Dec 2, 2011
MAPUTO (AFP) - Rumours of flesh-eating bananas in Mozambique
have sparked a plummet in the sale of the fruit, prompting the
health minister on Friday to reassure people of its safety.
'From the work conducted by the Ministries of Agriculture,
Health and Trade and Industry, it was concluded that there is no
record of entry of any infected banana in the country,' according
to a joint statement.
An e-mail and text message hoax warning people against eating
bananas for the next three weeks went viral as people feared being
infected by necrotising fasciitis, or skin-eating disease.
The bacteria can destroy skin, fat and tissue covering the
muscles.
