Guinea: First COVID-19 fatality reported April 14 /update 4

Event

On Tuesday, April 14, Guinean authorities confirmed the country's first coronavirus (COVID-19)-related death. The individual, a Lebanese national, had been found to have the virus but chose to self-quarantine. According to sanitary authorities, the individual presented himself to medical authorities on Tuesday in a state of respiratory distress, and died on the same day.

Guinea's nationwide state of emergency has been extended through Thursday, April 30, to prevent the further spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country. As of Wednesday, April 15, a nationwide curfew remains in effect between 21:00 and 05:00 (local time) nightly.

Other restrictive measures have been introduced, including the closure of schools and nonessential shops, and a ban on public gatherings of more than 20 people. Additionally, authorities banned all travel from Conakry - where most COVID-19 cases have been confirmed - to the rest of the country without a special derogation delivered by the Ministry of Health.

Authorities previously closed Conakry Gbessia International Airport (CKY) on Monday, March 23, and canceled multiple sporting events and competitions.

As of Wednesday, April 15, there are 363 confirmed COVID-19 cases and one related death nationwide. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.