Stop Eating Rats – FG Issues Urgent Warning to Benue State Residents

Babatunji Wusu –

• Government Warning: The Federal Government, via the NOA, has advised Benue residents to stop eating rats to prevent the spread of Lassa fever.
• Rodent Species: The primary carrier of the Lassa virus is the multimammate rat, although other rodents like the African wood mouse also pose a risk.
• Heightened Awareness: The NOA is conducting a nationwide campaign to educate the public about the risks of consuming rats and to promote preventive measures against Lassa fever.
• Rural Areas at Risk: The prevalence of these rodents in rural areas increases the likelihood of human infection, making education and awareness critical for prevention.

The Federal Government, through the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has urged residents of Benue State to stop consuming rats to prevent a potential outbreak of Lassa fever. Bitrus Audu, the State Coordinator of NOA, made this call during a press conference as part of the agency’s nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the deadly disease.

Audu emphasized the importance of increased public awareness, noting that rats are a popular delicacy in Benue, especially during the hunting season. He explained that while rats are commonly consumed during this time, it is critical for residents to either avoid eating them altogether or, at the very least, to identify and avoid species that carry the Lassa virus.

The primary carrier of the Lassa virus is the multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis), a common rodent species found in Sub-Saharan Africa. While these rats do not exhibit symptoms of the virus, they can spread it to humans. Audu also referenced research indicating that other rodents, such as the African wood mouse and the Guinea multimammate mouse, can serve as additional reservoirs for the virus, particularly in rural areas where these species are more prevalent.

This ongoing campaign aims to educate the public about the risks of consuming rats and to highlight the necessary preventive measures to curb the spread of Lassa fever in Benue and other affected regions.