Introduction
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV). On December 31, 2019, Chinese health authorities notified WHO of a pneumonia cluster of unknown cause in Wuhan, China. On January 9, 2020, a new coronavirus was identified, for which genetic sequencing determined that it belonged to the beta-corona strain. The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) is a new type of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans and causes a disease called COVID-19. After a number of countries in all WHO regions registered cases, on 11.03.2020 the WHO Secretary General declared a pandemic of COVID-19.
Common symptoms and signs of infection include fever, fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, renal failure and even death. There is no specific treatment, similar to most viruses. However, many of the symptoms can be treated and therefore treatment should be based on the patient’s clinical condition.
Situation with COVID-19 in North Macedonia
As of 17.03.2020, 36 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the Republic of North Macedonia. By place of residence, cases of COVID-19 were registered in 2 cities, Debar (n = 24) and Skopje (n = 12). The municipalities of Debar and Center Zhupa were declared crisis and quarantine on 13.03.2020 for a period of at least 30 days.
In terms of distribution by sex, 15 male and 21 female or male 1: 1.4 ratio were registered. The specific morbidity by sex in males is 1.4 / 100,000, while in females it is 2.0 / 100,000.
The age of the patients ranges from 11 to 87 years (average – 50.4 years). Most of the cases are over the age of 50 – 22 (61.1%), and the highest incidence of 3.4 / 100,000 is registered among persons over 60 years (Chart 1).
Chart 1. Distribution of COVID-19 patients in the North Macedonia by age, (n = 36)
Regarding the date of laboratory diagnosis, the first case is registered at week 9 of 2020, and from week 11, new confirmed cases are continuously registered (Chart 2).
Chart 2. Distribution of COVID-19 patients in the N. Macedonia by Laboratory Diagnosis Day, 2020 (n = 36)
From the reported cases, 17 or 47.2% were hospitalized and 19 cases were in home isolation, asymptomatic or with mild clinical picture. Regarding the symptoms reported in infected persons, the most frequent cases were cough (76.7%), fever (66.7%) and weakness (40.0%), and six persons were without symptoms. One person in the hospital was placed on mechanical ventilation due to worsen condition.
With regard to comorbidities, 15 people have chronic health conditions, of which 8 have cardiovascular disease, 2 have diabetes and chronic kidney disease, and one person has chronic pulmonary disease and hypothyroidism.
There are 6 cases of illness registered among healthcare professionals.
From the positive cases, 350 contacts were recorded, and they will be monitored over a 14-day period.
COVID-19 RISK ASSESSMENT
WHO’s risk assessment at the global and European level indicates that the risk is very high.
The risk of further spread of COVID-19 in the Republic of North Macedonia is estimated to be moderately high.
The risk of further spread of COVID-19 in Skopje is estimated to be high.
The risk of further spread of COVID-19 in Debar is estimated to be very high.
Worldwide COVID-19 status (17.03.2020)
According to the latest data released by WHO as of 17.03.2020:
Number of confirmed cases globally – 179,112 (11,526 new)
Number of deaths globally – 7,426 (475 new)
China
Number of confirmed cases – 81,116 (39 new)
Number of deaths – 3,231 (13 new)
Other countries
Number of confirmed cases – 97,996 (11,487 new)
Number of deaths – 4,195 (462 new)
Number of affected countries / regions – 159 (8 new)
GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
For more information on the type of FAQs, truths and myths about the coronavirus you can read on
http://www.iph.mk/prasanja-i-odgovori-za-korona-virusot/
The general WHO recommendations on disease prevention can be found on the following page
http://www.iph.mk/preporaki-od-szo/
For recommendations for travelers arriving / returning from risky countries in Macedonia
http://www.iph.mk/korona-preporaki/
http://www.iph.mk/preporaki-za-patnici-koi-doagaat-od-rizicni-regioni-so-covid19/
Tips on how to protect yourself
http://www.iph.mk/covid-19-kako-da-se-zastitite-sebesi/
If a someone has symptoms similar to those with the disease, you can read the WHO guidelines for home treatment of suspected cases of
http://www.iph.mk/upatstvo-za-ncov/
For guidelines for healthcare professionals
http://www.iph.mk/posteri-corona-zr-lzo-i-mienje-race/
http://www.iph.mk/kontrola-na-infekcija-covid19-lzo/
PUBLIC INFORMATION
Persons with flu or flu-like symptoms (elevated temperature above 38 ° C, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, dry cough, etc.) should first be asked by their chosen physician for a trip abroad. and possible contact with a confirmed case.
Only if the symptom traveler has traveled to a country with high or medium risk or has had a confirmed case contact be directed to call the ALO DOCTOR, PH or PHI on-call phones.
If you have any further questions about the disease you can call the following telephone numbers
CPH Bitola 071 261 330
CPH Veles 071 219 278
CPH Gevgelija 078 545 444
CPH Kocani 071 373 913
CPH Kumanovo 070 215 851
CPH Ohrid 070 723 029
CPH Prilep 076 475 747
CPH Skopje 071 289 614
CPH Strumica 072 235 543
CPH Tetovo 075 240 464
CPH Gostivar 076 365 161
CPH Stip 078 365 613
IPH Skopje 078 387 194
Alo Doctor 02/15 123
