Coronavirus democratic republic of congo confirms first case
According to reports, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has confirmed its first case of coronavirus (COVID-19) on March 10, 2020. This marks the 52nd country to report a case of the virus globally.
The patient, a 31-year-old man, had recently traveled to Italy, where he was infected with the virus. He returned to the DRC on March 8 and was hospitalized in the capital city of Kinshasa.
The DRC's Ministry of Health has taken immediate action to contain the spread of the virus, including:
- Isolating the patient and tracing his contacts.
- Conducting contact tracing and testing those who had close contact with the patient.
- Increasing surveillance and monitoring at airports, borders, and ports.
- Providing information and guidance to the public on prevention measures.
The DRC has a fragile healthcare system, and the country is still recovering from the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak, which killed over 2,200 people. The confirmation of the first COVID-19 case has raised concerns about the country's ability to respond to the pandemic.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed support for the DRC's efforts to contain the spread of the virus and has provided technical assistance and resources to help the country respond to the outbreak.
It's essential for the public to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including:
- Washing hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoiding crowded areas and practicing social distancing.
Stay informed and follow local health authorities' guidance to stay safe during this pandemic.