Abstract:
The world is experiencing an outbreak due to the new and mysterious SARS-CoV-2. Information
regarding its source and transmission dynamics in different environments as well as medications
for its prevention and cure is weak. This review seeks to document on the epidemiology, clinical
signs, control, prevention, and present some perspectives for SARS-CoV-2 research in Africa.
There are geographical differences in morbidity and mortality rates of this disease all over the
world. The scientific community strongly reject claims regarding the fact that the virus has been
genetically manipulated, but supports the theory that it has a natural origin from animal host as any
other emerging viral disease. Although animals are thought to be the original source of global spill
over, person-to-person transmission is well comprehended. Transmission could be enhanced by
symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals with high contaminations reported in dense urban
environments. Scientific evidences from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other
publications reported that contaminated surfaces and air could possibly be the underlying
mechanism through which SARS-CoV-2 spreads. Cohort studies reveal that children as well as
adults could be vulnerable to the disease, but others attribute it to health care workers, some risky
habits (drinking and smoking) and comorbid individuals due to their immune suppressed status.
There is no drug of choice for SARS-CoV-2, but clinical studies including several antiviral drugs are
underway. Similarly, vaccine studies and clinical trial studies are ongoing. Because there is no
medication, preventive measures such as Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs), ventilators,
sanitation, social distancing, and quarantine are the gears globally used to curb the spread of this
virus. The African continent does not have high morbidity and mortality compared to other
continents that are highly affected. The following lessons could be learned by Africans from
ongoing research: that the SARS-CoV-2 originated from an animal host, individuals could be
infected irrespective of their age, sex, race, and origin, there is a broad spectrum of clinical signs
and confirmatory diagnosis is required, there is no approved drug of choice, vaccine trials are
ongoing and community-based prevention is required, the recommendations put in place by the
Government and the WHO to curb the spread of this virus should be strictly followed. From the
above lessons, a research project to study the ecological epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in tropical
African settings by including the following aspects: socio-cultural, economic, and political
characteristics as well as the evaluation of measures taken by the different countries to combat the
disease is required.
