The health ministry has confirmed that four more people have tested positive for the coronavirus. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced on Monday that four more people who were part of the a group of travellers who recently returned to South Africa from Italy - the same group from which South Africa’s first three coronavirus patients came - have tested positive. This included a couple in KwaZulu-Natal, a 45-year-old man in the area of Pietermaritzburg, and a 38-year-old man in Pietermaritzburg. All are currently in quarantine. This brings the number to seven who have been diagnosed with the deadly virus in the country - all linked to the same travel group. South Africa’s first coronavirus patient was a 38-year-old Hilton businessman who was part of the Italy travel group. A 39-year-old woman from Gauteng, who was also part of the group, later tested positive, this was confirmed on Saturday. On the same day, the ministry announced that the wife of the first coronavirus patient had also tested positive. This is a developing story...
Signs and Symptoms of Coronavirus Reports indicate that the most common symptoms of the virus are coughing, fever and breathing problems, which can eventually lead to the development of more severe illnesses such pneumonia and sepsis. In a few uncommon cases, organ failure has also been reported. Since the corona is a virus, antibiotic treatments are inefficient. Protecting Yourself from the Coronavirus Since people who are in poor health are at the greatest risk of infection, it is important to reduce your exposure to the virus. WHO guidelines recommend that you: • Always wash your hands with warm water and soap, and dry them properly with a towel • Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief when coughing and sneezing • Avoid touching your face, mouth and eyes with your hands • Avoid close contact with people who have coughs or fevers • Avoid direct contact with farm animals, especially when visiting markets • Avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products • As an additional precaution, wearing face-masks may provide an added defence against infection Caring Beyond Medicine