Nigerians are advised to avoid eating bush meat amid the mpox outbreak in nearby countries to reduce the risk of infection.
Experts have warned that handling and eating wildlife, including various bush meats, commonly consumed in many areas, is associated with the transmission of this disease.
Bush meats, which are often obtained from wild animals such as primates, rodents, and bats, may carry viruses and other pathogens that pose significant health hazards.
Earlier reports from NAIJATRAFFIC indicated that the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention had established a health declaration form for international travelers to help prevent the spread of the new mpox strain from certain African nations.
On Tuesday, the Africa Centre for Disease Control declared a public health emergency due to the escalating mpox outbreak across the continent, particularly affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The outbreak in the DRC has intensified and expanded beyond its borders, with a new viral strain, first identified in September 2023, now detected outside the DRC for the first time.
The World Health Organization emphasized the concern regarding the rapid spread of a new clade 1b virus strain in the DRC, which appears to be transmitted primarily through sexual networks.
Its detection in neighboring countries is a significant factor in declaring a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
As of 2024, there have been approximately 2,863 confirmed cases of mpox and 517 fatalities reported across 13 African nations.
In Nigeria, a total of 39 confirmed cases and zero deaths have been recorded across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory since the beginning of the year.
Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic disease (one that is transmitted from animals to humans), endemic in several African countries, particularly in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa.
The exact source of the virus is still unidentified, although rodents, squirrels, and monkeys are believed to be involved in its transmission.
Experts have expressed concern over zoonotic transmission, which involves diseases spreading from animals to humans.
They noted that bush meats are a key source of the mpox virus, thus emphasizing the need for communities to avoid consuming these meats and to maintain stringent hygiene standards.
Dr. Azeezat Shopeyin-Dosunmu, a Public Health Physician at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, has called on the public to steer clear of animals and bush meats amid the mpox outbreak.
While bush meats are a beloved traditional food for many Nigerians, including those who avoid red meat for health reasons, Shopeyin-Dosunmu highlighted the necessity of avoiding these foods until the outbreak is controlled.
She acknowledged the difficulty of this recommendation but stressed its importance for preventing further viral spread.
“Though the disruption may be temporary, it’s crucial to take precautions,” she added.
Dr. Shopeyin-Dosunmu, currently completing her consultancy training in epidemiology, also advised hunters and anyone handling animals and bush meats to adhere to strict hygiene protocols to prevent spreading the virus to their households and communities.
Her call underscores the urgency of heeding health advisories during the outbreak, aiming to protect both individuals and the wider public from its ongoing threat.
She pointed out that monkeys and rodents are known carriers of the infection and cautioned against handling these animals whenever possible. She recommended that hunters who have captured these animals consult veterinarians to ensure the animals are declared safe for consumption.
Her advice emphasizes the need for vigilance and proper health protocols during the outbreak to safeguard public health.
Another expert, Professor Aisha Abubakar, an Epidemiologist and Public Health Physician at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria, Kaduna State, also advised that Nigerians should cease consumption of bush meat, characterizing it as a possible transmission route for mpox.
Abubakar noted, “This is not the time to eat bushmeat. I know that they are delicacies to several regions in Nigeria but like I said, this is not the time for it. Nigerians should avoid it for now.
“This is because large rodents like squirrels and monkeys have been implicated as part of the risk factor animals. Nigerians should avoid contact with animals.”
She recommended that public health campaigns prioritize educating communities about the dangers of bush meat consumption and promote preventive actions to contain the outbreak, ultimately protecting public health through awareness and vigilance.
