Despite the fact that Bush meat consumption has been identified as one of the major causes of money pox, consumers of bush meat in Bayelsa still consume bush meat without fear.



The disease was reported a forthnight ago and has affected at least 13 people in the state, according to Prof Ebitimitula Etebu, Bayelsa State Commissioner of Health.

Etebu, who said the situation was under control, urged residents to be vigilant and wash hands after contact with wild animals who are the primary vectors for the monkeypox virus.

The citizens were also warned against eating bush meat, a delicacy to many people in the state, as it is suspected to be one of the sources of contracting the disease.

However, some of the residents, who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the advice from medical experts to curb spread of the virus, urged the government to lay emphasis on hygiene and not to blacklist bush meat.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) investigations in Yenagoa and Ogbia areas in Bayelsa yesterday indicated that business was still thriving at bush meat joints and restaurants that served the delicacy.

Some of the restaurants in Yenagoa and Otuoke that serve bush meat which were visited were found to still be enjoying patronage despite warning from health officials.

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