A survey of vectors of public health diseases in un-disposed refuse dumps in Awka town, Anambra state, southeasthern Nigeria

Abstract

A survey of some refuse dumps for the presence of vectors of public health diseases was carried out in Awka Local Government Area from March to May 2008. The refuse dumps were located at Amikwo/Kenneth Dike Street, Umuogbu (off Saint Faith), Unizik temporary site Juriction, Awka stadium area and lyiagu Estate (Diamond Hostels). Water traps, Snap traps, Sweep nets and Sticky traps were used for the collection of arthropods and vertebrate vectors. Arthropods collected included members of the family Muscidae, Scorpionidae, Blathdae and the Culicidae. Rodents were also caught. Houseflies were the most abundant 62 (48.1%), followed by Cockroaches 38 (29.51%), adult mosquitoes 26 (20.2%), rodents 2 (1.6%) and scorpion 1 (10.8%). The result shows the relative abundance of the vectors of parasitic diseases such as bacterial, protozoal and viral infecfions in improperly disposed refuse dumps. The abundance of these vectors suggests that vector-borne diseases may be prevalent in Awka due to large numbers of un-disposed refuse dumps. Proper disposal of refuse dumps in Awka to avert possible epidemic is hereby suggested. © 2009 Academic Journals Inc.