The Nigerian government has issued a new warning regarding a potential outbreak of a bacterial disease that affects both animals and humans. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has confirmed the presence of anthrax, a zoonotic disease, in the West African sub-region, specifically Northern Ghana near the borders of Burkina Faso and Togo.
To prevent the possible spread of the disease, the ministry strongly advises Nigerians against consuming hides (known as ‘pomo’), smoked meat, and bushmeat. Joel Oruche, the ministry’s Director of Information, confirmed the authenticity of the statement and urged Nigerians to heed the advice.
According to the statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ernest Umakhihe, consuming hides poses a significant risk until the situation is brought under control. Anthrax is caused by bacteria that naturally exist in the soil and commonly affect both domestic and wild animals.
The statement emphasizes that Anthrax spores can infect individuals who come into contact with contaminated animals or animal products.
However, it clarifies that Anthrax is not a contagious disease and cannot be transmitted by close contact with an infected person. Symptoms of Anthrax include flu-like signs such as cough, fever, and muscle aches. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can lead to pneumonia, severe lung problems, breathing difficulties, shock, and even death.
Nigerians are also cautioned against close proximity to non-vaccinated animals carrying Anthrax, as the disease can be easily transmitted to humans through inhaling Anthrax spores or consuming contaminated animal products such as hides, skin, meat, or milk.
“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.”
