The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued an urgent health advisory to the people of Benue State, urging them to stop consuming rats in order to avoid the potential spread of Lassa fever.
In a press briefing, the State Coordinator for NOA, Bitrus Audu, emphasized the critical need for increased awareness, particularly as the state enters its hunting season. He warned that the consumption of rats, a popular delicacy in the region, could lead to a rise in Lassa fever infections.
“This is the period when many in Benue are likely to eat more rats, and we must take action now to prevent an outbreak, if people cannot entirely stop eating rats, we urge them to learn to identify the species that are known to spread the virus.” Audu said.
Audu clarified that the main carrier of the Lassa virus is the multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis), a common rodent found throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. These rats carry the virus but do not show symptoms, making it harder to detect the threat. Other rodents, including the African wood mouse and the Guinea multimammate mouse, also serve as reservoirs for the virus.
The NOA’s campaign aims to educate residents about the risks associated with eating rats and to stress the importance of identifying and avoiding the rodent species that carry the virus. The agency has urged the public to adopt preventive measures to protect themselves from Lassa fever, especially as it tends to spread more in rural areas where these rodents are more prevalent.
Audu’s message comes as part of a broader national effort to curb the spread of the disease and reduce the risks to public health, urging residents to act swiftly and make informed decisions during the upcoming hunting season.
