Can coronavirus spread to Africa?The outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has created panic all over the world. At least 250 people have lost their lives after contracting the virus, while others continue to receive treatment in isolation. What is the current situation regarding the deadly virus? Is there a possibility of its spreading to Africa? Even as health officials in China and the rest of the world continue thinking of actions to take against the new infection, there is mounting concern about Africa's exposure to the virus. However, reports indicate that there is no confirmed case of the new coronavirus on the continent. Some countries have already reported suspected cases of the infection, including the Ivory Coast, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Health officials and authorities in Africa are already monitoring the 2019-nCoV to ensure it does not spread in the continent. Here are some of the ongoing measures by several countries to manage the outbreak of the virus. Read also Miyetti Allah finally reacts to insecurity in southeast, advises FG on next line of action Read also Nigeria's Prof Okolo reveals plans for COVID-19, other diseases in West Africa According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronaviruses refers to a large family of viruses that can lead to conditions or illnesses such as a common cold. It can also result in more severe diseases like the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Scientists believe that before spreading to other cities and countries, the 2019-nCoV emerged from illegally traded wildlife at a seafood market in Wuhan, China. Here are some of the affected countries; Since coronaviruses are zoonotic, this means that they can get transmitted from animals to people. However, only some of them circulate in animals and have not yet infected humans. So, what is the coronavirus mode of transmission? Can it spread from one person to another? Human coronavirus is most commonly spread from an infected person to others in many ways. They include: Read also Who my successor will be - Buhari speaks to Nigerians in first tweet after lifting Twitter suspension People with the 2019-nCoV experience respiratory symptoms, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties, among others. In more severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, kidney failure, and even death. Currently, there are no vaccines that can prevent someone from getting human coronavirus infection. The best way to be safe from it, or to avoid infecting others, is to observe the following: Read also Analysing Nigeria’s dangerous road to infectious disease legislations According to the latest reports, China is the country the most affected by the virus, which has killed over 250 people in the world. There are more than 11,000 cases confirmed in various parts of the world. Several airlines have already suspended their operations in the Asian country as part of their preventive measures. In Australia, the government is already planning to quarantine citizens on a remote island. Here are the number of reported cases about the infection in some countries. From the reports, it is clear that coronavirus has not spread to Africa. However, it does not mean that the continent is safe. People should practice routine health precautions until scientists discover a response to the deadly virus. Read also 4 things to know about the 1st ever malaria vaccine just approved by WHO after 30 years of research Source: Legit.ng The outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has created panic all over the world. At least 250 people have lost their lives after contracting the virus, while others continue to receive treatment in isolation. What is the current situation regarding the deadly virus? Is there a possibility of its spreading to Africa?