MPOX: Expert Warns Against Bush Meat Consumption

A medical expert with the World Health Organisation, Dr Fatoki Bashir Olajide, has warned against consumption meat obtained from bush animals as preventive measures against Monkey Pox.

The technical officer, WHO, Osun Field Office, said no fewer than four cases have been confirmed out of the 25 cases reported in Osun State.

Fatoki who disclosed this in Osogbo yesterday at a sensitisation programme organised for media practitioners by World Health Organisation in conjunction with Osun State Ministry of Health, noted that everyone is susceptible to MPOX.

He identified some species of animals domiciled in the bush as carriers of the virus that breeds MPOX but recommended intensive cooking where bush meat consumption is inevitable.

Fatok, however, charged residents to promptly report any patients suspected to be carrying the symptoms of the disease, adding that prompt medical attention will not only stop the spread of the communicable disease but facilitate easy treatment of victims.

While warning against contact with MPOX patients, Fatoki recommended hand washing and intensive cooking of all animal meats and products properly before eating, among others.

Welcoming participants to the sensitisation programme, the director, Public Health in the State Ministry of Health, Dr Omolola Adeagbo, charged media practitioners to help transfer the knowledge acquired at the programme to the general public.

Adeagbo, who identified practitioners as agents of change, noted that prevention is better than cure, adding that the awareness created by media practitioners during the discharge of their duties would help curb the spread of the deadly disease in no small measure.