18 March 2020| Volume 79 | Edition 1
Coronavirus vs. The Rainbow Nation
Source: COVID-19 Tracker
Lerato Botha
T
he first account of the zoonotic Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in South “ It does not take direct contact between bodies Africa has begun stirring up panic among to infect another, and it is not as easy to detect the South African public and has, in many circles, been compared to the Ebola crisis of as Ebola is. ” 2014. The spread of the disease, which originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019, has rapidly made its way through Asia, Europe, Although this may not serve to eliminate America and is now on our doorstep. any concerns, it is an important fact in understanding the trajectory of the disease. “The spread of the disease, which originated in Wuhan, China in December of 2019, has The key difference, however, is in the fatality rate between the two diseases. Although rapidly made its way through Asia, Europe, the Coronavirus is more easily transmittable, America and more recently, Africa.” according to statistics presented by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the fatality-rate The first South African case was linked to a stood at 3.4% on Wednesday, March 5th, 2020, 38-year-old man who returned to Hilton, Kwa- whilst the approximate fatality-rate of the Zulu Natal. This was after a trip to Italy, an area Ebola virus currently stands at 50%. Therefore, which has been confirmed by the National statistically, the Coronavirus is not nearly as Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) dangerous as the Ebola virus. However, this forbeing at extremely high-risk. Although does not allay the fact that precautionary government has assured the public that the methods should still be taken to prevent the man and the nine people who accompanied disease’s spread. him on his trip have been contacted and steps have been taken to tackle this issue, the conThe Info Session hosted by the Student cerns about the similarities between Corona- Wellness Service on UCT Upper Campus virus and Ebola are still looming as people fear on Wednesday, March 5th, 2020 provided the threat it presents to the country. helpful insight into how one can protect What is the diference between the crisis themselves from infection. Dr. Memory in 2014, compared to now? Ebola, which Muturiki who spoke at the event, addressed originated within the continent, never the importance of hygiene during this time. managed to penetrate South African borders. Why? The Coronavirus is far more “Statistcially, the Coronavirus is not nearly as transmittable. It does not take direct contact between bodies to infect another, and it is not dangerous as the Ebola virus.” as easy to detect as Ebola is.
Since the virus presents similar symptoms to flu, one should take the same precautions they would take when avoiding catching the flu, this being washing one’s hands, staying away from people who present the symptoms of the virus, and so on. Dr. Muturiki also advised people to get the Winter flu vaccinations as a precautionary method, stating however that it is not guaranteed to prevent the virus. She also states that it would be in your best interest to, “postpone your travels” if possible, as, being an airborne disease, anyone sitting on a plane, “two seats in front of you, behind you and to your sides [could transmit] the disease”. Therefore, postponing flights will also prevent one from putting oneself in harms way by visiting a high-risk country and potentially bringing more of the disease back into South Africa. For more information, Dr. Muturiki advises that we keep up with the NICD and WHO websites to find out which countries are high risk areas and gather any updates on the progress of the virus. She also recommends that you contact the Student Wellness 24-hour hotline at: (021) 650 1020/17 for any further questions and concerns.