Though a cure is yet to be found for the coronavirus, Nigeria’s health minister, Osagie Ehanire said China has shared some treatment knowledge it gathered while treating patients with the disease.
“They have sent us a treatment protocol because they have succeeded in treating over four or five thousand people in their country and we have sent the protocol to our centers here to study and add what they already know. They have shared the treatment procedures with Nigeria and this will assist in the treatment of confirmed cases,” Ehanire said.
The World Health Organization had revealed that there is only one drug right now that may have real efficacy and that’s an existing antiviral drug, remdesivir, though there are more than 20 potential vaccines aimed at preventing coronavirus disease are in development around the world.
China learned from prior coronavirus epidemics SARS and MERS to repurpose antiretroviral and antiviral medications for a partial treatment of this newest global health scare.
In China, the epicenter of the disease the National Health Commission on Friday reported at least 47 new coronavirus deaths, bringing to 2,791 the number of fatalities in the country.
The coronavirus outbreak was declared a global health emergency of international concern by the WHO in January when cases of the disease kept on spreading within China and other countries.
Coronavirus has killed more than 2,800 people and infected more than 83,000 worldwide.
Since Thursday, five countries, Nigeria inclusive, have reported their first COVID-19 cases. All these cases have links to Italy.
Twenty-four cases have been exported from Italy to 14 countries, and 97 cases have been exported from Iran to 11 countries.
While Nigeria tries to contain the first confirmed case of the coronavirus within its borders, here are some myths about the virus that the World Health Organisation has exposed to check misinformation.
Myth 1- Hand dryers are not effective in killing the new coronavirus.
No, hand dryers are not effective in killing a virus. The best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Myth 2- Ultraviolet disinfection lamps kill COVID-19
No, ultraviolet lamps will not kill the virus and they can cause skin irritation.
Myth 3- Spraying alcohol or chlorine bleach on yourself can kill the virus.
No. They won’t kill the virus, and they will burn your skin. You can, however, use those substances to clean surfaces in your home or office that could have the virus on them.
Myth 4- It’s unsafe to open a package from China.
Yes, it is safe to open it. Coronaviruses do not survive long on objects like letters or packages.
Myth 5- I can get the coronavirus from my pet.
According to the WHO, there is no evidence that companion animals such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus.
Myth 6- The pneumonia vaccine protects COVID-19.
There is no vaccine yet that protects against the coronavirus, including pneumonia viruses.
Myth 7- Saline rinses help kill the virus.
No evidence regularly rinsing your nostrils with saline offers any protection against the new coronavirus.
Myth 8- The coronavirus is only dangerous for older people and those who have pre-existing medical conditions.
No, the coronavirus can affect anyone. Older people and those with certain medical conditions appear more vulnerable to the virus, according to the WHO.
Myth 9- Antibiotics will help if you get the virus.
No, COVID-19 is a virus. Antibiotics do not work against viruses.
Myth 10- Medicine given after the virus can cure it.
There is no vaccine or mention to prevent coronavirus, although cases have been successfully treated.
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