DEADLY VIRUS: Beware of handshake, Lagos govt warns residents

Lagos state government has alerted residents to take extra care in shaking hands saying the deadly Coronavirus can be transmitted from an infected person with unsuspected persons.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris who gave the warning in Lagos yesterday explained that the rate the Coronavirus is spreading it could be transmitted easily from one person to another.

 According to Dr. Idris, the virus can be transmitted through coughing and sneezing, close contact such as touching or shaking the hands of an infected person, and touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes after touching contaminated objects or surfaces.

 The commissioner explained that human Coronavirus usually causes mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illnesses and can progress to severe respiratory illness and pneumonia particularly in the aged, young and already ill people.

He said, “There is no specific treatment for illnesses caused by Coronavirus. Most people with the virus will recover on their own and they may require supportive treatment which includes staying at home, resting and drinking a lot of fluids. However those that progressed to severe distress will need to be admitted into the hospital for specialized care.”

Dr. Idris noted that the risk of infection of the virus can be reduced if people observe a high standard of personal and environmental hygiene by often washing the hands with soap and water; not touching the eyes, nose or mouth frequently; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; ensuring that objects used by the sick are sterilized; and avoiding being in an overcrowded place.