60 Nigerians in city where Coronavirus broke out, number of infected climb as WHO warns against local cures

“As of 7 a.m Abuja time today ( this Monday), the total number of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection climbed to 17,205 and 21,558 people were suspected of being infected with the virus in the Chinese mainland, according to China’s National Health Commission.”
“A total of 361 people had died, 475 people had been discharged from hospital after recovery. These are not numbers, these are lives, families, communities. This is going to be an unforgettable Spring Festival for the Chinese as families are separated but united to stand together in the face of the disease,” the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Zhou Pingjian, has said in Abuja.
He also disclosed that 60 Nigerians are in Wuhan, the now infamous city where Coronavirus broke out. Another report in the media says the Nigerians there are begging to be brought home, alleging they have been abandoned by Nigeria’s embassy officials in China.
Dr. Pingjian spoke as the World Health Organisation (WHO) says that eating garlic and regularly rinsing nose with saline solution will not guard against coronavirus infection (2019-nCoV).
There are reports that scientists in China and elsewhere are working round the clock to find a cure as well as a vaccine to counter the deadly virus.
Information obtained from WHO’s website on Monday dispelled various myths and rumours surrounding the 2019-nCoV that could potentially harm the public’s health.
WHO refuted some of the myths and rumours, noting that garlic was 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 2019-nCoV,” it said.
Also, it noted that there was no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline solution has protected people from the coronavirus infection.
Also, it said that eating or putting on sesame oil does not block the 2019-nC0V from entering the body, adding that sesame oil does not kill coronavirus.
“There are some chemical disinfectants that can kill the infection on surface. These include bleach, chlorine based disinfectants, solvents, 75 per cent ethanol, peracetic acid and chloroform.
“However, they have little or no impact on the virus if you put them on the skin or under your nose. It can even be dangerous to put these chemicals on your skin,” it said.
The organisation stressed that there was no evidence that gargling mouthwash can protect people from 2019-nCoV infection.
“Some brands of mouthwash can eliminate certain microbes for a few minutes in the saliva in your mouth. However, this does not mean they protect you from 2019-nCoV infection,” the world health body said.
WHO also noted that it was safe to receive packages from China, adding that such people were not at risk of contracting coronavirus through the package.
“From previous analysis, we know that coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as objects or packages,” it said.
Also, it said that vaccines against pneumonia such as Pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, does not provide protection against the new virus.
“The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against 2019-nCoV and WHO is supporting the efforts.
“These vaccines are not effective against 2019-nCoV. Vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health,’’ the health organisation said.
It advised countries to prepare to communicate rapidly, regularly and transparently with their citizens.
WHO also urged countries to prepare existing public health communication networks, media and community engagement staff to be ready for a possible case and for the appropriate response if it happens.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  that the new coronavirus was first reported in Wuhan City, China, on Dec. 31, 2019.
According to the WHO, as of Feb.2, 2019-nCoV has been confirmed in 23 other countries, with 14,557 cases globally, 14,411 of the confirmed cases were in China.
The 2019-nCoV has resulted in 305 deaths, 304 in China, and the first reported case outside China, was in the Philippines.
Additional reports by NAN