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

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Lassa fever is an epidemic disease with a very high mortality rate in West Africa. It plagues the society, impacting obnoxious and immeasurable health burden on the population. This highly fatal disorder kills 10% to 50% of its victims. The number of Lassa virus infections per year in West Africa has been roughly estimated at 100,000 to 300, 0001. Approximately 15% of hospitalized patients die8. This enormous human loss has had a negative effect on the economy, rendering many children orphans as well as reducing the societal manpower.

Earlier this year there was a Lassa fever epidemic in Nigeria9. Over 40 persons were reported dead with over 400 infected cases in 12 Nigerian states between January to March this year (2012)9. States include Edo, Taraba, Borno, Gombe, Yobe, Plateau, Nassarawa, Ebonyi, Ondo, Rivers, Anambra and Lagos state9.

The disease is more severe in pregnancy, and foetal loss occurs in greater than 80% of cases2. Deafness occurs in 25% of patients, with only half recovering some function after one to three months10. Outbreak of Lassa haemorrhagic fever has been reported in many towns in Nigeria with a yearly incidence in Ekpoma 1, 10. The case-fatality rate of Lassa fever in this area was 28%. Majority of the deaths recorded in Nigeria have been among youths in their prime of life. In Edo State, about 40% of these deaths occurred among university undergraduates 10. There were at least 70 suspected cases of Lassa fever in Nigeria in the year 2007 with at least with 25 reported dead (doctors, nurses and undergraduates) 10. Lassa fever contributes 6% of hospital admissions in Irrua specialist?s hospital and 10% of maternal mortality in Irrua 10.

Lassa is a highly infectious disease and as a result, some families have lost up to four persons in a matter of days during outbreaks10. Despite this high fatality rate, there are still some known cultural practices and habits among the population of Edo Central District which favour the endemicity of Lassa fever 12, thereby predisposing the communities to subsequent outbreaks. People at most risk of Lassa virus infection are those living in rural areas where the Mastomys natalensis is usually found, especially in areas of poor sanitation or crowded living conditions12. Ekpoma being a community with poor sanitation and the market been a crowded place is therefore prone to subsequent Lassa fever outbreak.

Although specific treatment is available for Lassa fever, early diagnosis is still difficult in most Nigerian primary and secondary health centres 11. Immunity to re-infection may occur following infection but the length of this period of protection is unknown. Since the symptoms of Lassa fever are so varied and nonspecific, clinical diagnosis is often difficult1.

JUSTIFICATION FOR STUDY

Information on prevention and control is rarely available in rural tropical areas where rodent problems are more severe as compared to that in developed countries and temperate regions but with fewer number of cases4. This study therefore will provide basic information that would help educate the community on the disease and its vector control measures. This will go a long way in helping to institute preventive measures that would reduce the financial burden for treatment.

The faeces and urine of Mastomys natalensis which is the means of transmission from vector to human are usually deposited on foodstuffs such as rice and garri which is sold in the market. Making the market sold foodstuff a vehicle for transmission. This study therefore will assess the level of awareness of the Lassa vector and its control measures in the market and among market women who are the major foodstuff sellers. This would provide information for ascertaining the most vulnerable means of Lassa transmissions and thereby helping to institute a better strategized campaign.

Cultural practices such as drying of garri in the open is a common practice in Ekpoma. This practice however expose foodstuff to rodent infestation12. This study will help immensely to identify the various factors which cause apathy towards preventive measures among the community traditional conservatives. Using this information the study would proffer means of nurturing a future participation of community members in strategic campaigns and policies set against Lassa fever.

Information on rodent control provided by this study will also go a long way in curbing transmission via Matomys natalensis. This would help prevent the numerous unpleasant complications associated with Lassa fever, notably foetal death and deafness. This study

would as well include suitable recommendations to appropriate authorities on ways to prevent subsequent Lassa fever outbreak hence evading death.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

AIM OF STUDY

To assess the level of awareness of Lassa fever and its vector control measures among Ekpoma market women.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

1. To assess the level of awareness of Lassa fever among market women in Ekpoma

2. To assess the level of awareness of Lassa fever vector among Ekpoma market women

3. To determine the measures adopted by Ekpoma market women in controlling Lassa fever vector.