Don’t Mistake COVID-19 For Malaria, FG Warns

NCDC DG

ABUJA - The federal government warned yesterday that though COVID-19 presents symptoms similar to malaria such as fever, both diseases are caused by different organisms and differ in mode of transmission.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) stated this on its official twitter handle, warning that Nigerians should resist the temptation of taking COVID-19 and malaria as the same infection.

This is just as the NCDC announced 653 new cases in the country, as total number of infections from the virus rose to 36,107.

The health agency identified 12 symptoms that could point to the existence of COVID-19 in the human body.

According to NCDC, the listed symptoms will help Nigerians “take responsibility” by quickly calling the available hotlines, should they experience a combination of the symptoms.

“If you have Cough or Fever, difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, and loss of speech or movement, seek immediate medical attention,” NCDC advised.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) had advised that people with mild symptoms who were otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home.

“On average it takes 5-6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days,” it
said.

Meanwhile, NCDC in its updated data yesterday indicated that the 653 new cases were reported from 27 states and the FCT.

"Till date, 36,107 cases have been confirmed, 14,938 cases have been discharged and 778 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” it said.

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