Awareness Of Lassa Fever And Its Vector Control Measures Among Ekpoma Market Women

Introduction

Lassa fever is an acute viral zoonotic illness caused by Lassa virus, an arena virus known to be responsible for a severe haemorrhagic fever characterized by fever, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and chest and abdominal pain. Lassa fever is known to be endemic in Ekpoma and its environs.

Objective

This study was carried out to ascertain the level of awareness of Lassa fever and its vector control measures among Ekpoma market women.

Methods

A stratified sampling was done, and information was obtained using interviewer administered questionnaires containing both open and closed ended questions. A total of 282 questionnaires were analyzed using the statistical package for scientific solution.

Result

A total of 282 questionnaires were analyzed. Majority of the market women 240 (85.1%) were aware of Lassa fever and the media 61 (25.4%) accounted for the highest source of information. Majority of the market women 233 (97.5%) have made attempts at rodent control, Kill and dry 68 (29.2%) accounted for the highest method of rodent control. Majority of the respondents 139 (61.8%) practiced unsafe methods of dead rodent disposals such as open dumping.

Conclusion

There is a high level of Lassa fever awareness among Ekpoma market women. Most of the respondents who had rats in their homes used Kill and dry as their method of rodent control.

Keywords

Lassa fever, Mastomys natalensis, Rodent control, Ekpoma.