The government of Kwara State has issued a public advisory regarding the outbreak and spread of anthrax, a deadly bacteria outbreak that has been recorded in neighboring countries.

This was contained in a statement issued by Dr. Abubakar Ayinla, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health,

The Public Advisory, developed by the Kwara State Ministry of Health, includes an overview of the bacteria, mode of transmission, spread, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and control, and what to do if anyone shows signs of the deadly disease, as well as contact information for relevant health workers.

The Ministry also released a four-page separate advisory that detailed the steps health workers should take when anyone presents with symptoms of anthrax in their facilities.

“We are mindful that Kwara shares international borders with affected countries, and our citizens could well be at risk,” according to a statement by the Ministry.

The Federal Government had warned the citizens against the consumption of hides (ponmo), smoked meat and bushmeat, to avoid potential spread of the disease.

The Federal Ministry of Health confirmed that the zoonotic disease has been reported in the West African sub-region; specifically, Northern Ghana bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.

The Ministry called for the urgent need to intensify animal vaccinations along border states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos because of their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo and Ghana.