South Africa COVID-19 Variant Now Ghana, 23 Other African Countries- WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO), said South Africa B.1.617 variant has hits other African countries.

The WHO Regional Virologist, Dr Nicksy Gumede-Moeletsi, said in an interview that the strain presented the same symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, and breathing difficulty, among others, regular with the original COVID-19.

She also listed the affected Africa countries which includes Kenya, Cameroon, Cote D’ ívoire, Malawi, Mauritius, Togo, Botswana, Comoros, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Ghana, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea, Seychelles and Tanzania.

As the strain hit neighbouring countries, the Nigerian Medical Association and health experts have called for caution among Nigerians and the Federal Government.

“The symptoms for any variant or even the original coronavirus are still the same; cough, headache, fever etc. They are still the same as we know from the beginning of the pandemic.

“Social distancing, hand washing and wearing of face masks were recommended as preventive measures to curb the spread of the variant in the affected countries.

“The cases have decreased in South Africa. It indicates that the country has managed to contain the virus.

“There is a decrease in the number of hospitalisations and severe cases. The country is doing a tremendous job in controlling the spread of this particular strain.” Gumede-Moeletsi added.

According to the WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the B.1.617 variant that was first found in India has been reported in at least one African country.

“With new variants circulating, low vaccination levels, population fatigue in adhering to preventive measures, and easing of restrictions, the conditions are present for a resurgence,” he said.