More than three weeks since the outbreak of the Ebola virus in Nigeria, many Nigerians have suffered from the scourge, either directly or indirectly. According to the Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu, at least three people have so far died in Nigeria as a result of the dreaded disease since a Liberian businessman, Dr. Patrick Sawyer imported the disease into Lagos on 20 July, 2014. The minister also informed in a press briefing that no fewer than 10 people have so far been confirmed to have contracted the Ebola virus while 189 persons are being monitored to ascertain if they would show traces of the disease. Apart from these set of people, other Nigerians that have suffered heavily from the outbreak of the Ebola virus in Nigeria are bush meat sellers. This is as a result of the disclosure that the deadly Ebola virus could be contracted through animals like antelopes, bats, monkeys etc. Since this revelation, the fear of Ebola virus has forced regular patronisers of bush meat to desert joints where bush meat are sold across the country. A check on highways and federal roads where bush meat sellers usually place their stands and display various species of wild animals to entice travellers are now empty as the sellers have been discouraged due to low sales. Speaking on their plight since the outbreak of the Ebola virus, Mr Idris Aleghe, 36, who sells bush meat along Kabba road in Kogi State said: “I was not aware that there was a disease that is caused by bush meat until one of my regular customers told me that he would not buy from me because Ebola virus is in town. |
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