Health experts have warned Nigerians to avoid eating bush meat following fresh Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of Africa.
The physicians explained that Ebola is a deadly viral disease that can spread from infected wild animals to humans through contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated meat.
According to the experts, animals such as bats, monkeys, chimpanzees and gorillas are among the major carriers of the virus, making hunting and consuming bush meat risky during outbreaks.
The warning comes after the World Health Organisation confirmed fresh Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, raising fears of possible regional spread.
Although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said surveillance and emergency preparedness have already been intensified across the country.
Public health specialist, Professor Tanimola Akande, warned that handling bush meat during hunting, processing or sale can expose people to infection even before consumption.
“Bush meat is a reservoir for the Ebola virus,” he explained, adding that transmission can begin from animal-to-human contact before spreading between humans.
The experts advised Nigerians to avoid contact with sick or dead wild animals, maintain proper hygiene, and report unusual symptoms quickly to health authorities.
They also listed symptoms of Ebola to include fever, headache, body weakness, sore throat, loss of appetite, bleeding from the nose or gums, and severe dehydration.
The NCDC also urged Nigerians to wash their hands regularly and avoid physical contact with anyone showing signs of an unknown illness.
Many Nigerians have since reacted online, with growing concerns over the possible spread of the deadly virus if preventive measures are ignored.
