Health
Anthrax: Ekiti Govt Alerts Residents, Warns Against Eating Ponmo, Unveils Emergency Lines
Published
2 years agoon
By
Editor
The Ekiti State government has alerted residents of the state over the outbreak of a bacterial disease that affects both animals and humans.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Ekiti State, Dr. Oyebanji Filani and Special Adviser, Agriculture and Food Security, Ekiti State, Ebenezer Boluwade.
The statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, advised Ekiti residents against the consumption of hides (pomo), smoked meat and bushmeat, to avoid possible spread as they pose a serious risk.
READ ALSO: Things You Need To Know About Anthrax Disease
According to the statement, anthrax is primarily a disease of animals but can be easily be transmitted to humans through inhalation of anthrax spores or consumption of contaminated or infected animal products such as hides and skins, meat and milk.
The ministry however called on residents to adhere to preventive measures such as; vaccination, proper disposal of suspected and infected animals, avoiding risky consumptions, hygiene practices, effective disinfection, veterinary assistance, decontamination etc.
The ministry urged the general public, farmers, butchers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector to adhere strictly to the preventive measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: FG Confirms First Anthrax Case
“Anthrax is primarily a disease of animals; however, due to the close proximity between humans and animals, it can easily be transmitted to humans through inhalation of anthrax spores or consumption of contaminated or infected animal products such as hides and skins, meat, and milk.
“The general public is strongly advised to abstain from the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat, and bush meat, as they pose a serious risk until the situation is brought under control. It is crucial to prioritize public health and safety during this time.
“Environmental and personal hygiene must be strictly observed in places where by-products like hides (Ponmo), bone meal, and blood meal are produced. These areas should be maintained in a clean and sanitized condition to minimize the risk of contamination.
“We specifically encourage persons at risks such as people who handle animals, people who consume dead animals, healthcare workers, law enforcement officers and anyone who recently travelled to a location with a confirmed anthrax case to take their hygiene practices seriously.
“We urge the general public, farmers, butchers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector to adhere strictly to these preventive measures to safeguard public health and prevent the further spread of anthrax.
“For further information or inquiries, please contact the State Director of Veterinary Services on 070 069 8478 or visit Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security at the State Secretariat, Ado-Ekiti. You can also call any of the following emergency numbers – 070492004288, 070492004236, 070492004334.”
You may like
Health
LASG FLags Off Polio Outbreak Response Campaign
Published
7 months agoon
January 20, 2025By
Editor
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, has launched the 2025 Polio Outbreak Response Campaign, reaffirming its commitment to eradicating polio and safeguarding the health of its children.
The ceremony, held at the Simpson Primary Healthcare Centre, was led by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Widad Jumoke Mustafa, a member of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).
In her address, the First Lady emphasised the state government’s proactive measures to keep Lagos polio-free, highlighting the critical importance of the campaign in preventing the debilitating effects of poliomyelitis, which can result in paralysis or death.
READ ALSO: IMPEACHMENT: Lagos Ex-Speaker, Obasa’s ‘Sins’ Revealed
The First Lady also called on parents, community leaders, and stakeholders to support the campaign by ensuring eligible children are vaccinated.
Targeting children aged 0-59 months, vaccination teams will administer the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to prevent virus transmission.
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser on Health, expressed gratitude to Lagosians for their continued cooperation in the fight against polio. While appreciating all healthcare workers and partners for their services, Mrs. Ogunyemi encouraged parents to present their children and wards for the exercise.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government, Mrs. Omolola Rashidat Essien opined that Immunization is key in ensuring that children are kept safe from polio and other vaccine preventable diseases.
Dr. Abimbola Bowale, the Supervising Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, who also spoke at the event, underscored the life-saving importance of immunization.
“All children aged 0-59 months need multiple doses of the polio vaccine to ensure full protection. Any child missed represents a potential risk for the poliovirus to spread. The vaccine is safe, effective, and crucial in keeping our communities polio-free,” he stated.
Dr. Bowale also outlined several strategies to ensure the success of the campaign, including fixed post teams stationed at primary healthcare centres and public health facilities, house-to-house visits, and a transit strategy to reach special locations such as places of worship, schools, motor parks, and other public venues.
The event concluded with Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu officially launched the campaign, marking a renewed effort to maintain Lagos State’s polio-free status.

The Lagos state suspected cholera cases have risen to 421.
The Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi disclosed this on his Instagram handle @profakinabayomi on Saturday.
“As of June 20, 2024, an additional four suspected cholera cases have been reported, as illustrated in the accompanying graph,” he wrote.
He noted that the Emergency Operations Centre in collaboration with all relevant partners is actively engaged in contact tracing, community-based surveillance, awareness campaigns, sample testing, and ensuring that confirmed cholera cases receive appropriate medical treatment.
READ ALSO: Two Suspects Arrested For Stealing Car From Mosque During Juma’at Prayer
On Friday, the commissioner confirmed 35 cases out of the 417 suspected cases and 24 deaths across 20 Local Government Areas in the state.
The cases were reported from Agege, Badagry, Ikeja, Mushin, Ajeromi-Ifelofun, Epe, Ikorodu, Ojo, Alimosho, and Eti-Osa.
