The World Health Organisation has said the novel coronavirus which has infected over 400,000 people and killed over 18,000 lives in 196 countries cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites.
In 2018, WHO reported that there were an estimated 228 million cases of malaria worldwide with over 405, 000 deaths.
It commented that of the global malaria burden, “Africa carries a disproportionately high share as the region is home to 93% of malaria cases and 94% of malaria deaths”.
However, in a list of COVID-19 myth busters released recently, the UN specialized agency for global health stressed that mosquitoes, which spread plasmodium parasites and malaria vectors, DO NOT transmit coronavirus.
It also said taking a hot bath, alcohol consumption, drinking hot tea/coffee, using hand dryers, amongst others do not prevent the ravaging pandemic.
Here is the list:
Coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites
To date, there has been neither information nor evidence to suggest that coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. Coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.
COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates
From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather.
Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill coronavirus
There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather.
Taking a hot bath does not prevent coronavirus
Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower. Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you.
Are hand dryers effective in killing coronavirus?
No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the 2019-nCoV. To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Then dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill coronavirus?
UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with coronavirus?
Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever (i.e. have a higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with coronavirus. However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever.
Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill coronavirus?
No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.
Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against coronavirus?
No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against coronavirus.
Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with coronavirus?
No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with coronavirus.
Can eating garlic help prevent infection with coronavirus?
Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from coronavirus.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating coronavirus?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.
Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat coronavirus?
To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimised supportive care.
“The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose,” WHO stressed.
