THE Federal Government, through the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has urged residents of Benue State to refrain from consuming rats to prevent the spread of Lassa fever.
The warning was issued by NOA’s State Coordinator, Bitrus Audu, during a press briefing as part of a nationwide campaign against the disease.
Audu emphasized the urgency of raising awareness, particularly in Benue, where eating rats is common, especially during the hunting season. He said, “This is the time of year when many people consume more rats, so education is critical. We are urging them to avoid eating rats altogether. However, if they cannot stop, they should at least identify and avoid the specific species that carry the virus.”
He identified the primary carrier of the Lassa virus as the multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis), a rodent species widespread in Sub-Saharan Africa. While this rat carries the virus, it does not show signs of illness.
Audu also pointed out that other rodents, such as the African wood mouse and the Guinea multimammate mouse, could also harbor the virus. These rodents are more commonly found in rural areas, posing a greater risk of infection in such communities.
The campaign aims to educate people about the dangers of consuming rats and to promote preventive measures to limit the spread of Lassa fever. By providing critical information, the NOA hopes to protect lives and curb outbreaks in vulnerable regions.
