The Benue State government has sounded an alert concerning the influx of live rats being imported into the state, raising concerns about the potential risk of a Lassa fever outbreak.
Dr. Terungwa Ngishe, the State Epidemiologist, voiced these concerns during a one-day Sensitisation Engagement on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and the necessity for behavioral change held in Makurdi by the Benue State office of One Health.
Dr. Ngishe highlighted the worrying trend of individuals importing rats into Benue State, taking advantage of the fact that “rat meat is considered a delicacy in the state.” He emphasized that while rats are not consumed in some other northern states, they are captured and brought into Benue, posing a significant risk of a Lassa fever outbreak.
The State Epidemiologist expressed concern over the inability of traders to identify the specific species of rats carrying the virus. Dr. Ngishe explained that these live rats are brought into Benue State in sacks, originating from states such as Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, among others, exacerbating the potential health threat within the state.
