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- Title
Questionnaire-based Risk Assessment of Exposure to Ticks - and Arthropods - bites among Hunters in Ogun State, Nigeria.
- Authors
Akande, F. A.; Ojo, O. E.; Adebowale, A. F.; Ogundipe, E. O.; Awoyomi, O. J.; Sofela, O. O.; Idowu, O. A.
- Abstract
Hunting profession as an outdoor activity has been done over the years with the attendant risk of exposure to various hazards among which is the acquisition of diseases through arthropod bites. The effect of these biting and stinging vectors cannot be overemphasised considering the results in terms of diseases and risk they pose to hunters. The need for the knowledge assessment of these hunters - an at-risk population is required to help in proper health education for possible control and reduction of risks. A Questionnaire-based risk assessment study was carried out among hunters in Ogun state, Nigeria to determine their exposures to tick and other arthropod bites while hunting. Two hundred and fifty-eight hunters were interviewed 255 (99.0%) male and 3 (1.0%) females on their experiences and practise while hunting. Out of the study population 96.0% reported having been bitten by arthropods during hunting. The arthropods mentioned were mosquitoes (Culicidae) (75%), Ticks (Acarina) (56%), Tsetse flies (Glossina) (40%), Blackflies (Simulium) (30%), Culicoides (Biting midges) (21%), Bees (Aphis) (18%), and Wasps (Vespula vulgaris) (14%). Sleeping overnight in the bush without appropriate shelter was a risk factor associated with a bite in 175 (68%) of respondents. Furthermore, owning hunting dogs, (<0.001); the presence of tick on hunting dogs (<0.001) and on hunted games (0.004) were also mentioned as possible risk factor to bites. Hunters used local herbs as preventive measures against tick and other arthropods bites. This study confirmed that hunters are exposed to tick-and other arthropod bites, which could result in tick- and arthropod-borne infections. There is need to educate hunters on how to prevent tick and arthropod bites while on hunting expedition and further studies are required to assess the status of the hunters for possible arthropod-and/or tick-borne diseases.
- Subjects
OGUN State (Nigeria); NIGERIA; TICKS; ARTHROPODA; HUNTING dogs; RISK exposure; CERATOPOGONIDAE; RISK assessment
- Publication
Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, 2023, Vol 44, Issue 2, p383
- ISSN
1117-4145
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.4314/njpar.v44i2.10