- The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of M-pox in parts of Africa a public health emergency of international concern
Doctors at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital have warned Nigerians against consuming undercooked bushmeat, amid fears it could spread the deadly M-pox virus.
The president of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the hospital, Dr. Yusuf Muhammed, urged the public to be cautious, citing bushmeat as a potential carrier of the virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of M-pox in parts of Africa a public health emergency of international concern. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), more than 450 people died in an initial outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The disease has since spread to regions in Central and East Africa, as well as to Pakistan and Sweden.
M-pox, caused by the Orthopoxvirus Monkeypox, is a zoonotic virus that affects both humans and animals. Symptoms include a sore throat, an itchy or painful rash, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. The WHO warns that the virus can spread through close physical contact, including touching, kissing, and sexual activity, as well as through contaminated items like clothing, bed sheets, and needles.
Dr. Muhammed noted that while M-pox is not new, recent warnings from WHO highlight the emergence of new strains. He expressed concern that existing antibodies may not be effective against these new variants, posing a significant threat.
However, he urged the public not to panic but to report suspected cases to health authorities for investigation, contact tracing, and quarantine measures if necessary. Dr. Muhammed added that the doctors’ association is fully prepared to respond to any potential outbreak.
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