Despite recent outbreaks of deadly diseases such as Lassa fever, some residents expressed concern over the continuous patronage of bush meat in bars and local eateries, popularly known as “Joints”.
Many people are unaware of the epidemic and are ignorant of the dangers associated with consuming bush meat, particularly rats, the main channel of transmitting Lassa fever infection, due to inadequate information.
Ben Chibuike, a businessman, stated that creating awareness about Lassa fever would help reduce cases because the country had recorded many fatalities. "Relevant health agencies should create more awareness to avoid any further spread of the disease, even when it has spread in some states, including Nasarawa," he said.
Victoria Simeon, a housewife, admitted that she was unaware of the disease because no such case had been reported in her area.
On the other hand, Chioma Eze, a healthcare giver, explained that reports of the Lassa fever outbreak had been widely spread across many media outlets such as television, radio, and others, but some Nigerians would not take precautions.
According to Ms Eze, hygiene is the paramount thing in this case, and Nigerians should try to keep their homes and environments neat to avoid rats. She also noted that some tribes could not do without eating bush meat, even ‘house rats,’ which contributes largely to the disease.
Abel Oni, a customer at one of the bush meat joints, said he would not deny that Lassa fever was real, but such would not stop him from patronising bush bars. "Lassa Fever cannot stop me from visiting beer parlours, especially when it has become my place of relaxation," he said.
However, John Garba, a beer parlour operator, warned that Lassa fever could spread if adequate hygiene measures were not considered when preparing the bush meat. He emphasised that those running such businesses should not be ignorant of the disease but maintain good food standards and a hygienic environment. "Preparing bush meat pepper soup has to be done properly to avoid any transmission of infection from the animals," Mr Garba added.
A correspondent who visited some 'joints,' especially those selling roasted bush meats and pepper soup along Abuja-Keffi road, saw customers eating their usual delicacies without any fears or reservations.
Despite warnings of the Lassa fever outbreak, many Nigerians still consume bush meat, either out of ignorance or the belief that it is a delicacy. Therefore, there is a need for the government and relevant authorities to create more awareness about the dangers of consuming bush meat to avoid further spread of the disease.