Resident doctors in Nigeria have issued a strong warning about the dangers of consuming undercooked bush meat following a recent rise in monkeypox cases.
Dr. Yusuf Muhammed, President of the Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (ARD-UITH), spoke to Newsmen in Ilorin about the importance of avoiding bush meat and contact with dead animals to mitigate the risk of contracting the disease.
Dr. Muhammed highlighted that monkeypox is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.
He explained that while the human immune system may not be fully equipped to handle monkeypox, it shares similarities with the smallpox virus, which has been eradicated.
The disease typically begins with flu-like symptoms—fever, chills, exhaustion, headache, and muscle weakness—before progressing to a rash that can be painful or itchy.
The ARD-UITH president stressed the need for vigilance and advised Nigerians to seek medical attention if they suspect they have monkeypox.
Prompt reporting to health authorities is crucial for effective investigation and contact tracing to prevent further spread of the virus.