Knowledge and practices of foodstuff traders on Lassa fever and rodent control in Izzi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Lassa fever (LF) could be transmitted through food contamination with excreta or body fluids of infected Mastomys natalensis. Foodstuff markets in rural areas are usually rodent infested with possibility of foodstuff contamination with Lassa virus. We assessed the knowledge and practices of foodstuff traders on LF and rodent control in rural markets. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in three rural markets in Ebonyi State in 2017. We administered questionnaire on 111 respondents selected via multi-stage sampling. Knowledge of LF and rodent control practices were assessed using cut-off of 75% and their relationship with socio-demographic characteristics were explored using crude odds ratio and logistic regression. Results: Mean age of respondents was 33.6±9.2 years, majority were females 67/111 (60.4%), married 81/111 (73.0%) and had secondary education 45/111 (40.5%). Although all respondents had heard of LF, 34/111 (30.6%) knew any symptom of LF, 51/111 (46.0%) knew any route of transmission, 24/111 (21.6%) knew any practices exposing one to LF infection, and 40/111 (36.0%) knew any preventive measures against LF infection. Fifty-two percent of respondents covered their wares, 57/111 (51.4%) blocked rodent access into their shops, while 16/111 (14.4%) used chemical agents to control rats. None used traps/cats for rodent control. Overall, 32/111 (28.8%) respondents had good knowledge of LF and 15/111 (13.5%) had good practice of rodent control. Conclusion: Many foodstuff traders had poor knowledge of LF and poor practices of rodent control. These traders should be targeted for sensitization on LF and rodent control to minimize contamination of foodstuff.