The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has released the report of coronavirus (COVID-19) disease cases across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The report includes the number of cases that are confirmed through laboratory analysis of patients swab samples, number of recovered/discharged cases and number of deaths as at today.

Nigeria Coronavirus (COVID-19) Daily Report

DATE	21th May, 2020	11:59PM
NEW CASES	339
DISCHARGED	50
DEATHS	11
SN	STATES	CASES
1	Lagos	139
2	Kano	28
3	Oyo	28
4	Edo	25
5	Katsina	22
6	Kaduna	18
7	Jigawa	14
8	Yobe	13
9	Plateau	13
10	FCT	11
11	Gombe	8
12	Ogun	5
13	Bauchi	4
14	Nasarawa	4
15	Delta	3
16	Ondo	2
17	Rivers	1
18	Adamawa	1

COVID-19 is the short name for Coronavirus disease 2019. It is a disease caused by a virus called Coronavirus which is now called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; formerly called 2019-nCoV). SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the broad family of viruses known as coronaviruses. It is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) virus. Other coronaviruses are capable of causing illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The virus was first identified amid an outbreak of respiratory illness cases in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China in December 2019.

Rivers State Coronavirus (COVID-19) latest cases of active cases, discharged and death for today

As at today, the data of COVID-19 cases in Rivers State is shown in the table below:

Nigeria Coronavirus (COVID-19) Daily Cases

How Is Coronavirus Transmitted

The coronavirus (COVID-19) can be transmitted primarily from one person to the other through respiratory droplets through coughs and sneezes within a distance of about 2 meters. Indirect transmission has also been identified via contaminated surfaces.

Current ongoing studies on the COVID-19 indicates that the virus can survive on plastic and steel for up to three days, but does not survive on cardboard for more than one day or on copper for more than four hours, and is inactivated by soap. This is why washing of hands and using hand sanitizers is advised for everyone as a preventive measure against coronavirus infection. The virus has an incubation period of 1-2 weeks though it is yet to be confirmed if infection is possible within the incubation period.

Signs and Symptoms

Upon exposure and infection with coronavirus, signs and symptoms may appear between 2 to 14 days. The symptoms are:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Tiredness
• Aches
• Runny nose
• Sore throat

Complications of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus complications may include

• Pneumonia in both lungs
• Organ failure in several organs
• Death

Preventive Measures Against Infection

Clinicians have advised that all individuals living in infection zones show practice self-quarantine and also endeavor to remain indoors or limit going out if there’s need to.

• Practice self-hygiene by keeping all surfaces clean and always wash hand with soap and use hand sanitizers made of alcohol.
• Limit contact with other people and avoid shaking of hands at all means.
• Always wear nose mask as the virus is primarily transmitted through air.
• Eat lots of fruits to boost your immune system
• Drink lots of fluids
• Avoid large events and mass gatherings.
• Avoid close contact (about 6 feet) with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
• Keep distance between yourself and others if COVID-19 is spreading in your community, especially if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the used tissue.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands aren’t clean.
• Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items if you’re sick.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces you often touch on a daily basis.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you have fever and persistent cough.
• Report all cases of suspected cases of coronavirus to the nearest health care centre close to you.

Treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

There is no known drug yet for the treatment of coronavirus. However, there have been claims especially in Nigeria of the use of Chloroquine for the treatment of coronavirus leading to high demands and causing shortages in stores nationwide.

Currently, Chloroquine have not been approved by FDA for the treatment of coronavirus. The president of America, Donald Trump only approved the drug for clinical trial against coronavirus.

Currently, no antiviral medication is recommended to treat COVID-19. Treatment is directed at relieving symptoms and may include:

• Pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
• Cough syrup or medication
• Rest
• Fluid intake
• Provide oxygen to tissues through assisted breathing