Virologist Calls for Holistic Approach to Combat Zoonotic Infections
Nigeria is facing a rising tide of zoonotic infections, and a prominent virologist has sounded the alarm, urging for a more proactive and comprehensive approach to tackle the problem. Dr. Solomon Chollom, a renowned expert in the field, emphasized that the current response to the recent Mpox outbreak is not holistic, focusing mainly on human-to-human transmission.
Instead, Chollom advocated for a broader strategy that targets wildlife clusters, particularly in states with high infection rates. This, he believes, will help identify the transmission foci and contain the virus within the animal ecosystem. By doing so, health officials can prevent the virus from spreading among humans.
To achieve this, Chollom recommended tracing the movements of affected individuals one to two weeks before they exhibit symptoms. This would enable health officials to pinpoint locations where they may have been exposed to infected animals, such as game reserves, forests, or rural areas where people come into contact with wildlife.
The virologist stressed the importance of public awareness and collaboration between health authorities and wildlife management teams. He believes that identifying and containing viruses at their source, particularly within wildlife clusters, will allow for better protection of both human populations and wildlife.
As several Nigerian states report increased cases of zoonotic diseases, Chollom’s call for an enhanced and aggressive response is timely and crucial. By adopting a more proactive approach, Nigeria can manage and eventually eliminate these viral threats, safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens and wildlife.
