TheCable

The Kaduna state ministry of health says a four-month-old child is one of the 20 new COVID-19 cases that were recorded in the state on Friday.

Amina Mohammed-Baloni, the state commissioner of health who disclosed this on Saturday, said investigations indicate that the father of the infected child had a travel history to Kano.

“The infant, who had been brought to the hospital for respiratory issues, was tested in accordance with the updated guidelines which advise that persons presenting with such symptoms be tested,” she said.

She said the child’s parents have also been tested and that their results are being awaited.

The commissioner said 15 out of the 20 new COVID-19 cases are family members or close contacts of previously confirmed ones.

According to Baloni, the latest cases show that the disease has spread into nine local governments, including Chikun, Igabi, Giwa, Kaduna north, Kaduna south, Makarfi, Sabon-Gari, Soba and Zaria area councils.

“Chikun has seven (including five members of the same family), Giwa recorded four from the Shika community while three cases are in Kaduna North. Sabon-Gari and Kaduna South have two cases each, while Igabi and Zaria have one each, ” she said.

“Six health workers are among the new cases, underlining the risks associated with containing and managing COVID-19.

“This widening spread of COVID-19 means that the risk of infection has increased for persons who do not stay at home or who fail to observe necessary precautions when they go out.”

The commissioner advised parents to shun non-essential travel or interactions to avoid taking the virus home and infecting their children and loved ones.

She added that “they must also exercise personal responsibility regarding not allowing visitors into their homes”.

She said everyone owes his or her family “duty of care” by not exposing them to visits and interactions that increase their risk of being infected.

She said: “One of the Covid-19 fatalities in the state got infected when he received visitors at home.

“Elderly persons and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and respiratory diseases are more vulnerable to complications of COVID-19 infection.

Mohammed-Baloni appealed to residents to continue to observe hygienic practices that protect people from contracting the disease.

She also enjoined them to report suspicious cases in their areas.

The state has recorded 134 cases of COVID-19, 53 recoveries, and three deaths.