Following the outbreak of Ebola disease, bush meat vendors in Benin, Edo State have reportedly closed shops.
This came following the speculation that the deadly virus may be contacted from bush meat.
The Nation reports that Vendors at Eki Osa, Uwa, new Benin and Yangan markets, as well as those along the Benin/Auchi Road confirmed low patronage over the last few days. Report says low patronage is also being recorded by bush meat/palm wine joints.
Mrs. Asosa Idemudia, a bush meat seller said: “the Ebola alert has scared people away from consuming bush meat.”
Another vendor, Mrs. Jane Ekinafo said: “since bush meat is believed to be a cause of the disease, I don’t want to touch it for now.
“If you can contact it (Ebola) by eating an infected animal, it is possible that one who handles it for sale can also be infected.”
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government said yesterday that there is no trace of the disease yet in the state.
It however advised residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious case to the nearest health facility.
Health Commissioner, Aihanuwa Eregie told reporters in Benin that the state Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) have mounted surveillance in all parts of the state to ensure early detection of any infection to forestall possible outbreak .
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