Medical experts have raised concerns over the possible spread of Ebola Virus Disease, warning Nigerians to avoid eating bush meat as outbreaks continue to spread in parts of Africa.
The warning comes amid renewed Ebola cases reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Health professionals explained that infected wild animals could easily pass the deadly virus to humans through direct contact during hunting, processing, or consumption.
Although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, authorities said surveillance and emergency response measures have already been strengthened nationwide.
According to medical experts, animals such as bats, monkeys, chimpanzees, and gorillas are known carriers of the virus.
Furthermore, doctors warned that poorly processed bush meat increases the risk of human infection during outbreaks.
Speaking on the situation, Professor of Public Health at the University of Ilorin, Tanimola Akande, explained how the virus spreads.
“Ebola is a zoonotic infection. It is well known that transmission can be through the consumption of bush meat,” Akande said.
He further warned that bush meat remains a major reservoir for the virus during outbreaks.
According to him, transmission can also happen during hunting, preparation, transportation, and display of infected animals for sale.
Akande listed symptoms including headache, fever, weakness, sore throat, muscle pain, bleeding, dehydration, and organ failure.
He therefore advised Nigerians to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary exposure to wildlife products.
In addition, he urged people to maintain proper hygiene and report suspected symptoms to health authorities immediately.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has continued monitoring the outbreaks in Congo and Uganda closely.
Reports showed that the Democratic Republic of Congo recorded eight confirmed Ebola cases, 246 suspected infections, and 80 suspected deaths.
Uganda also confirmed two cases, including one death linked to travellers from Congo.
Furthermore, the World Health Organisation reportedly classified the outbreaks as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Health experts also expressed concern about the strain involved in the outbreak because no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists for it.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Jide Idris, assured Nigerians that preparedness measures had been strengthened nationwide.
Public health officials also encouraged Nigerians to avoid panic while staying alert to health advisories.
