The Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria(PPSN) has expressed concern that poor adherent to safety measures is encouraging community transmission of the Coronavirus pandemic within the country.
The group also said there is need for more action to be taken in enlightening and educating rural dwellers on strict observance of personal hygiene.
Addressing journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital, national president of PPSN, Prof. Chinyere N. Ukaga lamented that most Nigerians must were yet to acknowledge the fact that COVID-19 can also be transmitted through surface contact.
She said, “When droplets from infected persons fall on surfaces such as table tops, chair arms, door knobs and others, the virus can remain viable in these droplets for a few days. When these surfaces come into contact with human hands they can be picked up and transferred to either the nose or eyes or mouth when the person rubs his eyes or nose or puts the unwashed hands in the mouth.
“This is the main reason to wash hands frequently and why infected persons are quarantined or confined to an isolated place. This is also the reason why individuals who have been in close contact with sick persons are sought out and quarantined.”