Infodemic, social contagion and the public health response to COVID-19: insights and lessons from Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background

The expansion of the internet and social media platforms have spurred an online infodemic, which has surged towards alarming proportions across the globe. The online infodemic trend has been particularly felt in Nigeria in the area of health information and communication throughout the recurring public health emergencies of the current decade. The outbreak of the ongoing COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in March 2020 reaffirms the biggest threat of infodemic across online platforms against containment efforts and responses in Nigeria.

Methods

This study reflects on infodemic trends related to COVID-19 in light of previous zoonotic viral diseases in Nigeria (e.g. Ebola, Lassa, and Monkeypox). Relevant published research and gray literature on zoonotic diseases and communication responses are reviewed.

Results

Drawing lessons and insights from previous zoonotic viral diseases in Nigeria, we show the extent to which online infodemic hampers public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The theory of social contagion, which describes the fear and panic that emerge during disease outbreaks, is deployed to deepen understanding of how online infodemic pose threats during health emergencies.

Conclusion

We argue that Nigeria and other countries affected by disease outbreaks would thrive better by proactive inclusion and management of online communication channels in addition to coordinated clinical (prophylactic or therapeutic) models.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• Ebola
• infodemic
• Lassa Fever
• Monkeypox
• pandemic

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Editors and the anonymous reviewers for the contributions towards the review of this article. The authors also acknowledge Dr. Jonathan Simmons for the invaluable support provided during the writing of this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Bridget O. Alichie

Bridget O. Alichie is studying for her PhD in Sociology at the University of Alberta, Canada. She holds an MA in Development and Rights from the University of London, UK and a BSc degree in Sociology/Anthropology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria. Before her doctoral studies, she was a Lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria. She is currently the editorial assistant of African Security and is interested in topics related to gender and sexuality, criminology and socio-legal studies, and new media studies.

Nelson Ediomo-Ubong

Nelson Ediomo-Ubong is an associate researcher with the Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse (CRISA) in Nigeria. He is also affiliated to the International Blue Cross as the alcohol and drug policy advocacy Officer. His research focuses on substance use, criminal justice, and public health. He has published many papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Blessing Nonye Onyima

Blessing Nonye Onyima is a medical/cultural Anthropologist with a focus on Culture, Health, Gender, Conflict and Environmental Studies. She holds a PhD; M.A. & B.A, all from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She is a lecturer at the Department of Sociology/Anthropology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria. Her works have appeared in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and currently looks forward to postdoctoral opportunities.