Coronavirus: the epidemic slows in Senegal, but vigilance is still required
Scientists from the Institut Pasteur in Dakar are working on samples to search for the coronavirus.
AFP / Seyllou
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2 min
In Senegal, the health authorities established on Saturday September 5 an assessment of the results of the measures taken to fight against the spread of Covid-19 in the country, after six months of pandemic.
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With our correspondent in Dakar
,
Théa Ollivier
The number of coronavirus cases has been declining for several weeks in Senegal.
But "
the virus is still there
" warns the Minister of Health, Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr.
The watchwords are therefore always the same: respect for barrier measures and prevention.
The objective is to avoid a resumption of the Covid-19 epidemic while millions of people will come together during the next religious ceremonies.
Professor Moussa Seydi, head of the infectious diseases department at Fann hospital in Dakar, confirmed that the use of hydroxychloroquine with the antibiotic azithromycin is effective for early stage cases.
However, this treatment works less well for severe cases.
A new scientific study has therefore been underway since August 14 to assess the effectiveness of an anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory drug, which gives great hope in improving severe forms.
The director of the Institut Pasteur, Amadou Sall, also announced that rapid diagnostic tests are in the pilot phase in six localities in the country.
Evaluations are expected in the coming weeks in order to extend its use at the national level.
According to figures from the African Union, Senegal has experienced 287 deaths from the coronavirus for nearly 14,000 cases.
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