Sequel to the confirmation of the first case of Coronavirus -COVID-19 in Lagos, the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Women Journalists invited a renowned professional Prof Dimie Ogoina, a Professor of Medicine and Consultant Infectious Diseases at the Niger Delta University and Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) Bayelsa State, Nigeria to educate participants on COVID-19 related issues.
In this interview session with Chy Onyegbula, Prof Dimie Ogoina who is currently the Chief Medical Director of the NDUTH and President of the Nigeria Infectious Diseases Society (NIDS) talked about COVID-19, how it is transmitted, proper use of face masks and other sundry issues.
What is COVID-19 and how it is transmitted?
Professor of Medicine and Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Niger Delta University and Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Bayelsa State
First, the virus is new, never previously described. Second, it causes a respiratory disease characterised mainly by cough and fever. Third, it is contagious: can be transmitted from person to person. Fourth: fortunately it is not as deadly as been perceived. Most will recover, about 3% suffer mortality, especially in persons above 60 or with comorbid disease.
Transmission of the virus causing COVID-19 Is by: animal to human: When undercooked or eaten raw. Although the virus is thought to originate from bats, the exact animal host responsible for the disease is yet unknown.
Also human to human transmission: the virus is not exactly airborne by technical definition. It can be contracted from respiratory droplets with close contact with an infected person especially when they cough and sneeze. When these droplets touch the eyes, nose and mouth, then infection is possible. Airborne transmission occur when infective agents are inhaled. COVID-19 is not transmitted by inhalation, except under certain procedures undertaken in the hospital setting.
There is also environment to human: COVID-19 can be acquired if infected droplets from coughing and sneezing contaminates surfaces. This is what we call fomites. When you touch these fomites and then touch your nose, mouth or eyes, then you can become infected.
How else would you suggest carriers are determined at the airport?
Nigeria routinely screens every traveller in our major international airports by checking for fever and asking for symptoms such as cough. Unfortunately, it is neither feasible nor evidence-based to test everyone for the virus even if they have no symptoms. The Ports Health Authority are expected to be extra vigilant. However, I observed a knowledge gap as most of them don’t use face mask appropriately.
Yesterday we got an information that everyone must go out to purchase garlic as that is the only preventive measure how true is this?
The virus and the disease are new. There are so many things not known about the disease.
For now, there is no evidence to suggest that garlic, ginger or hot lemon juice protects against coronavirus.
Some are saying the virus is airborne while others are saying it isn’t. How can a person become infected with the virus?
Sir, what can we do if someone around us sneezes or coughs without covering his or mouth, what should we do?
We must all be extra vigilant and avoid close contact with someone coughing or sneezing. When not possible, first keep a distance and ensure you protect your hand, nose, mouth and eyes from contact with droplets by whatever means possible. Face masks may be counterproductive not because they are not useful but because most people don’t know how to use them. Don’t forget to wash your hands when you have the chance.
With or without COVID-19, it is important we observe personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene. The hands are one of the most common source of disease transmission. Let’s all protect our hands always.
Sir, why is it that it is only alcoholic hand cleaners that are recommended. Are soapy hand cleaners useless now that the recommended ones are no longer in the market? Please advise sir
Simple soap and water can kill the virus on our hands and on surfaces.
What’s the right way to use a face mask and who should wear one?
Wear face mask if you have respiratory symptoms to protect dispersal of your droplets when you cough or sneeze.
Wear face mask if you’re in the same room or within 6feet of someone suspected to have coronavirus.
Face masks are to be worn momentarily on contact with a patient. It’s not a dress code.
You are not expected to touch the front of the face mask, pull it down intermittently to breathe or talk or hang it under your mouth or jaw to pull it over your nose later. If you do any of these then you are already exposed if your face mask was contaminated.
Don’t reuse face mask.
You may wish to check the WHO websites for videos on when and how to use face masks. Please note that the use of face mask by the general public is not recommended by WHO.
If the evidence changes, the public will all be informed. For now, no need for face mask except for reasons stated above.
At this rate, those treating cases will not find face mask to use!
In addition to this, what is the specification for a face mask and how can we identify the original one?
It’s difficult to describe original or fake without visual inspection.
If you are in doubt seek the advice of a health worker.
Also buy your face mask from established shops.
As I noted earlier, face mask is not routinely recommended for public use.
There is a piece news about the Uber driver who the Italian threatening to infect many people. Is there a possibility that he might be infected truly and if he indeed he tests positive, what can be done to prevent him from spreading the virus?
This news has not been confirmed by authentic sources. For now it should be considered a rumour until confirmed.
Relevant authorities must ensure they track and quarantine all contacts. Failure to do so may expose more Nigerians to COVID-19.
We have one case already, how prepared are we if we have more than one case to handle?
On paper, we appear to be doing everything according to the books. However, there are significant gaps in our health system that could complicate issues if we have more cases, especially in states other than Lagos. Most states are not prepared. There is still a window of opportunity for them, especially in the provision of suitable isolation and training of healthcare workers to handle cases. A crisis may occur if states are not proactive
How long does it take to establish that one is infected with the virus? I mean, what is the incubation period?
The incubation period is 1 to 15 days.
Now that we know corona virus is here, what is expected from the government and the aviation industry so as not to have more victims in the country?
Strengthen surveillance at all points of entry
Ensure all suspected cases are confirmed promptly.
Isolate cases promptly and trace all contacts.
Ensure those treating case,s practice infection prevention, communicate risk to the public, mobilise and engage communities, dispel misinformation. Very critical is dispelling misinformation as this is always the greatest source of fear and panic.
Second is getting functional isolation facilities across the country and qualified personnel to manage cases.
Funding is required. As part of preventive measures to checkmate its spread, persons who coughs or has running nose (signs of the symptoms) should go to the hospital for confirmation test
No and maybe Yes if:
Catarrh and cough are common, most people who have these symptoms don’t have COVID-19. Always seek the advice of a doctor to review your history.
If you have a travel history to places with COVID-19 or contact with someone suspected to have the disease, then you should immediately notify authorities via NCDC toll free phone numbers.
Overall, seek medical attention/ when you have cough and fever. Avoid self-medication.
A helper who is trying to assist a victim to hospital, how can such a person be protected as such a person may at that moment be unaware of the problem?
If you are assisting a person with cough and sneezing, please protect your hands nose, mouth and eyes as possible. How? First call for help.
Inform relevant authorities if you strongly suspect COVID-19. Ask the person to wear face mask if available.
Also, wear face mask if available.
If not available, ask the person to cover their cough: cough into flexed elbow or into a disposable tissue.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
Wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you have the chance.
Please note that catarrh, fever and cough are common in our environment. Many people with these symptoms don’t have COVID-19. Please ask for help if you are unsure
Can you throw more light on the level of preparedness for this disease in Lagos?
I am aware that the Lagos State Government has fully mobilised to respond to the outbreak. The good thing here is that they appear to be taking full ownership at the highest level of political leadership.
Concerns have been raised about the state of the isolation facilities. The state government must address these concerns and changes as necessary.
Sir, is it advisable to buy goods from China at this stage, because some of them are shipped through the sea. Can one be infected through contact with such goods?
No evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted via imported goods. Besides, the virus cannot survive in inanimate objects for long especially when exposed to high temperatures common with ferrying some imported goods.
