Anthrax Outbreak: FG warns Nigerians against consumption of ponmo

The West African sub-region's neighbouring countries have seen an anthrax outbreak, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has informed Nigerians of this.

Following the development, the ministry urged Nigerians to avoid eating bush meat, smoked meat, and hides (ponmo) since they pose major health risks until the situation is under control.

According to a statement made by Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the epidemic was originally discovered in northern Ghana, bordering Burkina Faso and Togo, putting the entire sub-region at risk.

“The disease which has claimed some lives, is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and man, that is a zoonotic disease. Anthrax spores are naturally found in the soil and commonly affect domestic and wild animals.”

“People can get infected with Anthrax spores if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. However, Anthrax is not a contagious disease and so, one cannot get it by coming in close contact with an infected person.

“Signs of anthrax are flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, muscle aches and if not diagnosed and treated early, lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty in breathing, shock and death,” the statement read in part.

Anthrax can readily be transmitted to humans through the inhalation of anthrax spores and the consumption of contaminated/infected animal products, such as hides and skin, meat, or milk, according to the statement's further warning to the general public.

Source