Ann Case Rep, an open access journal ISSN: 2574-7754 1 Volume 14; Issue 07 Annals of Case Reports Case Study Ndukuba SO, et al. Ann Case Rep: 14: 431. Personal Hygiene Protocols in Infectious Disease Control-Lessons from the Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Dr. Samuel O. Ndukuba 1* , Prof. Okezie C. Ahuama 1 , Mercy Ononuju-Ndukuba 1 , Dr. Nnenne U. Onu 1 , Uchanma A. Igbokwe 1 , Lovelyn S. Ndubuisi-Okoroezi 1 , Dr. Ikesinachi S. Uwaezuoke 2 1 Faculty of Health Sciences, Abia state University, Uturu, Nigeria 2 Hospital Management Board, Abia state, Nigeria * Corresponding author: Samuel O. Ndukuba, Department of Optometry, Abia state University, Uturu, Nigeria Citation: Ndukuba SO, Ahuama OC, Ononuju-Ndukuba M, Onu NU, Igbokwe UA, et al. (2020) Personal Hygiene Protocols in Infectious Disease Control-Lessons from the Spread of SARS-CoV-2. Ann Case Rep: 14: 431. DOI: 10.29011/2574-7754.100431 Received Date: 25 June, 2020; Accepted Date: 30 June, 2020; Published Date: 07 July, 2020 DOI: 10.29011/2574-7754.100431 Abstract In a world that is no more a stranger to infectious diseases, personal hygiene should be embraced as a part of life. While there are many means through which infectious diseases are transmitted from person to person, most modes of transmission can only reach individuals through self-infection from the hand. Scientists in various relevant felds continue working on the process of understanding the nature and virulence of pathogens as well as developing vaccines and treatment pills. However, the challenges of microbial drug resistance and lack of cure and vaccines mean, in some cases that other helpful options must be maximized. Everyone must master the simple art of personal hygiene, especially, hand washing and beneft from their un- heralded roles in controlling the spread of diseases. Keywords: Handwashing, Infectious Diseases, Personal hygiene, SARS-coV-2 Introduction Personal hygiene is promoting self-sanitary practices [1]. The importance of personal hygiene is not a novel concept. Its relevance in the prevention and control of diseases is well documented. However, it can never be overemphasized, especially in a planet that is not new to infectious diseases ranging from diarrhea, tuberculosis, HIV to lower respiratory tract infections. The emergence of SARS, Ebola, and most recently, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have highlighted the increased need for effective personal hygiene protocols even as scientifc advancements continue to seek solutions per time in a world of increasing epidemics and pandemics. However, it has been reported that infectious diseases are responsible for an annual death of over 15 million globally [2]. The prevention of infectious diseases is highly possible through the application of proper personal hygiene [3]. Infectious diseases are disorders caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi that can be spread directly or indirectly (vector-borne) from one individual to another [4]. Infectious diseases may spread through direct contact (person to person, animal to person, and mother to child) and by indirect contact (food contamination, insect bites, and contact with contaminated inanimate surfaces and objects) [1]. The World Health Organization WHO (2016), ranked three infectious diseases in the top 10 leading causes of death worldwide namely; lower respiratory infections (3.0 million deaths), diarrheal diseases (1.4 million deaths) and tuberculosis (1.3 million deaths); with lower respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases the top 2 in the ten leading causes of death in low-income countries, Nigeria inclusive [5]. Figure 1: How SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious diseases spread (www.triplebyte.com).