Others were Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Amuwo-Odofin, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos Island, Shomolu, Apapa, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos mainland, and Surulere.
Cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by ingesting the bacteria— Vibrio cholerae — in contaminated water and food. Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea, and the severe forms of the disease can kill within hours if left untreated.
In Nigeria, cholera is an endemic and seasonal disease, occurring annually mostly during the rainy season and more frequently in areas with poor sanitation.
READ ALSO: Police Arrest 28yr Old Suspected Cultists, Recover Gun In Delta Community
The World Health Organisation on Thursday announced a spike in cholera in several regions of the world, with almost 195,000 cases and over 1,900 deaths reported in 24 countries since the start of 2024.
WHO said the Eastern Mediterranean Region reported the highest number of cases, followed by the African Region, the Region of the Americas, the Southeast Asia Region, and the European Region.
The global health body, however, noted that there are no reported cases in the Western Region, according to its bulletin released on Wednesday.
It said it exhausted its global stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccines by March but was able to exceed “the emergency target of five million doses in early June for the first time in 2024.”

By Silver Yeibake
Autism, commonly known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Autism is referred to as a spectrum condition since it can manifest in a variety of symptoms and abilities. While the actual cause of autism is unknown, evidence suggests that genetic and environmental factors interact to influence its development.
The risk factors include a sibling with autism, advanced age of parents, exposure to certain air pollutants and pesticides before birth, extreme prematurity, mothers with diabetes, immune system disorders or obesity, any difficulty with delivery leading to deprivation of oxygen to the baby’s brain, fever during pregnancy, lack of certain vitamins minerals during pregnancy, and certain genetic conditions, such as Down, fragile X, and Rett syndromes.
“Risk factors can not on their own cause a disease. However, they can increase the likelihood of that disease in a person.”
It is important to know that contrary to trending claims online, there is no scientific or medical evidence that vaccines or consumption of sugar are risk factors for autism.
READ ALSO: Kidney Stones: What You Need To Know
Autism is defined by difficulties in social interaction and communication. Individuals with autism may struggle to grasp social cues, maintain eye contact, and engage in typical back-and-forth conversations. Some people may also engage in meaningless, repetitive actions, such as hand-flapping or rocking, and have strong interests in specific areas.
It is essential to remember that autism is a lifelong diagnosis, but with early intervention and adequate care, people with autism can live fulfilling lives.
Autism treatment frequently includes behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training. Each individual with autism is unique, thus interventions should be tailored to meet their personal needs and strengths.
In spite of the difficulties that autism can cause, many people with autism possess unique talents and abilities. Some people may succeed in fields such as music, art, mathematics, or programming, thus it is important for society to acknowledge and honor the qualities and achievements of people with autism.
In summary, autism is a complicated and diverse disorder that affects individuals in various ways. By raising autism knowledge, understanding, and acceptance, we can build a more inclusive society in which people with autism can thrive and attain their full potential.
Dr. Yeibake, Weriwoyingipre Silver.
Senior Registrar,
Faculty Of Pediatrics,
WACP
- NAS Offers Free Medical Services To Over 800 Residents In Imo Community
- We May Not Have A Country If APC Retains Power In 2027 – El-Rufa’i Warns
- 2027: Otuaro Urges N’Delta Youth To Resist Politicians’ Ploy To Destabilise Region
- Opposition Will Collapse In Edo Before 2027, Says Okpebholo
- Afenifere Hails UN For Declaring July 7 World Amotekun Day
- Seadogs Champions Social Justice Through Inaugural Art Exhibition In Owerri
- UNICEF, U-Report Build Capacity Of Youth Advocates On Child-Friendly Budgeting
- Hotel Under Construction Collapses In Edo Kills Owner
- Anambra guber: Soludo Raises Alarm, Alledges Plot By APC To Manipulate Election
- 7 Essential Blood Tests Every Adult Should Take Regularly
Trending
- Entertainment5 days ago
Reactions As 2Face Idibia Weds New Lover, Natasha Osawaru [VIDEO]
- Entertainment5 days ago
BBNaija 10: We Were Close To Having Sex – Isabella Breaks Down In Tears Over Love Interest, Kayikunmi
- Entertainment5 days ago
‘I Have Nothing Left,’ Actor Don Richard Solicits Financial Help Amid Battle With Kidney Disease [VIDEO]
- News5 days ago
BREAKING: Tinubu Appoints New Federal Fire Service Boss
- News5 days ago
‘Too Extravagant,’ US Embassy Knocks Nigerian Govs For Lavish Spending
- News4 days ago
[OPINION] The Gaffe And The Uproar: Okpebholo In The Public Eye
- News2 days ago
JUST IN: NNPCL Boss, Ojulari Allegedly Forced To Resign
- News3 days ago
Group Rejects Bill Seeking To Install Ooni, Sultan As Permanent Co-chairmen, Council Of Traditional Rulers
- Metro2 days ago
How We Killed Nurse, Child In Abuja School After Collecting Ransom – Suspect
- Entertainment5 days ago
Burna Boy Performs During England Women’s Euro Trophy Parade [VIDEO]