immediately call the 1510 to receive appropriate care.

Speaking shortly after the confirmed cases, in an interview granted the state media, Minister Manaouda explained that “these confirmed cases are people who came from other countries, and who traveled not knowing what was happening to them. They arrived Cameroon on February 24, with no sign at all. It’s from February 27 that one began to feel feverish but he is not coughing, hasn’t got runny nostrils , and so is less contagious than others. So we are optimistic that we can confine him and go on with treatment”.

The Public Health boss urged Cameroonians to strictly adhere to security rules, and not give in to panic. He cautioned that “if someone feels sick, and feels it could be the Coronavirus, he or she should not go to the hospital, but should call 1510. Health workers will pick him/her up from their residence, because not every health facility can take care of a Coronavirus patient”.

Coronavirus Preventive Measures

Being the first central African country to register a case of the deadly virus, and one of five sub-Saharan nations, the Ministry of Public Health, in  collaboration with the World Health Organisation, has put out a number of practical guidelines on preventive measures. They include; 1) Wash your hands with water and alcohol based soap, 2) Avoid eating raw meat and unnecessary contact with animals, 3) Do not contact anyone if you feel symptoms, 4) When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow, 5) Take necessary precaution while traveling, 6) Seek medical care early