Djibouti: Over 1000 COVID-19 cases confirmed as of April 25 /update 2

Event

The Djiboutian government has confirmed 1008 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases nationwide as of Saturday, April 25, with two associated fatalities. According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Djibouti has the highest continental prevalence rate with 98.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

According to local authorities, the recent surge in cases is due to breaches of the lockdown measures imposed on March 23, in effect until at least Tuesday, April 28. Under these measures, only those working in essential industries are allowed outside, and public transport has been banned. All borders, as well as schools, places of worship, and all but the most necessary shops, also remain closed.

All commercial flights to and from the country remain suspended since March 18.

Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks.

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 COVID-19 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, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.