Ghanaians are being cautioned against inhaling naphthalene vapour purported to be the best medication for Coronavirus.
The caution from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) follows widespread social media suggestions that the insect repellent known locally as camphor, when inhaled from hot water could heal a COVID-19 patient.
An audio recording circulating on various platforms also suggested that persons without the virus could also inhale the vapour and be saved from contracting the virus.
But in a statement released and signed by its Executive Director, Delese Darko, the FDA said, “camphor is an insecticide and produces a toxic gas which repels and kills insects” hence it “elicits toxic gas which should not be inhaled under any circumstances.”
The Authority said there is no such proven method as cure for COVID-19 and as such must be avoided.
It added that there were severe various health complications associated with inhaling the vapour hence citizens should desist from the act.
“When the vapour produced is inhaled, the body breaks it into other chemicals that react with cells in the body and damage tissues. This can cause skin and eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea. Other effects of inhaling include confusion, excitement, severe anaemia and renal shutdown.”
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ghana, many people have spread various misinformation on supposed cures and things to do to prevent contracting the disease.
Meanwhile, health authorities have insisted that the proven way to stop the spread is to avoid non-essential movements and ensuring social distancing while efforts are being made to aggressively test and treat cases.
The country’s case count currently stands at 2,169 with 18 deaths.
By Jonathan Ofori, Daily Mail GH | Email: joevica18@gmail.com
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