Ebola virus: OAU worries over colonies of migratory bats on campus

Members of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, have been warned to avoid all forms of contact with the colonies of migratory fruit bats which are part of the life on campus especially as bats have been identified as primary transmission sources of the dreaded Ebola virus.

Fruit bats are a huge sight on the University campus. They migrate in and out and colonise the numerous mountains that surround the university. Sometimes these bats are a menace to the university environment, hanging on and destroying trees; littering pavements and roads with faeces and sometimes even dropping them on unlucky passersby. In another wise, these bats add aesthetics and beauty to the whole university community. Their group and individual flights to their mountain caves as well as among trees are glorious and a sight to behold. They are ubiquitous and provide nature watch and relaxation.

But of more concern is that from time to time, commissioned hunters come in to shoot the bats for sale. And the meat offer mouth watering delicacies. But with the latest Ebola threat, the university management has warned: that would be no more, at least for now!

The warning on the university’s website reads: “The highly contagious EVD which is currently ravaging some West African countries could easily be spread through contact with infected persons. The virus could also be transmitted to uninfected persons through contacts with bats.

“In view of the colonization of the university estate by migratory fruit bats, members of the University community and their dependants are hereby strongly advised to avoid all form of contacts with bats. Specifically, members are advised to avoid touching, holding or eating bats. It is also advisable to avoid pathways through which one may come intact with the faeces/droppings of the bats.

“Members of the community are advised to promptly and without delay report cases of sudden onset fever, muscle pain, general body weakness and any form of bleeding at the Medical and Health Services Centre for immediate attention”.