STOP EATING ‘PONMO,’ THE EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT ADVISES ITS CITIZENS DURING THE ANTHRAX OUTBREAK.

Tunji Wusu –

To prevent the potential spread of anthrax illnesses, the Ekiti State government issued a warning against the consumption of bushmeat, smoked meat, and hides (ponmo) on Wednesday, July 19.

The government explained that anthrax is primarily an animal disease that can easily be transmitted to humans through inhalation of anthrax spores or consumption of contaminated or infected animal products such as hides and skins, meat, and milk in a statement by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, and Special Adviser, Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade.

However, the ministry urged locals to follow preventive actions like immunization, correct disposal of doubtful and infected animals, avoiding dangerous diets, hygienic habits, efficient disinfection, veterinary help, decontamination, etc.