Dispelling myths of the coronavirus

As the coronavirus makes global and national headlines, local residents might be asking themselves how will this affect them at a localised level and the information they may have read might be incorrect. 

Currently, the death toll has reached 1700 in mainland China and the number of confirmed cases is over 70 548.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) the coronaviruses are a large family of respiratory viruses that can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to Middle-East respiratory syndrome, and severe acute respiratory syndrome which in severe cases can result in death.

ER24 further explained that the virus can infect both humans and animals with cold-related diseases, stressing the coronavirus is a new strand called 2019-nCOV with limited information related to the disease.

Symptoms:

• Coughing
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Pneumonia
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea.

Currently, there is no vaccine or specific medical treatment for the virus. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infected patients, contact of the patient’s belongings, followed by touching your nose or mouth.

Dr Lwazi Manzi from the Department of Health provided us with information dispelling myths surrounding the virus:

• The virus has not mutated since it was first isolated from humans
• We don’t know where it originated – the zoonotic origin is a theory. No single animal can be pointed at
• A weapon of biological warfare is a conspiracy theory
• You cannot catch it from inanimate products of China
• A ‘suspected case’ actually has a clear case definition – not everyone who is investigated is a suspected case
• ARVs are not a known cure for coronavirus although there are studies looking into their efficacy
• There is no vaccine
• Rubbing sesame seed oil in your nose or mouth will not prevent coronavirus. Drinking a lot of water, (a good thing to do generally) will not prevent coronavirus.

Currently, there is no case of the coronavirus in South Africa, but if there is a suspected case Dr Manzi said, “That person would be isolated and a detailed contact history recorded. All contacts would be traced, isolated, tested and treated accordingly.”

The South African government has set up a 24-hour emergency operational centre, she explained that it entails a dedicated staff to deal with the coronavirus at strategic touchpoints, “When the WHO announced a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the Emergency Operation Centre, based at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), was activated that same evening.”

The operation centre is also tracking and tracing the movement of virus, communications, ports of entry, designated facilities to isolate patients, research and development, stakeholder engagement, Dr Manzi added.

The 24-hour hotline is for the public if they have any details, the number is 0800 029 999 and currently runs from 8am to 4pm. The hotline will immediately be converted to 24 hours if there is a first case.

The government also announced that in Gauteng the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, Steve Biko Hospital and Tembisa Hospital will be used as isolation and treatment facilities.

[NOTICE]: SA Embassy will send out notifications to SA citizens via the WeChat group. South Africans in China are requested to join this group. #Coronavirus #CoronavirusOutbreak pic.twitter.com/scssZYyNN2

— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) February 4, 2020

The public should not panic, stay informed, read content from WHO or the NCID, don’t fall prey to conspiracy theories, normal hygiene is important, frequent washing of hands, don’t sneeze or cough into hand – use cloths, tissues or arm.

Related articles:

https://fourwaysreview.co.za/324472/watch-coronavirus-differ-flu/

https://fourwaysreview.co.za/323798/watch-declares-global-health-emergency-coronavirus/